Who we are
The Yara Growth Ventures team brings a clear agri-food perspective and extensive startup and investment experience. The team's promise is to be quick, to be clear, to be helpful, and to be trustworthy.
Our team
Erkki Aaltonen
Managing Director
20+ years of experience in corporate VC across multiple sectors. Set up 4 corporate venture capital units, executed 100+ investments, served on 20 boards, and founded 5 startups.
George Roche
Investment Director
Over a decade of experience in agri-food as a venture builder, innovation consultant, accelerator manager, and founder of 3 startups. Background in biology and the intersection of science and technology in food and agriculture.
Dr. Björn Heinz
Investment Director
Experienced VC investor and company builder in agriculture & food, green chemistry, advanced materials, and B2B software. Set-up a corporate incubator, served on 10+ startup & venture boards, background in physical chemistry R&D.
Stian Nygaard
Investment Director
Over 15 years' experience in innovation, business development and funding including work at Yara, SINTEF Industry, and the Research Council of Norway. Served on two venture investment boards.
Dr. Delphine de Brogniez (PhD)
Investment Manager
Over 10 years in the agriculture industry with a focus on digital innovation, scientific R&D, and business strategy. Academic background in agricultural science and soil with particular attention to organic carbon.
Abdo Drrah
Portfolio Manager
Over 15 years experience as a PwC UK trained chartered accountant in a wide range of fields and geographies. Experience includes manufacturing; fertilisers and technology sectors, performing both statutory and performance finance roles.
Dr. George Crane
Senior Investment Associate
Over five years’ experience in the agriculture industry, managing projects on new farming systems, agricultural robotics, and controlled environment agriculture. Completed a PhD in Plant Science, investigating the impact of different farming practices on microbial diversity and soil health.