#InnovationFirst
heise ventures promotes innovation and entrepreneurship through targeted investments in European early-stage startups to shape the next generation of enterprises.
B2B-SaaS & Infrastructure
Media- & Ad-Tech
Edu-Tech
E-Commerce
HR-Tech
We are investing in:
#KnowledgeDemocratization
Through the democratization of knowledge and access to the best solutions and latest technologies, heise ventures and the heise group significantly contribute to the future viability of our society and Europe – always one answer ahead.
#TechAdvancement
We invest in tech startups and venture capital funds driving future-oriented solutions for users and companies, empowering them to innovate and stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Startups from 2025
Become part of the heise ventures ecosystem
We now support selected start-ups through the Venture Clienting model.
Our goal!
To align your innovative products and business models with the strategic challenges and growth areas of the heise ecosystem.
What are we looking for?
Early-stage startups with a clear value proposition and product-market fit, ready to develop market-ready solutions with us.
Sounds like a good fit?
We look forward to receiving your pitch deck!
Portfolio
Team
Co-Founder & Venture Partner
Andy Lenz
Andy Lenz is a tech investor and entrepreneur with over 20 years of digital experience. As a co-founder of t3n Magazine in Germany, he drove innovation for nearly two decades. Currently, he is a co-founder at heise ventures and New Zapiens. Andy's investment interests include B2B-SaaS, Web3, AI, Blockchain, Digital Health, and Longevity. He champions free knowledge and decentralization, aiming to guide positive change in work and life quality. As an advisor in the Lower Saxony Ministry of Economic Affairs, Andy shapes the digital future and offers strategic support to companies. His portfolio includes investments in Beehiiv, Graswald.ai, Aquaty, and others, helping them achieve sustainable growth.
Johanna Heise
Johanna is the CEO of heise ventures. Additionally, she is the Head of Brand and Culture at heise as well as a member of the executive circle of the heise academy. Before her time in the family business, she gained experience in consulting at KPMG in Deal Advisory and at Simon-Kucher. Johanna completed her Master's in Management at the ESCP Business School in London, Berlin, and Madrid, focusing on the management of family businesses, international management, and sales and marketing. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor's degree at the WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management. In her freetime, Johanna loves to go running, spinning and doing yoga.
CEO & Founding Partner
Senior Advisors
Authorized representative heise group
Markus John
Markus John, born in 1978, has been working at the heise group since May 2017, being responsible for the finance, human resources, and controlling sector of the heise group. After completing his training as an industrial clerk and studying economics at the University of Hanover, Markus John worked at KPMG Audit Firm PLC from 2005 to 2011. He passed the tax consultant exam in 2008, followed by the auditor exam in 2010. Before joining the heise group, Markus John served as the head of the finance department at Schlütersche Publishing Company for five years. Within heise ventures, Markus John supports the company with his expert knowledge in finance and controlling.
Dr. Oliver-Till Diekhaus
Dr. Oliver-Till Dieckhaus, born in 1960, has been an authorized officer at heise group since 1998, overseeing investment management, central services, and real estate activities. He also holds management positions in other group companies. He is a qualified banker with a business administration degree and a doctorate from Georg-August University in Göttingen. Prior to joining heise, he worked in controlling and investment management at Madsack in Hannover. In heise ventures, he contributes expert knowledge in M&A.
Authorized representative heise group