Verena Sturm, Director
As the Director Middle East for Innovation, Tech & Social Impact at Observer Research Foundation Middle East, she fosters research along the intersections of Tech, Innovation and Social Impact with a view to the Global South – building strong partnerships & communities across the policy, academic and tech sectors. She aims to support responsible young tech leaders scaling impact technologies in India, Brazil and South Africa and governments in curating thriving tech ecosystems.
Leveraging her deep academic background in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) (LMU Munich), International Relations (HULT), and Sustainable Finance (LMU), Verena combines her passion for research and entrepreneurship to drive real-world outcomes.
With a strong background in tech and venture capital, Verena developed the Delphi-based Scenario Analysis and Ethics Scorecard methodologies. As a Founding Partner at Mandatory Ventures and Avestu Capital, she actualized her vision of leveraging the private sector to create lasting impact through venture investments. She is dedicated to creating high-impact societal value through entrepreneurship by assisting founders and investors in making ethics-centric investment decisions. She advises HNWIs, FOs, VCs, and corporates, helping Siemens SFS build their NET (Negative Emissions Technologies) fund vehicle.
Verena is a Lecturer for Venture Capital & Finance at ISM Munich, co-hosts a next gen impact investment circle, and connects high-level networks bridging the private and policy sectors. Her extensive network is a testament to her genuine interest in building enduring and reliable business partnerships.
When she is not scouting for startups at conferences across the globe, Verena can be found wandering around art galleries, antique stores, and planning her next travel adventure.