HTGF completes new management team | Sebastian Borek to lead Digital Tech Division

Sebastian Borek is to become the new Managing Director of High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), taking responsibility for the Digital Tech investment team. Alongside Romy Schnelle and Dr Achim Plum, he will manage one of the leading and most active early-stage investors in Germany and Europe.

A visionary entrepreneur, Sebastian Borek has over 25 years’ experience building digital business models, technology-driven start-ups, and venture capital structures internationally. He has extensive leadership experience as a CEO, having built and managed several organisations. As a serial founder, he has started several successful tech ventures in New York and Europe. He also launched the Founders Foundation and the Hinterland of Things conference, playing a key role in shaping Germany’s B2B start-up ecosystem. As a business angel and advisory board member, he focuses particularly on artificial intelligence, blockchain, and B2B SaaS. He holds a bachelor’s degree from New York University and an MBA from the University of St. Gallen.

Following Dr Alex von Frankenberg’s departure on 12 October 2025 after 20 years, Sebastian Borek’s start completes the HTGF management team in a new sector-oriented structure. Each Managing Director will take responsibility for one of the three core investment areas – Life Sciences & Chemistry (Dr Achim Plum), Industrial Tech (Romy Schnelle), and Digital Tech (Sebastian Borek). Together, they will represent HTGF towards start-ups, industry, and policymakers, and will shape the fund’s future strategic direction.

Reflecting on his new role, Sebastian Borek says: “I am delighted to join the HTGF team, a driving force for innovation and entrepreneurship in Germany. Coming from a traditional family business background, I see my strength in bridging established industry and young tech start-ups. With a focus on founders and a passion for helping people and companies grow, my goal is to leverage the potential of digital technologies and help shape the European tech champions of tomorrow.”

Dr Armgard Wippler, Chair of the HTGF Investor Advisory Board and a Deputy Director-General at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, states: “With Sebastian Borek, HTGF gains a managing director with an excellent national and international network, as well as a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by digital technologies and business models. We are very much looking forward to working with him. We are convinced he will provide important impetus for the continued success of the fund and strengthen Germany’s position as a hub for innovation.”

About HTGF – High-Tech Gründerfonds:

HTGF is one of the leading and most active early-stage investors in Germany and Europe, financing start-ups in the fields of DeepTech, IndustrialTech, ClimateTech, DigitalTech, Life Sciences, and Chemistry. Moreover, with its experienced investment team, HTGF supports start-ups in all phases of their development into international market leaders. HTGF invests in pre-seed and seed phases and can participate significantly in later-stage financing rounds. Moreover, across its funds, HTGF has over 2 billion euros under management. Since its inception in 2005, HTGF has financed more than 770 start-ups and achieved almost 200 successful exits.

Image Credit: Patrycia Lukas