Emma Boon, chief of staff, venture operations at BP Ventures, recently transitioned from an investment associate role in the UK energy major’s CVC unit, to a more generalist role supporting operations and communications.
“That shift was a challenge, but one that I have enjoyed,” says Boon.
She began her career at BP in 2014 after graduating from high school, joining BP’s trading and shipping division. She joined the ventures team in 2021 as an associate and accepted her current position in 2023.
“Helping implement the new fund’s strategy is exciting and has brought a broader investment scope that we previously had”
For Boon, implementing BP Ventures’ new fund has been a highlight of her career. Under the leadership of vice president Gareth Burns, who was hired at the start of 2023, the unit has gone through a strategic shift that includes expanding its investments to focus on BP’s transition growth engines.
“Helping implement the new fund’s strategy is exciting and has brought a broader investment scope than we previously had,” says Boon.
Boon also enjoys working with recently hired team members. “I am enjoying working with new colleagues who have come in to bring fresh ideas, as well working with existing colleagues, but in a different capacity.”
Founded in 2006, BP Ventures has a team of around 25 people and is expected to deploy $200m this year. It invests in series A- to B-stage companies as a minority investor. The corporate venture unit focuses on investing in startups in bioenergy, EV charging, convenience, hydrogen, renewables and power.
Boon’s advice to upcoming corporate venturers is to never fear failure. “Expect the unexpected and remember that failing fast is one of the biggest successes that you can have. Many venture-backed startups fail and not every investment will return capital. Failing fast and taking on those learnings is a key part of VC investing and the start-up ecosystem,” she says.
See the full list of GCV Rising Stars for 2024 here.