Chemovator

We help implement unique ideas in cooperation with a modern and competitive chemical holding company operating on a global scale. Why Ciech VenturesReputable investor: Modern chemical holding company, with 9 production plants and over 3,000 employees in several countries Flexibility: Operations conducted by the Ciech Group's internal team - short decision-making path Investments and cooperations: Direct investments (EUR 0.5-2m preferred), business partnerships, pilots

We take an active role in the companies we invest in and deploy Dow capabilities and resources, when appropriate, to maximize value creation. Brand equity: Dow Venture Capital portfolio companies benefit from Dow's global reputation as one of the most profitable, most respected chemical companies in the world, with an industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemicals, advanced materials and plastics. Market knowledge: Thanks to deep customer insights and relationships, Dow has extensive reach and knowledge, with industry-leading positions in diverse, high-growth sectors. Technology and expertise: Dow R&D is rich in world-renowned expertise in materials science, catalysis, silicone and polymer science, process and high-throughput technologies, analytical science and toxicology. Strategic relationships: Dow has access to an extensive global network of internal and external experts for both technology and commercial due diligence. Global resources: Dow Venture Capital is a vital part of the growth engine for Dow and has access to Dow's expertise in technology, science, marketing and commercialization. Capital: Dow is a science and technology company with a commitment to investing in strategically important opportunities. Dow Venture Capital invests across multiple business segments and markets.

Technology is nothing … without being connected to a valuable ecosystem that helps overcome the challenges of deep-tech. Let’s start with some history. In 2013 Guus Frericks founded HighTechXL with the following mission: building the best deep-tech venture-builder and ecosystem in Northwestern Europe. Deep-tech ventures obviously need substantial funding to survive the "valley of death." But in order to avoid the common pitfalls and accelerate the time to market, ventures must be connected to a world-class ecosystem. HighTechXL has been very successful because of its Founding Partners (ASML, Philips, BOM, TNO and High Tech Campus Eindhoven) and its broader network of research institutes, 400+ industry experts, advisors and mentors. Fast forward ... In 2022, Guus and the Founding Partners took the initiative to create DeepTechXL as a necessary next step to strengthen the Dutch deep-tech ecosystem. DeepTechXL leverages unique skills and the networks of leading tech corporates, knowledge institutes and regional and national impact investors. DeepTechXL provides companies access to highly qualified resources, technologies, licenses, supply chain partners and co-investors.

Since 2006 we’ve backed Yale faculty doing cutting edge research on some of the world’s largest problems. With Yale as our largest investor, we’ve supported teams developing much-needed therapeutics, advanced tools and materials for industry, and critical interventions for a warming planet. Our thesis is that great people and great science lead to great impact. YALE AND NEW HAVEN We are primarily interested in companies with a Yale connection, typically technology developed at and licensed from Yale. We also invest in companies located in the greater New Haven area, and, in exceptional cases, non-Yale/non-New Haven companies in which we have strong, personal connections to the founders or investors or where we can add substantial value. INVESTING IN PEOPLE In making investment decisions, we weigh the strength of the team as much as the technology or markets being addressed – often more. We look for creative thinking, high intelligence, passion, and a deep commitment to working hard for success. Building great businesses takes time and hard work. THERE AT THE START We are interested in investing as early as a good idea comes together, or later, as the team is formed and the business develops. We have been co-founders of a number of our portfolio companies, and find that the most rewarding (and hardest) thing we do. We typically make first investments of $500,000 to $1 million, and, if a company is tracking well, look to invest an additional $2 to $2.5 million over multiple financing rounds. We are happy to syndicate with other investors who share our views and approach to investing.

It's our mission to accelerate a Tough Tech company's journey from ideation to commercialization by providing access to a unique combination of investment, infrastructure, and community. Long-term Capital The Engine Fund provides long-term capital to meet the unique needs of Tough Tech companies solving the world’s most urgent challenges. Labs, Equipment, Tools & Space The Engine Infrastructure provides access to specialized equipment and labs, both on-site and through a network of partner facilities, giving portfolio companies the tools and space necessary to work efficiently and economically. Connections The Engine Network facilitates the creation of long-term mutually beneficial relationships between founders, startups, corporates, government, strategic partners, and others.