Published on November 02, 2021
Professions in technology transfer: Investment manager
Founding of new companies and shareholdings in these spin-offs (technology investments) are an important and value-creating element of modern technology transfer. With technology investments, KIT provides an active contribution to the valorization of technologies and know-how at an early stage of development. We met the investment manager, Dr. Eric Braun, for an interview. He talks about his "daily business" and why investment management is exactly the right thing for him.
How did you become an investment manager?
Eric Braun: KIT has a certain pioneering role nationally in the area of investment in spin-offs. This business is rather unusual for public institutions; however, KIT dared to enter the topic quite early. As a further development of the earlier rather passive shareholding management, an active investment management was then established four to five years ago.
At KIT, investment management is part of the "Founding & Investment" (GRB) department of the Innovation and Relations Management (IRM) service unit and is one of the supporting services of the KIT-Gründerschmiede. As I was already working in the IRM department with a business administration background and this was a good prerequisite for the investment manager job, I undertook the task in 2017.
What do you like about your job?
Eric Braun: Many exciting fields come together for me in the management of technology investments: Founding, deep tech and venturing. I work with motivated and inspiring start-ups and spin-offs, which is already very exciting in itself. It's fun to accompany the young teams and their technologies on the path to growth.
On top of that, there is the topic of technology, so I am always dealing with super new technology trends, such as currently quantum computing, cybersecurity, blockchain, sustainability, e-fuels and much more. In addition to the aspects that are specific to technology transfer, my job also involves substantive work in venture capital. It is very challenging, but also varied and supportive.
„Founder spirit, technology and business administration – I find this triple constellation extremely exciting!“
Dr. Eric Braun
What are the requirements for this profession? What skills should you have?
Eric Braun: The work in venturing deep-tech spin-offs combines legal and business issues and requires at least in-depth knowledge in these areas. In addition, you should of course have a certain soft spot for technological solutions. It is not a mandatory prerequisite to have a technical degree, but you should definitely have an affinity for technology.
Working as an investment manager is not a typical "9-to-5 job." It requires the willingness to be very flexible in order to be able to make important decisions on an ad hoc basis. This requires a very high level of self-motivation, passion and willingness to perform. It is also not uncommon for founding teams to ask for a meeting at short notice. This requires more flexible working hours than the traditional core working hours in the public sector.
What exactly does your job as an investment manager involve?
Eric Braun: The range of tasks is varied and challenging, and includes, for example, reading and interpreting reports, preparing and attending shareholder meetings, and passing shareholder resolutions. In addition to manage existing investments, I regularly scout for new investment options and take care of the management of capital increases and EXITs. There are always a lot of legal issues involved. Here I work closely with lawyers. Especially with my colleague Claudia Kandler, who is responsible for the strategic investments of KIT. We always form a tandem in close cooperation.
A very important but also very time-consuming part of my work is networking – i.e. socializing and cultivating contacts – with venture capitalists as well as start-ups and spin-offs seeking capital. The job is very intensive, but also very exciting – for example, when you are successful and the matching results in an investment success.
Why does KIT need an investment manager?
Eric Braun: Shareholding in spin-offs is anchored as a module of technology transfer in the innovation strategy and thus also in the overarching strategy of KIT. With its technology investments, KIT strengthens the transfer of knowledge and technology and complements the classic exploitation channels, such as contract research, research cooperations, and licensing. I am happy to do my bit here.
The interview was conducted by Dominic Mack.
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