Alessandro Zago

Alessandro Zago Email and Phone Number

Venture Capital | Corporate Development | Global Business Development | Tech & Deeptech | Automotive | Industry | Energy | ex-HYUNDAI, ex-SIEMENS, ex-BMW | INSEAD, STANFORD | NA, APAC, EMEA @ VU Venture Partners
Alessandro Zago's Location
San Francisco Bay Area, United States, United States
Alessandro Zago's Contact Details
About Alessandro Zago

• I hold two decades of leadership in business development and innovation in the automotive, industrial, and technology sectors, including executive roles at Hyundai Motor Group, BMW Group, and Siemens.• Global Business Development: I hold extensive international business development experience across North America, Asia-Pacific, EMEA with proven ability to build and lead local and global teams. I drove successful market entries, e.g. China, Japan, closing deals with global vehicles’ OEMs.• Venture Capital & CVCs: I am a tech-savvy, strategic venture investor with a proven track record of identifying and closing deals globally and across industries. I bring to the table 16+ years of expertise in venture capital gained in 4 CVCs (BMW, Siemens, Enplas, Hyundai), VC firms (KP) and startups. • Corporate Development and Strategic Deals: I led the development and execution of 20+ commercial agreements, strategic partnerships, and M&A that drove business value through access to innovative technology, products, and markets, increasing revenue, profitability, and business efficiency.• Education: I hold a Global EMBA from INSEAD, a PhD in ME from Stanford University and a MS in Aeronautics & Astronautics from Stanford University. • Strategic Value & Partnerships: Orchestrated 5 key partnerships at Hyundai Motor, delivering substantial business growth, fostering innovation, and strengthening its market positioning, e.g. in sales, EVs, R&D, Air Mobility, Logistics. Rapidly promoted to develop BMW innovation strategy and tech innovation mandate through global partnerships with suppliers and tech companies.• Deal-Making and Track Record:Experienced in capitalizing on emerging trends in high-growth technology sectors to create long-term value. Generated both solid financial and strategic returns contributing to robust investment portfolios. Led Hyundai’s investments and managed its portfolio (2020-2022), achieving a remarkable 4.5x MOIC, including a high performing exit and 2 unicorns,• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Co-founded and launched 3 start-ups (automotive/AI, industrial, energy), and 3 new businesses with novel products (automotive, life science), driving early revenue generation within 12 months. Instrumental in raising $35M+ in 2 startups

Alessandro Zago's Current Company Details
VU Venture Partners

Vu Venture Partners

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Venture Capital | Corporate Development | Global Business Development | Tech & Deeptech | Automotive | Industry | Energy | ex-HYUNDAI, ex-SIEMENS, ex-BMW | INSEAD, STANFORD | NA, APAC, EMEA
Alessandro Zago Work Experience Details
  • Vu Venture Partners
    Venture Partner
    Vu Venture Partners Sep 2024 - Present
    San Francisco, California, Us
    A early-stage, global (San Francisco, Hong Kong, Munich, Sao Paulo) venture capital firm focused on Frontier (Robotics, AI, Spacetech, Materials), Enterprise (Big Data, Cybersecurity, Products/Services), Healthcare (Healthtech, Biotech, Pharma, Medical Devices, Longevity), FinTech, and Consumer. https://www.vuventurepartners.com
  • Innovit - Italian Innovation And Culture Hub
    Head Of Fintech Acceleration Program And Startup Mentor
    Innovit - Italian Innovation And Culture Hub Jul 2024 - Present
    San Francisco, California, Us
    Head of the Fintech Acceleration Program and startup mentor
  • Swissnex In San Francisco
    Startup Mentor
    Swissnex In San Francisco Nov 2023 - Present
    San Francisco, Ca, Us
    Switzerland's global innovation network to promote Swiss Innovation under Switzerland Ministry of Education, Research and Innovation. • Mentor of Swiss Tech Startups, e.g. cleantech, climate tech, health tech
  • Loyal Vc
    Venture Advisor
    Loyal Vc Nov 2023 - Present
    Toronto, Ontario, Ca
    A Global Venture Fund• Advisor to global portfolio startups
  • Stealth.Ai
    Chief Business Officer, Co-Founder
    Stealth.Ai Oct 2023 - Present
    Stealth mode startup developing a novel data platform for autonomous vehicles through a GenAI approach• Oversee all aspects of business development, GTM and fundraising of the startup
  • Torr Water Technology
    Co-Founder, Ceo
    Torr Water Technology Oct 2023 - Present
    Climate tech startup developing novel, high-efficiency ocean’s desalination processes and harnessing ocean’s power. Launched during 2023 NSIN Foundry Program, the DoD Venture Studio.• Oversee all aspects of business planning, technology development, business development, GTM, and fundraising of the startup – working with US Navy Labs
  • Nsin - National Security Innovation Network
    Venture Builder And Eir
    Nsin - National Security Innovation Network Jun 2023 - Nov 2023
    Arlington, Virginia, Us
    Department of Defense Venture Studio Program to build startups• Selected in the 2023 Foundry Program. • Ranked second, co-founded and spun-out Torr Water Technology with a breakthrough water desalination technology and IP of the US Navy.
  • Empire Angel Collective
    Venture Investor
    Empire Angel Collective Mar 2023 - Nov 2023
    Oakland, Ca, Us
    Investments’ firm focused on B2B2C/B2C venture opportunities seed to C round in sustainable and green consumer tech, including mobility, logistics, materials, ESG, health tech• Source, evaluate, and conduct due diligence on investment opportunities and close deals in mobility, autonomy, materials, ESG, software, and health tech
  • Chemonics International
    Vice President, Corporate Development
    Chemonics International Jan 2022 - Jun 2023
    Washington, District Of Columbia, Us
    Largest US government contractor and consulting firm in international development and defense running projects in over 100 countries spanning climate, data, energy, mobility, healthcare• Recruited to establish and lead the Corporate Development function, spearheading the creation and management of a new Corporate Venture fund. Held a key position as a member of the executive team, reporting to the CEO. Led teams to execute deals• Formulated and executed an impactful M&A strategy with a focus on the US and international GovCon and GovTech sectors• Collaborated with investment banks to identify capital sources from institutional investors and PE firms to fuel growth through M&A• Established and led a dynamic M&A team, leveraging external consulting companies and investment bankers to build a robust pipeline of potential M&A domestic and international targets across the climate, space, data, and energy sectors• Strategically shifted away from CVC in response to funding constraints, redirecting efforts towards partnerships with leading impact PE firms. This strategy entailed investing as a LP in selected PE funds and co-managing joint funds through a Co-GP model• Selected deals: - Late-stage investment in Tomorrow.io, a satellite-based climate tech SaaS platform- Investment in a prominent impact PE firm and as LP into its $100M healthcare fund
  • Hyundai Motor Company
    Senior Director, Venture Investments
    Hyundai Motor Company Jan 2020 - Mar 2022
    Seoul, Kr
    Corporate Venture Capital arm of Hyundai Motor Group – Silicon Valley, Seoul, Beijing, Berlin, Tel Aviv• Reported to Head of Venture Investments at Hyundai VC arm. As a Group Leader, oversaw and mentored a team of associates. Led the development and execution of the investment strategy for Hyundai to become a “Smart Mobility Solutions Provider” by 2025 and to extend its technology’s, business model’s, and market’s reach.• Successfully sourced, led due diligence, structured, negotiated, executed, and managed venture investments. Established pivotal strategic partnerships with startups across diverse focus areas, including: Mobility, Urban Air Mobility, Electrification, Energy, Smart Cities, Infrastructure, Digitalization, Clouds, Software, Data, AI, Industry 4.0, Manufacturing, Autonomy, Robotics, and Logistics• Led a $40M investment in 6 startups resulting in 1 IPO, 2 unicorns, with 4.5X MOIC• Orchestrated strategic key partnerships, delivering business growth, fostering innovation, and strengthening the market positioning of: Hyundai Motor North America (Sales, EVs), Hyundai R&D, Hyundai Air Mobility, Hyundai Autonomy and Logistics• Selected transformative deals: - Electric Power Systems, a leader in electrifying aviation and eVTOLs, - Tekion, Automotive Retail Cloud,- Factorial Energy, Solid State Battery Technology,• Managed portfolio of startups, including Revel, electric ridesharing; Metawave, next-gen radar.
  • Enplas America, Inc
    Vice President, New Ventures And Innovation
    Enplas America, Inc Jan 2016 - Dec 2019
    New York, Ny, Us
    Corporate Venture Capital and Corporate Development arm of Enplas Corp., a $400 million, publicly-traded, Japanese manufacturer and world’s leading supplier of high-precision plastics components in life science, automotive, optics, semiconductor, and industrial sectors – Silicon Valley, Tokyo, Cambridge (UK), Tel Aviv• Reported to Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer within the Business Strategy & Innovation Office. Built and led a team of 8 direct reports.• Developed, incubated, launched, and managed a portfolio of 3 new businesses: 1 in Automotive (novel optics and sensors for AVs and AR) and 2 in Life Science (cancer DX, drug development). Achieved the remarkable feat of generating revenue in just 12 months in future multibillion-dollar markets, e.g. autonomous vehicles, liquid biopsy. • Proactively identified market gaps and white spaces. Strategically drove inorganic growth opportunities through venture investments, M&A, JV, and commercial agreements, leveraging Silicon Valley and global technology, innovation ecosystems, e.g. Israel, China• Invested in, formed partnerships with, and acquired startups as backbone of each business plan. Served on Boards of Directors of 2 biotech startups and collaborated closely with CEOs on strategy, business development, customer acquisition, growth, fundraising.
  • Founders Space
    Startup Mentor
    Founders Space Sep 2015 - Dec 2018
    San Francisco, Ca, Us
    Founders Space is one of the world's leading accelerators and incubators, with over 50 partners in 22 countries. Founders Space has helped hundreds of startups scale their businesses, raise capital and go global. Founders Space is ranked the #1 Accelerator for overseas startups by Forbes Magazine and Entrepreneur Magazine and a Top 10 Incubator in Inc. Magazine.• https://www.foundersspace.com/mentors/alessandro-zago/• As a Mentor with Founders Space, I helped international startups in a broad range of sectors with business planning, strategy, partnerships, raising capital, scaling their business, and going global. • In addition, over the years I have advised the following startup accelerators and VC firms and have mentored dozens of international startups with deal sourcing, due diligence, investing, deals, business planning, business strategy, fundraising, business development, and market entry:• Soso H&C (Korean Brain Computer Interface startup)• iManageRent (Mobile Property Management platform)• Canadian Technology Accelerator • Innovation Centre Denmark• M31• Cleantech Open• Environmental Business Cluster• Plug and Play• Lux Capital (intern)• MyQube
  • Soso H&C
    Business Advisor
    Soso H&C Jun 2015 - Sep 2016
    Korean startup with novel, wearable Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology for Healthcare, Consumer, Education markets. https://soso-g.co.kr/en/• Advised on business strategy for international and US markets entry and expansion.
  • Pinnacle Engines
    Vice President, Global Business Development
    Pinnacle Engines Sep 2010 - Dec 2015
    San Carlos, Ca, Us
    NEA- and Bessemer VP-backed clean mobility startup with novel powertrain technology, control, and software for clean automotive – Silicon Valley, China, Japan, India• Held a pivotal role, reporting directly to the CEO. Built and led a team of 9 cross-functional professionals spanning China, Japan, Korea• Drove commercialization strategy and business development in international markets, initially focusing on key players within China’s and Japan’s automotive and transportation sectors. Later expanded business activities across India, rest of Asia, the US, and Europe• Sourced, negotiated, and closed royalty-based tech licensing agreement with Geely Holding Group – #5 Chinese OEM. Sourced, developed, and closed agreements with Subaru, Tata, and Flextronics. Built a global pipeline of OEMs, each valued $30M-$100M• Instrumental in raising $12M C by acquiring leading investor Mitsui. • Closed a strategic agreement with China Ministry of Technology's Tech Transfer Center and the U.S.-China Energy Cooperation Program. Advanced the company’s commercialization mission by gaining support and seeking favorable policies from the governments of China, Hong Kong, Singapore.• Uncovered and secured governments’ buy-in and several million dollars in incentive packages from Singapore Economic Development Board, InvestHongKong, and Chinese local governments to set-up Asia HQ and R&D Center.• Elevated company’s visibility in Asian markets by leading marketing and communications initiatives. Recognized for “Japan Best Technology, 2013” and presented at Beijing Ministry Science and Technology and other conferences.• Co-developed Asia Business Advisory Board comprising members such as former CEOs of GM China and FCA China.
  • Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers Llc | Aptwater
    Director, Corporate Development And Investor Relations
    Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers Llc | Aptwater Sep 2009 - Aug 2010
    Leading Venture Capital firm and portfolio company enabling industrial water reuse through breakthrough energy-, waste-free biotreatment processes. In 2015 APTwater was acquired by McWong Environmental Group.• Recruited by Kleiner Perkins (KP) partner to lead due diligence and fundraising efforts and build value of APTwater. Provided strategic guidance and served as liaison for prospective investors, Board, CEO, and executives throughout the due diligence and negotiation phases.• Raised $22.5M Series B working closely with CEO, Board of Directors, and KP Partners, contributing to startup’s acquisition in 2015
  • Siemens
    Director, Venture Technology - Siemens Technology-To-Business Center (Now Next47)
    Siemens Aug 2005 - Jul 2009
    Munich, De
    Corporate VC and Open Innovation arm of Siemens with the mission of investing, accelerating new tech-based business, acquiring next-gen technology, and commercializing innovation for Siemens BUs.• Reported to the Group CEO, steering a team of technologists and entrepreneurs dedicated to startup and new product creation to drive growth in the automotive, energy, industrial and healthcare sectors.• Led 4 venture investments resulting in 1 successful exit and served on 4 Boards. Built and launched 1 start-up. Developed several innovative products and acquired new technology, forging partnerships for Siemens Automotive, Energy, Industrial, and Healthcare
  • Bmw Group
    Manager, Partnerships & Innovation - Bmw International Purchasing Office
    Bmw Group Nov 2003 - Jul 2005
    Munich, De
    Rapidly promoted to develop company’s innovation strategy and technology innovation mandate through global partnerships.• Managed the BMW International Innovation Network, comprising a global team across Munich, Paris, Tokyo, Singapore, and China to identify and foster partnerships with automotive suppliers and tech companies to acquire technology and advance innovation.• Deployed 50M € annually to internal innovation programs, e.g. hybrid vehicles, within the Innovation Councils. Sourced and transferred innovation from suppliers into advanced development to support company's innovation strategy,
  • Bmw Group
    Manager, Venture Technology - Bmw Technology Office, Silicon Valley
    Bmw Group Jan 2002 - Nov 2003
    Munich, De
    • Sourced, evaluated, and partnered with startups. Focus on: advanced materials, nanotechnology, sensors, display technology, electronics. Licensed and transferred to HQ new technology and 6 PoCs with the potential for significant weight reduction, emission reduction, and innovation for future vehicles.
  • Bmw Group
    Materials Engineer, Materials & Simulations Dept. - Bmw Engineering & Innovation Center
    Bmw Group Aug 2000 - Dec 2001
    Munich, De
    • Directed software-based projects for the integration of composite materials and structures into future vehicles.

Alessandro Zago Skills

Venture Capital Cleantech Strategic Partnerships Technology Transfer Start Ups Energy Business Strategy Strategy Development International Business Corporate Development New Business Development Renewable Energy Business Planning Innovation Management Strategy Semiconductors Business Development Management Entrepreneurship Product Development Product Management Market Analysis International Sales Go To Market Strategy Due Diligence Global Business Development Competitive Analysis Emerging Markets Leadership R&d Manufacturing Financial Modeling Commercialization Mergers And Acquisitions Executive Management Joint Ventures Business Alliances Engineering Negotiation Cross Functional Team Leadership Market Entry Management Consulting Product Marketing Strategic Consulting Valuation Acquisition Integration P&l Management M&a Experience Research And Development

Alessandro Zago Education Details

  • Stanford University School Of Engineering
    Stanford University School Of Engineering
  • Insead
    Insead
    Business & General Management
  • Stanford University
    Stanford University
    Mechanical Engineering
  • Stanford University
    Stanford University
    Aeronautics & Astronautics
  • Università Degli Studi Di Padova
    Università Degli Studi Di Padova
    Mechanical Engineering
  • Uc San Diego
    Uc San Diego
    Engineering
  • Stanford University Graduate School Of Business
    Stanford University Graduate School Of Business
    M&A Executive Program - 2022
  • University Of California, Berkeley, Haas School Of Business
    University Of California, Berkeley, Haas School Of Business
    Venture Capital Executive Program - 2005

Frequently Asked Questions about Alessandro Zago

What company does Alessandro Zago work for?

Alessandro Zago works for Vu Venture Partners

What is Alessandro Zago's role at the current company?

Alessandro Zago's current role is Venture Capital | Corporate Development | Global Business Development | Tech & Deeptech | Automotive | Industry | Energy | ex-HYUNDAI, ex-SIEMENS, ex-BMW | INSEAD, STANFORD | NA, APAC, EMEA.

What is Alessandro Zago's email address?

Alessandro Zago's email address is al****@****ail.com

What is Alessandro Zago's direct phone number?

Alessandro Zago's direct phone number is +165022*****

What schools did Alessandro Zago attend?

Alessandro Zago attended Stanford University School Of Engineering, Insead, Stanford University, Stanford University, Università Degli Studi Di Padova, Uc San Diego, Stanford University Graduate School Of Business, University Of California, Berkeley, Haas School Of Business.

What are some of Alessandro Zago's interests?

Alessandro Zago has interest in Education.

What skills is Alessandro Zago known for?

Alessandro Zago has skills like Venture Capital, Cleantech, Strategic Partnerships, Technology Transfer, Start Ups, Energy, Business Strategy, Strategy Development, International Business, Corporate Development, New Business Development, Renewable Energy.

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