HTGF appoints new managing director

Schlitzer will lead the firm along with Alex von Frankenberg. He joined the firm in 2005 and was previously partner and CFO. Prior to joining HTGF, Schlitzer held roles at Deutsche Ausgleichsbank's TBG Technologie- Beteiligungsgesellschaft and was CFO of IonGate Biosciences.

The venture capital investor had been seeking a new managing director following the departure of Michael Brandkamp, who left the firm to found the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund, as reported.

HTGF's Online Family Day for investors, VCs and startups took place remotely due to current coronavirus restrictions. The GP postponed its original Family Day, which would have taken place on 5-6 May 2020, and now plans to hold the event on 5-6 October 2020.

Von Frankenberg highlighted a number of personal and commercial opportunities that are likely to emerge from the coronavirus crisis in his keynote speech, titled: The Art of Opportunity – when things get really difficult. He noted that the current crisis presents significant opportunities for companies to digitalise their business, including the efficiency and effectiveness of sales for B2B companies.

He also highlighted the topics of "new work" and e-learning, which have come to light now as many employees, pupils and students have been required to work and learn from home due to coronavirus lockdowns. The flexibility and opportunities that this offers in terms of the world of work and on a personal relationship level within families will be significant, von Frankenberg said.

Von Frankenberg also expects a catch-up period and a boom to follow the coronavirus crisis, which he also noted will present opportunities for businesses.

Alongside pitches from HTGF portfolio companies and talks from investors, topics discussed at the Family Day included a panel titled Top VCs: Our way to unicornary, chaired by Lina Chong of Target Global with participation from Nawid Ali-Abbassi (Holtzbrinck Ventures), Roel Bulthuis (Inkef Capital), Luca Eisenstecken (Atomico), Rouven Dresselhaus (Cavalry Ventures) and Peter Specht (Creandum).

The VCs on the panel highlighted investment opportunities to come in vaccine technologies, therapeutics and telemedicine. They also noted the need for companies to consider timing for their fundraising in a challenging climate, depending on their runway and how they have been affected by the coronavirus crisis. The speakers also noted that companies could use this time to develop their product and take advantage of any available government funding or support schemes.

The way in which VCs can help their portfolio companies was also a key point, particularly when it comes to HR functions, recruiting and taking advantage of their own network.

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