Current Role and Responsibilities
Dr. Janina Zippel serves as a Senior Scientist in Startup Scouting and Portfolio Management at Beiersdorf AG, with a specialized focus on Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) investments related to sustainable packaging, climate technology, and life sciences. Her responsibilities center on identifying and evaluating emerging technologies and startups that align with Beiersdorf’s strategic innovation goals, particularly in the realms of:
- Digital health
- AI-based diagnostics
- Female health
- Longevity
- Inflammatory and immune diseases
She plays a pivotal role in shaping Beiersdorf's investment strategy within these high-impact innovation areas, facilitating early-stage collaborations and integration of novel technologies that enhance the company’s product portfolio and sustainability ambitions.
She was prominently featured for her role in the company’s recent venture capital investment in ReVentas, a climate tech startup, highlighting her active involvement in advancing Beiersdorf’s position in sustainable innovations.
Professional Background and Expertise
Dr. Zippel brings over 20 years of professional experience spanning Health Tech, Med Tech, Pharma, and Biotech sectors. Her career trajectory demonstrates a strong blend of scientific R&D expertise and strategic innovation management:
- Previously, she was Head of R&D Active Ingredients at Weleda AG, where she managed the development of sustainable and efficacious natural products, leading teams to deliver award-winning innovations recognized for their effectiveness and environmental responsibility.
- She held managerial roles focusing on claim support and scientific retrieval at Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG, translating complex scientific data into consumer-relevant insights – a critical skill given the increasing emphasis on product transparency within the cosmetics market.
- Earlier stages of her career include academic research and mentorship as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist and Ph.D. student at Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, where she contributed to the training of future scientists.
Her combined expertise in scientific research, product development, and startup scouting positions her uniquely to bridge cutting-edge science with practical business applications in personal care.
Education
- Ph.D. (Dr. rer. nat.) in Pharmacy from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, specializing in complex biological systems.
- Diploma in Biology from Philipps-Universität Marburg.
- Diploma’s pre-degree in Biology from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
Her rigorous academic foundation underpinning biology and pharmacology equips her with deep knowledge of biochemical interactions critical in innovative product development.
Notable Contributions at Beiersdorf
- Oversaw and influenced strategic startup investments supporting Beiersdorf’s sustainability and innovation agenda, especially focusing on climate tech and sustainable packaging solutions.
- Delivered guest lectures on corporate venture capital and open innovation strategies at prominent institutions (e.g., WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management), indicating recognized thought leadership in innovation investment and strategy.
- Integral to Beiersdorf’s open innovation efforts to remain competitive and forward-thinking within the skincare and personal care industries.
Industry and Corporate Context
Beiersdorf AG is a globally recognized leader in skincare, with flagship brands like NIVEA, Eucerin, and La Prairie. The company is intensifying efforts on sustainability initiatives, including:
- Launching innovations like the epigenetic serum EPICELLINE® under the NIVEA brand.
- Implementing environmental performance metrics such as EcoBeautyScore.
- Receiving certifications like My Green Lab as part of their sustainability transformation.
- Adjusting strategic forecasts in 2025 to respond to evolving market conditions, maintaining a solid innovation pipeline for continued growth.
Dr. Zippel’s work within venture capital and startup scouting supports this broad corporate drive for sustainable, innovative products and business models.
Strategic Value
Dr. Zippel represents a critical scientific and strategic asset for Beiersdorf’s innovation ecosystem, blending deep scientific knowledge with investment acumen to identify technologies that can materially advance both product efficacy and sustainability performance. Her role aligns with increasing industry demand for science-backed, sustainable innovations in cosmetics and personal care, directly supporting Beiersdorf’s mission to lead in next-generation skin care solutions.
Her expertise spans both technical evaluation and market-relevant translation of cutting-edge research, ensuring startup partnerships are aligned with long-term corporate strategy and consumer trends in health and sustainability.
LinkedIn Profile: [https://linkedin.com/in/janina-zippel-ph-d-97801741](https://linkedin.com/in/janina-zippel-ph-d-97801741)
Location: Germany
Key Areas: Venture Capital, Startup Scouting, Life Sciences, Sustainable Packaging, Climate Tech, R&D, Active Ingredients Development, Strategic Innovation Management
