Alessandro2016-150x150Alessandro Zago has been helping startups at Founders Space as a mentor since 2014. With 16+ years of extensive international and executive experience with strong emphasis on Silicon Valley-Asia cross-border business of new technology and innovation, he has a lot to offer.

Over the years he has gained deep and broad experience in managing innovation and commercializing next-gen technology covering roles such as managing director in Corporate VC and VC, business leader in tech-based startups, innovation and business development executive in large corporations, advisor and mentor in technology accelerators. Having served at Japanese, Korean, US and German technology companies closing partnerships and complex deals worldwide, he has gained strong global and cross-cultural management experience.

Currently at Enplas, Alessandro is VP New Ventures and Innovation, responsible for Corporate VC and New Business Development, Strategy and Innovation in Emerging Markets and sectors, e.g. medtech, life science, robotics, 3D printing, automotive, VR/AR.

Between 2010 and 2015 Alessandro has led Global Business Development at Pinnacle Engines, a VC-backed technology provider in efficient and clean transportation. In his role, he has overseen market entry and expansion, fundraising, government relations and marketing in the automotive sector in China, Japan, ASEAN and Emerging Markets closing deals and partnerships with Chinese, Japanese and global automakers/OEMs and suppliers.

At Siemens Technology-to-Business & Siemens VDO (2005-2009) he has served as Director of Venture Technology, where he has led CVC activities, invested in startups and acquired technology in the energy, automotive, industrial, medical and software sectors fueling new growth engines for Siemens Business Units.

At the BMW Group (1998- 2005) he has served in various positions, including Innovation Management, Strategy & Partnerships at the BMW International Purchasing Office in Munich and Technology Sourcing & Acquisition at the BMW Tech Office in Silicon Valley.

Alessandro holds the Global EMBA from INSEAD and the Ph.D. and MSc. in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering from Stanford University.

You can find Alessandro’s LinkedIn Profile is here.