Vivien Baatz

Professional Overview

Vivien Baatz is an experienced finance and M&A professional with a strong track record in the automotive and technology industries. As the Head of Venture Capital Cooperations at Volkswagen Group, she is responsible for driving strategic partnerships and investments that support the company's innovation and growth initiatives.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Head of Venture Capital Cooperations at Volkswagen Group, Vivien is responsible for identifying and cultivating relationships with promising startups and venture capital firms. She oversees the evaluation, structuring, and management of strategic investments and collaborations that align with Volkswagen's technology and business priorities. Vivien's leadership in this role has enabled Volkswagen to stay at the forefront of industry trends and leverage external innovation to enhance its product offerings and operational efficiency.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Vivien held various positions in finance, M&A, and venture capital at leading organizations. As the Director of M&A and Venture Capital at Volkswagen Group, she played a pivotal role in executing strategic acquisitions and minority investments that expanded the company's capabilities in areas such as mobility services, autonomous driving, and digital transformation. Her tenure as the CFO of TolaData and Head of Finance at Finiata further strengthened her expertise in financial management and business operations.

Vivien's early career experiences at Deutsche Bank, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and Daimler provided her with a solid foundation in investment banking, debt restructuring, and corporate finance. These roles allowed her to develop a deep understanding of capital markets, financial analysis, and cross-border transactions, which she has successfully applied in her subsequent leadership positions.

Academic Background

Vivien holds a Master's degree in Finance and Accounting from a leading European university, where she graduated with distinction. Her academic achievements and specialized knowledge in financial management and corporate strategy have been instrumental in her professional development and career advancement.

Areas of Expertise

• Venture capital and startup ecosystem

• Mergers, acquisitions, and strategic investments

• Financial analysis and transaction structuring

• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management

• Automotive industry trends and technological innovation

Professional Impact

Vivien's strategic vision and operational excellence have contributed to Volkswagen's successful venture capital and partnership initiatives. She has facilitated the integration of external innovation and technology into the company's core business, leading to the successful commercialization of new products and services. Vivien's ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes and drive collaborative projects has been instrumental in strengthening Volkswagen's position as an industry leader.

Conclusion

With her extensive experience in finance, M&A, and venture capital, Vivien Baatz is a valuable asset to Volkswagen Group. Her expertise in identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships with innovative startups and venture capital firms positions her as a key driver of the company's technology-driven transformation and growth.