Astanor Welcomes Two Distinguished Partners and Announces Strategic Promotion
Brussels, Belgium – 09/02/2024
Astanor, a leading global investment firm focused on sustainable solutions in agrifood technology, proudly announces the addition of two partners to its team – Dan Cohen as Venture Partner in the United States and Harry Briggs as Partner in Europe. The firm also takes great pleasure in recognizing the outstanding contributions of Leslie Kapin, who has been promoted from Director of Impact to Partner.
Harry Briggs – Partner (Paris)
Harry Briggs, joining Astanor as Partner in Europe, brings with him a wealth of experience including McKinsey & Co., his own health-drinks startup Firefly Tonics, and fourteen years in Venture Capital. In his Venture roles with Balderton Capital, BGF Ventures and OMERS Ventures, Harry has invested in multiple European tech successes including Revolut, GoCardless, THG, Gousto, Paddle, Flagstone and Wefox
Dan Cohen – Venture Partner (US)
Dan Cohen joins Astanor as Venture Partner in the United States. With extensive experience in management and investment across various sectors, including technology, automotive, and renewable energy, Dan’s career includes roles at McKinsey & Co, John L. Thornton & Company, and Quantum Pacific. His past leadership roles include Chairman of the Board of Koenigsegg Automotive AB, Vice Chairman of Qoros Automotive, Chairman of Kiwi Power, and Board member of Healthy.io.
Leslie Kapin – Partner (Director of Impact)
Leslie Kapin, previously the Director of Impact at Astanor, has been promoted to Partner. Leslie has played a pivotal role in guiding Astanor’s commitment to positive environmental and social impact. Over the last 5 years, Leslie has successfully created robust frameworks that capture the multifaceted dimensions of impact, providing valuable insights for decision-making and fostering accountability. Prior to joining Astanor, Leslie spent 13 years in the asset management industry within both the private and public sector.
Commenting on the additions and promotion, Astanor’s Founder and Managing Partner, Eric Archambeau, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Harry Briggs and Dan Cohen to the Astanor family, adding significant depth and breadth to our team. Their track records and expertise align perfectly with our vision for identifying and guiding to success sustainable agri-food technology companies. Additionally, Leslie Kapin’s promotion recognizes her success in having made Astanor the recognized thought leader in the agrifood venture capital impact space.”
The appointments and promotion underscore Astanor’s commitment to fostering a combination of innovation and sustainability in the agrifood tech sector. The firm looks forward to leveraging the diverse skill sets of its expanded leadership team to drive positive change in the industry.
About Astanor Ventures: Astanor Ventures is a global B Corp certified impact venture capital investor that backs ambitious entrepreneurs with disruptive, scalable solutions that will create systemic change across the agrifood value chain, from soil to gut. With a demonstrated commitment to sustainability and impactful investments, Astanor Ventures identifies and nurtures early-stage companies that harness technology to drive positive change. With a keen focus on climate transition, nature positivity, resource efficiency, and social and health enhancements, Astanor Ventures is at the forefront of fostering a regenerative and sustainable bioeconomy. The fund therefore classifies as an article 9 fund within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 and is also a Diversity VC certified fund. https://astanor.com/