ZF CEO Dr. Stefan Sommer (right) and Torsten Gollewski (left), MD of Zukunft Ventures GmbH, push for rapid innovation. Photo: ZF

ZF has established a company - Zukunft Ventures GmbH - to invest in technology companies. Zukunft Ventures GmbH, headquartered in Friedrichshafen, opened its doors for business in September 2016.

The new company's mission is to identify and invest in companies that are involved in developing technologies that could be relevant for ZF. For start-ups, in particular, this is a great opportunity to obtain additional investment capital. However, smaller, well-established companies can also benefit from a strong partner with ZF at their side. In return, ZF will have greater access to sustainable technologies that will keep it one step ahead of the competition.

"Zukunft Ventures GmbH will help us fill technological gaps faster and tap into new business segments," says Dr. Stefan Sommer, CEO of ZF Friedrichshafen AG. ZF already offers all the technologies needed for autonomous driving in passenger cars and commercial vehicles. "To secure this position and build on it long-term, we need to access innovative technologies quickly," adds Sommer. "Zukunft Ventures are a flexible and quick tool that enables companies to keep up the pace of innovation."

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