Lena Thiede

Lena Thiede is a passionate advocate for science-led impact investing in climate technology. As Co-founder and General Partner at Planet A Ventures, she champions a unique approach where an in-house science team conducts rigorous life-cycle assessments (LCAs) for all potential investments. This scientific vetting process includes veto power, ensuring that only solutions with proven significant positive environmental impact, considering a holistic view of planetary boundaries beyond just CO2 emissions, are backed. She emphasizes the need to move beyond 'green hype' to truly effective, system-changing solutions, advocating for transparency and accountability in impact measurement. impactloop+3

With a strong background in political science and environmental policy, Lena Thiede has dedicated her career to understanding and driving positive change in environmental protection. Her extensive experience includes over a decade as a senior government official at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, where she headed German development cooperation in Tanzania/East Africa, focusing on biodiversity and water resource management. She also served as a policy advisor for prestigious international organizations like the OECD, GIZ, Ecologic Institute, and the German Advisory Council on Global Change. ecologic+2

Lena Thiede is a vocal proponent of the circular economy and emphasizes the crucial role of collaboration and innovative technologies in its success. She believes in maximizing the efficient use of natural capital and reducing dependency on natural resources. Her work at Planet A Ventures extends to investing in companies that promote circular solutions, such as traceless materials, which develops fully compostable bio-based materials from agricultural residues, demonstrating her commitment to fostering an economy within planetary boundaries. circulaze+2

Committed to fostering entrepreneurship and diversity, Lena Thiede is actively involved in initiatives that support new ventures and women in the venture capital space. She is a member of European Women in VC and serves on the advisory board of the EXIST Program, which promotes science-based startups in Germany. Her early career also includes co-founding 3plusX - the Sustainability Network, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to nurturing innovative solutions for a sustainable future. europeanwomenvc+3