The High-Tech Founders Fund (HTGF) is one of the leading early-stage investors in Germany and Europe. Effective October 13, 2025, Sebastian Borek will complete the fund's management team and assume responsibility for the digital technology investment area. Following the departure of Alex von Frankenberg, who is leaving HTGF after 20 years, the three-person management team has been restructured.
Sector-oriented leadership at HTGF
Together with Romy Schnelle (Industrial Tech) and Achim Plum (Life Sciences & Chemistry), Borek will represent the HTGF to founders, industry, and policymakers. The clear sector-oriented structure is intended to sharpen the fund's strategic focus and specifically promote growth potential across all investment areas.
Borek brings more than 25 years of international experience in building digital business models and venture capital structures. He has founded successful tech ventures in New York and Europe, established the Founders Foundation and the "Hinterland of Things" conference, and is considered a key figure in the German B2B startup ecosystem. As a business angel and advisory board member, he is active in the areas of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and B2B SaaS.
Borek says about his new task:
"I'm delighted to be joining the HTGF team, a driving force for innovation and entrepreneurship in Germany. Coming from a traditional family business, I see it as my strength to connect established industry and young tech startups. With a founder focus and a passion for helping people and companies grow, my goal is to unlock the potential of digital technologies and help shape tomorrow's European tech champions."
Armgard Wippler, Chair of the HTGF Investor Advisory Board and Ministerial Director in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, explains:
"With Sebastian Borek, the HTGF is gaining a Managing Director who possesses an excellent national and international network and a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges of digital technologies and business models. We very much look forward to working with him and are convinced that he will provide important impetus for the fund's continued success story and strengthen Germany as a center of innovation."
The HTGF has been investing in startups in areas such as deeptech, climatetech, digitaltech, industrialtech, life sciences, and chemistry since 2005. With over 780 financed companies and a fund volume of over two billion euros, it is one of Europe's most active Seed investors.
