Erning Cao is an investment director at Evonik Venture Capital (EVC), the corporate venture capital (CVC) arm of Germany-based chemical company Evonik. Based in Shanghai since 2018 as the first EVC member in Asia, Cao focuses on investments in the Asia region.
He joined Evonik in 2008 as regional controller for Greater China after which he held roles as Asia controller and as head of global controlling for Evonik’s methacrylates business line.
Regarding Cao, EVC managing director Bernhard Mohr said: “Erning set up Evonik’s VC activities in the Asia-Pacific region in 2018. Under his leadership, Evonik developed a strong deal pipeline in innovative technologies with high growth potential in the field of advanced materials, sustainable nutrition, advanced food ingredients, additive manufacturing, personal care and healthcare.
“Erning and his team have started to build an impressive portfolio of fund and direct investments, including Union Tech, the Asian market leader on stereolithography based 3D printing industrial solution and SmartAHC, one of the world’s leading smart farming technologies.”
Concerning his CVC journey, Cao said last year: “First of all, I find that CVC is perhaps one of the very few opportunities that I could not only utilise all my past experiences gathered from different functions and regions but still have the opportunity to add to my knowledge every day.
“I enjoy very much to meet and talk to those talented and passionate peers and entrepreneurs who are trying to make a positive difference in the world.
“Through the venturing activities, I feel like an entrepreneur who brings together the startups and Evonik to create value and make the world a better society jointly.”
