Max Storto, director, innovation strategy and venture capital at Xylem Innovation Labs, is one of our top 50 Rising Stars in corporate venturing for 2026.
When Xylem set out to build its innovation and ventures function, Max Storto became the team’s first external hire, bringing a strong venture investor mindset into a function still taking shape. He helped establish the foundations of Xylem’s venture fund and strengthened the team’s capabilities with his investment background.
Storto’s path into venture investing was shaped by experiences across non-profits, asset management and public policy, all centred on advancing sustainability. He joined Xylem driven by the conviction that investment can be a powerful way to push environmental impact. “Economics is often the strongest lever to drive the change I believe in,” he says.
Today, Storto leads Xylem’s technology scouting and evaluation efforts, managing partnerships and direct investment strategy in line with Xylem’s broader mission to build a more water-secure future.
“We are trying to be a partner that amplifies the work of the companies we back. That often means pairing an equity investment with a commercial agreement, or positioning Xylem as a sales partner.”
The fund’s approach is purposely strategic: “We are trying to be a partner that amplifies the work of the companies we back,” he says. “That often means pairing an equity investment with a commercial agreement, or positioning Xylem as a sales partner.”
The unit initially focused on LP positions in other venture funds, but has shifted in the past year toward more active direct investments in startups. One recent example is Xylem’s investment in Flocean, a Norwegian startup developing sub-sea desalination technology, reflecting Xylem’s focus on high impact, scalable water solutions that strengthen water security.
The innovation and ventures team remains small, with each member contributing across multiple roles. Storto also manages Xylem’s open innovation team and helps shape how Xylem presents its innovation work to the outside world. There is very close collaboration with the Xylem research and development team, helping ensure that the ventures team’s investments complement and extend the technologies developed in-house.
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.
