Germany’s HTGF announces Dr. Achim Plum as Managing Director

HTGF (High-Tech Gründerfonds), an early-stage investor in Germany and Europe, announced on Monday that it has appointed Dr. Achim Plum as Managing Director, effective from 1 January 2025.

Dr. Plum, who holds a PhD in genetics, was appointed to the role by the HTGF Investor Advisory Board.

He succeeds Guido Schlitzer, who will be leaving HTGF on 31 December of this year, as previously announced.

Who is Dr. Achim Plum?

Dr. Plum has over 20 years of experience in the life sciences industry and extensive management expertise.

He has gained significant knowledge in diagnostics, precision medicine, life science tools, and medical technology.

Dr. Plum has held leadership positions at early- and growth-stage companies and at global tech corporations.

During this time, he has successfully established processes, created structures, and led organisations through phases of strong growth.

Dr. Plum has worked at several companies, including Epigenomics, Siemens, Curetis, Ares Genetics, SphingoTech, and InfanDx. 

He has experience in corporate finance, including two IPOs, and understands the financing needs of companies at various development stages.

Dr. Achim Plum says, “I’m looking forward to switching my perspective from entrepreneur to seed investor and supporting Germany’s start-up ecosystem in this new role. I have great respect for my new assignment and am very excited about working with my fellow Managing Directors and the entire HTGF team. I will leverage my experience and network to ensure we continue this success story – both for HTGF and its portfolio companies.”

HTGF: Active early-stage investors

HTGF is the most active early-stage investor in Germany and Europe, financing startups in Deep Tech, Industrial Tech, Climate Tech, Digital Tech, Life Sciences, and Chemistry.

The company supports startups in all phases of their development into international market leaders.

The company invests in pre-seed and seed phases and can participate significantly in later-stage financing rounds.

Across its funds, HTGF has over €2B under management. Since its inception in 2005, HTGF has financed more than 770 startups and achieved over 180 successful exits.  

Fund investors in the public-private partnership include the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, KfW Capital as well as 45 companies and family offices.  

Dr. Matthias Koehler, Chairman of the Investor Advisory Board and a Deputy Director-General at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, says, “We are delighted that Dr. Achim Plum will be strengthening the leadership team with his extensive expertise in the life science sector and in leading and developing organisations. In appointing Dr. Plum as Managing Director, HTGF is continuing its strategy of ensuring the three focal areas of investment – industrial tech, life sciences and chemicals, and digital tech – are all represented at the executive level.” 

“Life sciences is a key field of innovation, acting as a driving force behind the transformation of our economy as well as advances in medicine and healthcare. Thanks to his expertise and strong network, Dr. Plum will help to further expand the HTGF portfolio, provide valuable impetus for HTGF’s strategic development, and solidify its role as a leading seed-stage investor in the long term,” adds Koehler.