Amaia de Manueles Sáenz, investment manager at Repsol Corporate Venturing, is one of our top 50 Rising Stars in corporate venturing for 2026.
As investment manager at the corporate VC arm of multinational energy and petrochemical company Repsol, Amaia de Manueles Sáenz has not only demonstrated a keen understanding of the energy market and the potential of the ventures she brings to the table, but also has an exceptional capacity to act as a facilitator, say her team members. Her strong negotiation skills have also helped her bring together stakeholders with diverse interests and guide them toward mutually beneficial agreements, they say.
The CVC team at Repsol invests in startups in the areas of decarbonisation, mobility, renewable generation and asset optimisation. The 12-person team prefers to invest early – between seed to series A stages – with an average ticket size of €2m.
Focusing on investments related to the circular economy is an area of particular interest to de Manueles.
“It is not only about giving capital to a startup; it is about creating synergies and helping them from a strategic perspective. It goes beyond wanting a quick return for your money.”
“It excites me – the act of giving a second life to a residue. It allows you to find ways to create new materials, produce less pollution and less contamination. Also, this technology helps me feel like I am helping the planet,” she says.
She also lays importance on the strategic value of engaging with a startup for anyone coming into corporate venturing, stating that it is necessary for them to understand the real purpose of what they are doing.
“It is not only about giving capital to a startup; it is about creating synergies and helping them from a strategic perspective. It goes beyond wanting a quick return for your money.”
Another bit of advice that de Manueles is quick to share is finding ways to be patient.
“There is risk. Some startups will die along the way. It can be difficult to deal with, but you have to learn how to manage that. Just like you need certain skills to negotiate, you need to know how to manage your frustration when things don’t work out.”
The Rising Stars are early-career corporate venture professionals who are making an outstanding contribution to their teams and the industry.
See the full list of Rising Stars 2026 here.
