SAP Ventures, the corporate venturing arm of software producer SAP, has named Rami Branitzky as managing director of market development and has tasked him with leading its global market development team.
Branitzky, a veteran of building and growing best-in-class enterprises in software companies, will oversee the unit’s efforts to enable its direct and indirect portfolio companies to leverage the unmatched capabilities and expertise of one of the world’s largest enterprise IT ecosystems through SAP.
Most recently Branitzky was CEO of data analysis software provider Grok Solutions (formerly Numenta). He previously served as managing director at SAP Labs North America, where he was responsible for strategy and operations of SAP Labs across the region.
Branitzky also served as senior vice president in charge of SAP Global Software Solution Partnerships. In these positions he was instrumental in driving SAP’s ecosystem strategy and partnering practices. Branitzky initially joined SAP following the acquisition of TopTier Software, where he held multiple field and product leadership positions.
Nino Marakovic, CEO and managing director of SAP Ventures, said: “With the addition of Rami, a proven leader with an exceptional track record and an extensive network, SAP Ventures will be in a unique position to deliver tremendous value to our portfolio companies, as well as the broader SAP ecosystem.”
The market development team works closely with SAP Ventures’ direct and indirect portfolio companies to connect them with customers, go-to-market partners, and technology and industry experts in the enterprise ecosystem and encompasses business development and marketing. The goal is to give entrepreneurs and startups access to multiple strategic revenue channels available through SAP AG, which counts more than 13,000 partners and 250,000 customers worldwide.
With 13 initial public offering and merger and acquisition events in 2013, the announcement comes on the heels of a record year for SAP Ventures.
– Photo of Rami Branitzky courtesy of SAP Ventures