Top 50 Emerging Leaders 2022 (in alphabetical order by CVC unit): Franziska Bossart, group vice-president and investment director, ABB Technology Ventures
Franziska Bossart is group vice-president (VP) and investment director at ABB Technology Ventures (ATV), Switzerland-headquartered industrial automation technology producer ABB’s corporate venturing arm, and is in charge of investments in venture capital funds and startups globally, focusing on the industrial internet of things, robotics and automation, and sustainability.
Kurt Kaltenegger, group VP and chief technology officer of ATV, said: “With her unique background, combining deep technical understanding in the digital sector in the operational business and her investment experience, Franziska continuously adds value to our portfolio companies.
“Franziska also has a strong reputation with startup CEOs as a trusted adviser, building the bridge towards ABB’s multiple divisions.”
Regarding her role, Bossart said: “In my portfolio, I have a very early-stage European company, a number of growth-stage US startups, one Indian company and also one unicorn in Israel.
“Also, working closely with ABB divisions and ensuring that they benefit from the collaborations with the startups and learn how to innovate in a fast-paced new world, is my ultimate goal and passion.”
After three years in Silicon Valley as a member of the management team of ABB’s global digital group, Bossart joined ATV in mid-2019 and is now based in Zurich, Switzerland.
In 2021, she led two US-based VC fund investments and oversaw multiple due diligence initiatives. Currently, she is closing an investment as lead investor in the robotics area.
She is actively managing a global portfolio of 10 companies, one with a board director seat and five as a board observer and is managing four US-based VC fund investments.
Besides leading the investment in electric vehicle charging technology provider In-Charge in 2020, she was involved in various follow-on investments in her portfolio.
