Bio

Stefan is a PhD economist and studied in Tübingen (Germany) and Eugene (Oregon, USA). He has been involved in small company financing since 1993. Stefan started his carrier at KfW Group structuring public financing programs for venture & private equity in the early days of this industry in Germany. In 1998 he moved to TH (Technology Holding), one of the most successful VC-investors in Germany. When 3i Group acquired TH in 2000, he was head of the TH-office in Stuttgart. Later he was named member of the management board of 3i Group in Germany and, in addition, became managing director of a number of fund vehicles for 3i in Germany. Since 2002 Stefan, together with Hansjörg Ruof, led the 3i German Portfolio Team (DACH-Region). Both took responsibility for more than 130 companies and the portfolio management team. He contributed to significant proceeds and profits to 3i’s German investment business in a difficult environment post the 2000 dot-com crisis. In 2008 Stefan left 3i to form with Hansjörg Ruof his own business, the partnership BBP – Beratung, Beteiligung, Portfolio Management. In this capacity Stefan was advising investors in their portfolio management with focus on value creation. In some cases he also acted as CEO appointed by the shareholders. In those mandates he gathered in depth experience in direct management of small- and medium-sized enterprises backed by financial investors or family offices.