Thomas Lange

Strategic Advisor & Investor | Achleitner Ventures | WEF Expert Network | Co-Host DeepTech Unlocked

Munich, Bavaria, Germany

About

Trained as an economist, I began my career at the ifo Institute for Economic Research before moving into a leadership role at acatech, Germany's National Academy of Science and Engineering. I was part of the founding team of Germany's national cybersecurity innovation agency — serving as its first Head of Strategy and helping shape a new model for defense innovation inspired by DARPA. I have served as Sherpa to the Federal Chancellor's Future Council and am a member of the World Economic Forum's Expert Network. Today, I lead Achleitner Ventures, a family office focused on high-impact technology — overseeing both investment activity and strategic operations — and co-host DeepTech Unlocked, a 1E9 podcast. I hold a PhD in Economics and am certified as a Private Equity Analyst and Independent Board Director.

Experience

  • Achleitner Ventures (4 yrs 10 mos)
    • Managing Director A-KAP Ventures GmbH
      May 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

      Investment activity focused on high-impact technology ventures. Strategic support across the portfolio on growth, commercialization, and value creation.

    • Senior Advisor Family Office
      Sep 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 10 mos

      Principal advisor with comprehensive strategic and executive responsibility across all dimensions of the office.

  • Member of Industrial Advisory Board at L3S Research Center
    Nov 2025 - Present · 8 mos

    Industrial advisory on translating foundational AI research into commercial applications and scalable ventures.

  • Member of Expert Network at World Economic Forum
    Jun 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 1 mo

    Engaging on topics of technology governance, innovation policy, and the strategic dimensions of deep tech development.

  • Board Advisor at planqc
    Apr 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 3 mos

    Strategic advisory to planqc, a Munich-based deep tech company pioneering neutral-atom quantum computing. Support on leadership development, commercialization, corporate development, and investor relations.

  • Sherpa for the Future Council of the Federal Chancellor at Bundesregierung
    Jul 2022 - Mar 2025 · 2 yrs 9 mos

    Preparing and supporting the deliberations of the Federal Chancellor's Future Council — shaping the Council's work on technology, competitiveness, and innovation strategy at the highest level of federal government.