Top 50 Rising Stars 2021 continued (in alphabetical order by CVC unit): Florian Chilla, investment manager, Randstad Innovation Fund; principal and co-founder, Taptrove Ventures
Florian Chilla is an investment manager at Randstad Innovation Fund (RIF), a corporate venturing vehicle for Netherlands-based human resources firm Randstad, where he oversees its existing portfolio. In September 2020, he and RIF managing partners Paul Jacquin and Ilonka Jankovich co-founded venture fund Taptrove Ventures, which counts Randstad as a limited partner.
Chilla said: “My work revolves around supporting our portfolio companies in their strategic challenges, helping them hit their goals, while also working towards successful outcomes for the fund. More recently, I am part of the founding team of Taptrove Ventures – a VC dedicated to worktech startups, in which Randstad will become one of the limited partners.”
Jacquin said: “Over the last five years, Florian has succeeded in creating a name for himself: in the team, but more importantly with entrepreneurs and startups alike. His emphatic approach combined with his subject-matter expertise – software-as-a-service, artificial intelligence, platforms – make him a credible and trusted partner. His love of technology – he is a geek! – mixes with a creative side.
“He definitely counts as one of the most successful new generation investors. Building on his entrepreneurial period, his experience as a large corporate investor rounded up his first years in the world of work.”
Chilla added: “Personally, I continue to learn how to effectively add value to our portfolio, both in one-on-one linkups and in formal board meetings. A nice example of this has been Montage – after we have invested in them on financial terms, a very fruitful partnership was built between Randstad and the portfolio company.
“Being closely involved with both the investment and exit in the company and the initial collaboration with Randstad has been a great learning experience. In the meantime, we have exited the company successfully and I can safely say that all stakeholders look back at the investment as a great success: both financially as strategically.”
