Essen, 03 March 2025 – Thorben Bonn is joining Gründerfonds Ruhr (Ruhrgründer Management GmbH) as an Investment Associate, further strengthening the team as the second generation of Gründerfonds Ruhr accelerates its growth. With Thorben as the third new team member in just two months, a clear trend is emerging: Gründerfonds Ruhr is entering a dynamic new phase, setting the stage for further expansion and investment activity.
Startup Expertise from the Ruhr Region
Thorben brings a strong background in venture capital and research. With experience at Cusp Capital (formerly TEV/Tengelmann Ventures) and extensive work as a research associate and Ph.D. holder at Ruhr University Bochum, Thorben is well-equipped to identify and evaluate promising business models. His expertise also includes financial modeling, due diligence, and company valuation.
Thorben holds a Ph.D. in Management & Economics from Ruhr University Bochum, where he also completed his M.Sc. with distinction and a B.Sc. in the same field. His research focuses on venture capital, crypto assets, and startup valuation. Thorben has also lectured in IFRS accounting and company analysis. His strong analytical skills and research capabilities will be crucial in his role at Gründerfonds Ruhr.
A New Chapter for Gründerfonds Ruhr
Gründerfonds Ruhr is entering a new era of growth, marked by the expansion of its team and the scaling of its second fund. With the successful first closing at EUR 31M in October 2024, the fund is now set to reach EUR 50M. The recent hires signal a strong commitment to identifying and supporting high-potential startups. Thorben’s expertise will be instrumental in shaping investment strategies and driving forward the fund’s mission to strengthen the Ruhr region as a leading innovation hub.