Ferry Heilemann
About Ferry Heilemann
Ferry Heilemann is a co-founder and board observer currently working as a founder and partner at AENU in Berlin. He has a strong background in climate action and entrepreneurship, having co-founded several organizations focused on sustainability and climate technology.
Work at Forto
Ferry Heilemann has held multiple roles at Forto, a logistics technology company. He co-founded Forto and served as CEO from 2016 to 2020, where he focused on scaling the company and enhancing its service offerings. In 2020, he transitioned to the role of Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board, contributing to strategic decisions and governance until 2021. In 2022, he returned to Forto as a Co-Founder and Board Observer, where he continues to provide oversight and guidance. Heilemann played a key role in making Forto a climate-neutral company, aligning the organization with sustainable practices.
Current Role at AENU
Since 2021, Ferry Heilemann has been the Founder and Partner at AENU, a venture capital fund based in Berlin. AENU focuses on investing in climate tech companies, particularly in the Seed and Series A funding stages within the European Union. His role involves identifying promising startups that align with climate action goals and providing them with the necessary resources and support to scale their operations.
Education and Expertise
Ferry Heilemann studied at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from 2006 to 2009. He also briefly attended Nottingham University Business School in 2008. His educational background laid the foundation for his expertise in management and entrepreneurship, which he has applied throughout his career in various leadership roles across multiple industries.
Climate Action Initiatives
Ferry Heilemann is dedicated to climate action and sustainability. He co-founded Leaders for Climate Action in 2019, which has grown to become Europe's largest climate action community for entrepreneurs. Heilemann is committed to keeping the planet's temperature increase below 1.5°C and actively participates in initiatives that promote environmental responsibility. Additionally, he serves as an Ambassador and Climate Champion for Founders Pledge since 2017, further demonstrating his commitment to climate-related causes.
Previous Experience and Contributions
Before his current roles, Ferry Heilemann held several significant positions. He worked at Google as General Director for Google Offers DACH from 2011 to 2013, where he managed operations in the German-speaking region. He also served as a Venture Partner at Earlybird Venture Capital from 2016 to 2022, focusing on investments in technology startups. Additionally, he founded Heilemann Ventures GmbH, where he was the Managing Partner from 2011 to 2015, gaining experience in venture capital and startup development.