Michael is a co-founder and Managing Partner of the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF), where he leads investments in bio-based chemicals and materials. Prior to ECBF, he managed bioeconomy-related investments at BASF Venture Capital and previously worked at High-Tech Gründerfonds. He began his career at a publicly listed biotech company in Munich, overseeing corporate finance and investor relations. Michael holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Bonn, an MBA from the Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA Program, and is a Certified Biotech Analyst with the German Association of Financial Analysis and Asset Management (DVFA).

Jowita is an experienced investment professional with a strong track record in transactions and investment projects. As an Investment Director at the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF), she focuses on industrial biotechnology, tracking advancements in biochemicals, personal care, homecare, foodtech, agtech, and textiles. Prior to ECBF, she worked with an investment vehicle covering sectors such as consumer goods, chemicals, energy, infrastructure, and leisure. With a solid financial background, Jowita is skilled in deal execution and portfolio management. She holds degrees in Computer Science and Econometrics, as well as Quantitative Finance, and is a CFA charterholder.

Sofie has an extensive background in venture capital, with experience across multiple investment funds. She began her career at Mercedes and Bekaert before taking on leadership roles at Capital-E, an early-stage investment fund specialising in microelectronics and advanced materials, as well as Gimv and Baekeland Fonds II, the venture capital fund of Ghent University. Throughout her career, she has played a key role in financing and supporting numerous innovative startups. Sofie holds an MSc in Materials Science Engineering from Ghent University, a PhD from the University of Leuven, and a Master’s in Entrepreneurship from Vlerick Business School.

Maxime joined PMV as a Senior Investment Manager in 2023, bringing a decade of experience in the chemical industry with French multinational Air Liquide. His career began in engineering before transitioning to project management for large industrial plants. He later moved into business development, securing major investment opportunities in the steel and chemical sectors. After a brief role in financial controlling, Maxime led European business development for hydrogen mobility applications. At PMV, he focuses on CleanTech investments. He holds an MSc in Bio-Engineering from the University of Brussels and has completed additional education at London Business School.

Luc is an accomplished board member and strategic advisor with extensive experience in both corporate and startup environments. He has a strong track record of supporting innovative, high-growth companies with an international reach, bringing business acumen, integrity, and problem-solving expertise to his roles. With deep knowledge of corporate governance, Luc fosters effective collaboration between investors and portfolio companies throughout the investment lifecycle. He holds a Master’s in Civil Engineering from KU Leuven, an MBA in Innovation Management from Vlerick Business School, and a Master’s in Corporate Finance. He also completed the international program at The Wharton School.

John is a business leader with over 30 years of global experience at Procter & Gamble (P&G), where he held leadership roles in China, the USA, and Europe. In his final role at P&G, he served as Global Open Innovation Manager, integrating external innovations into product development. Since retiring in 2017, he has co-founded consultancy ventures focused on open innovation. He is a board member at 9.5 Ventures, a pre-seed corporate venturing fund, and an investor through BeAngels, a Belgian early-stage investment network. He also serves on the board of Foodpairing, a Ghent-based company pioneering AI-driven flavour innovation. John also coaches senior leaders and teaches at Karel de Grote-Hogeschool and the Solvay Brussels School. He holds a Master’s in Polymer Chemistry from the University of Groningen.

Pierre-Franck is an experienced chemicals industry leader with over 25 years in surfactants business management. He joined AmphiStar as CEO in April 2024, following the company’s €6 million funding round aimed at accelerating industrialisation and expanding the team. With deep industry knowledge and experience working with startups, Pierre-Franck is well-positioned to drive AmphiStar’s strategy and growth. He holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Industries Chimiques (ENSIC) and an MSc in Management and Finance from ESSEC Business School in France.

Sophie is a biotechnologist and co-founder of AmphiStar, where she serves as COO, overseeing the company’s innovation in biosurfactants. Before co-founding AmphiStar in 2021, she earned a PhD in Applied Biological Sciences and managed an R&D collaboration between Ghent University and the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant. She has led multiple national and international projects focused on biosurfactant production and scale-up. With over 60 peer-reviewed publications, multiple patents, and extensive industry experience, Sophie plays a key role in driving AmphiStar’s technological advancements.

Bernd is a bioengineer with extensive experience in bioprocessing and fermentation. He began his career at the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP) as an R&D engineer after completing his Master’s thesis on biosurfactant process development. He later became Team Leader Bioprocessing, focusing on fermentation and downstream processing scale-up. In 2019, Bernd joined the Lesaffre Group as Production Manager Fermentation, where he led a team of 30, oversaw technical expansions, and gained significant expertise in large-scale yeast fermentations. He holds a degree in Bioengineering Sciences from Ghent University.