# Volker Berl

> Volker Berl is the New York-based founder, managing partner, and CEO of New Age Ventures, a globally active generalist venture studio. Trained in chemistry and chemical engineering, he worked in industrial research, equity research, and technology management before establishing his investment career. He helped create the educational chemistry game Moleko and serves on public-company boards including Standard Lithium and Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. II.

- **Role:** Founder, Managing Partner & CEO at New Age Ventures
- **Organizations:** New Age Ventures, Standard Lithium, Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. II, New York Angels, BASF (former), Deutsche Bank (former), Zymes (former)
- **Education:** B.Sc., Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Chemical Engineer (Dipl.-Ing.), Ecole Européenne de Chimie, Polymères et Matériaux de Strasbourg, M.Sc., Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Strasbourg, Postdoctoral research in chemistry, Stanford University, M.B.A., General Management, Concordia University, John Molson School of Business
- **Known for:** Co-created the original Moleko educational chemistry game, published in three languages., Founded New Age Ventures in 2009., NACD Directorship Certification, issued March 2025.

## Career timeline

- **1998** — CNRS Editions published Moleko, credited to Michèle Kirch, Volker Berl, and Jean-Marie Lehn.
- **2000** — Completed his doctorate in chemistry in Strasbourg.
- **2001-2002** — Undertook postdoctoral research at Stanford University.
- **2002-2005** — Worked at BASF in manufacturing and process research and development; subsequently worked in new business development.
- **2006** — Served as a vice president in equity research at Deutsche Bank.
- **2007-2009** — Chief Technology Officer at Zymes LLC.
- **2009** — Founded New Age Ventures.
- **2021** — Appointed an independent director of Standard Lithium on July 20.
- **2025** — Received NACD Directorship Certification in March; joined Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. II as a director in June.
- **2026** — Reelected to Standard Lithium’s board on July 16 with 99.10% of votes cast in favour.

## Achievements

- Co-created the original Moleko educational chemistry game, published in three languages.
- Founded New Age Ventures in 2009.
- NACD Directorship Certification, issued March 2025.
- Chair of Standard Lithium’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and member of its Audit Committee.

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — Reelected a director of Standard Lithium with 99.10% of votes cast in favour of his nomination.
- **2026-03** — Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. II’s annual report lists him as a director and Audit Committee member.
- **2025-06** — Joined Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. II’s board.
- **2025-03** — Received NACD Directorship Certification.

## Links

- Website: https://newageventures.net/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/volkerberl

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/volker-berl
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-10