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

Zukunft Ventures has neither technological nor geographical restrictions. The company's mission is to invest in significant future technologies that existing business units will innovate and further develop or that will accelerate disruptive processes. "We are therefore looking at companies worldwide, from Silicon Valley, the Asian region, Israel as well as Berlin and elsewhere in Europe," explains Gollewski.

Investments in sensors and software
Just recently, ZF has invested in several technology companies, including a 40 percent share in Hamburg-based Ibeo. Together, ZF and Ibeo are developing a new generation of Lidar sensors. ZF also recently acquired a 40 percent share in the software company doubleSlash, which is already a strategic ZF supplier and will boost the company's expertise in the field of vehicle networking. Such investments will now be handled by Zukunft Ventures.

With this new company, ZF is reinforcing its claim as an innovation leader and is expanding its comprehensive activities to drive innovation and identify disruptive technologies early on. Aside from the new company, these activities include a globally connected network of research and development organizations, M&A, comprehensive technology scouting in Corporate R&D, a think tank as well as various innovation labs.

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