Mehran Zaker is a Partner at Emerald Technology Ventures in our Zurich office focusing on Industrial AI, Automation, Robotics and Mobility. He is involved in all phases of the investment process from origination through, diligence, company building and the exit process.

Prior to joining Emerald, he has held various positions in the automotive and the construction industries. At Valeo France, as software developer and project leader, he led development of cutting-edge technologies for electric cars and autonomous driving solutions. At Hilti AG, as global product manager, he was part of the fastest growing segment within the power tools business unit where he witnessed closely the digital transformation if this highly “un-digitized” industry. He is a firm believer in transformational power of technology and enjoys turning complex technical concepts into business opportunities.

Mehran has an Electronics engineering degree from ENSEA in France and an MBA from INSEAD.

Kenny Lim is the Head of Venture Management at PETRONAS, where he drives the company’s corporate venture capital agenda, strategic partnerships, and innovation programs focused on emerging technologies and future growth opportunities. With more than 20 years of experience spanning engineering, corporate strategy, business development, portfolio management, innovation, and venture leadership, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to creating and scaling new businesses.

Kenny began his career as an Electrical Engineer at a PETRONAS chemical plant before taking on roles in strategy and portfolio management across the Group, where he contributed to business planning, portfolio optimisation, capital allocation, and value creation initiatives. He also spent time in Upstream Business Development, where he successfully closed international farm-in transactions.

He has served in the President & Group CEO’s Office, supporting enterprise-level portfolio reviews and performance oversight across business segments and corporate functions, spanning Gas & Maritime, Corporate Strategy, Corporate Sustainability, and Gentari.

Kenny has been actively involved in innovation and technology commercialisation, including as Product Owner for Advanced Materials, where he established graphene as a new solutions offering within PETRONAS. Today, he works closely with founders, investors, and ecosystem partners to accelerate technology commercialisation, drive venture growth, and develop future growth platforms.

Kenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering from Cornell University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

東京を拠点に、Emerald Technology VenturesのNew Business Development Directorとして日本における活動全般を統括。ポートフォリオ企業の日本市場参入支援、有望な国内スタートアップの発掘、LPマネジメント、東京オープンイノベーションカンファレンスの企画・運営を担う。また、2021年末に創業したInnovation EDGE Partners代表として、事業会社とスタートアップの連携を支援するコンサルティングを手がける。
前職ではシリコンバレーに拠点を置くSumitomo Plastics America社長として、半導体材料事業とスタートアップを起点とした新規事業創出を牽引。日系事業会社と欧州VCという二つの立場からオープンイノベーションを実践してきた経験を持ち、米国・欧州双方のイノベーションエコシステムに精通する。京都大学工学部石油化学科卒業、東京理科大学専門職大学院MOT修了。