Marco Marinucci, a seasoned engineer and investor, is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Essentia Ventures, where he leverages his profound understanding of both the traditional automotive sector and the dynamic Silicon Valley startup ecosystem. With a background in Electrical Engineering from Stuttgart and an MBA, Marco has the rare ability to blend technical expertise with sharp business acumen, a trait he honed during his tenure as the founder and leader of Hella Ventures. There, he achieved remarkable success, with a 40% net IRR and five exits ranging from $200m to $1.5B, and returned close to $50m to LPs in his first fund. His investment portfolio boasts significant wins, including AEYE, BreezoMeter, Oculii, AMP, WEJO, eMotorWerks, and Drishti.

At Essentia Ventures, Marco builds on the strong foundation established at Hella Ventures, targeting early-stage investments in the industrial and physical industries. His approach is characterized by a combination of strategic foresight and a keen understanding of market dynamics. He believes in active engagement with portfolio companies, providing crucial support in areas like Go-To-Market strategies and industrialization. This philosophy underpins Essentia Ventures' mission to drive financial returns while fostering industry advancement and innovation.

Marco’s journey, from his engineering roots to becoming a visionary in venture capital, reflects his commitment to taking smart risks and building strong, long-term relationships. His unique trait of combining technical and industry background with investment prowess makes him a formidable figure in identifying and nurturing promising startups, ensuring that each investment meaningfully contributes to the evolution of the industries they serve.