Max Werny is an Associate and PhD chemist at Zero Carbon. Based in Berlin, he leads Zero Carbon's activities in the DACH region. Before joining Zero Carbon, Max worked at the climate VC fund Extantia Capital, sourcing investments in metal recovery, biomining, and direct air capture. He also brings two years of chemical industry experience, having led projects on industrial catalyst development, CO₂ valorisation, the hydrogen economy, and precious metal recycling at Heraeus Precious Metals, BASF, and Alantum.
“My PhD in catalysis and industry experience come in handy when assessing deep tech companies.”
My technical background and industry exposure, from working in business development and sales roles in the chemical industry, have really helped me develop a good gut feeling about where a technology has the potential to go.
“I love working with exceptional founders and discovering frontier technologies.”
Working with highly driven founders who are trying to change the world is energising and, frankly speaking, a privilege. What makes it even better is that I get to follow what is happening at the frontier of science and technology.
“Convincing unit economics are crucial.”
While we index heavily on the technical and commercial excellence of founders, as well as their interpersonal and communication skills, a company is only going to fly if its technology provides a clear economic benefit to customers - without relying on green premiums.
Max recommends

I love how he brings together history, politics, philosophy and technology in his books. Homo Deus and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century also recommended.

This book has a bunch of useful strategies on how to improve your productivity and avoid distraction.


