Passion, Resilience and Willpower

„A Diversity Ambassador in the PE Sector” was the leitmotiv of the CEO Talk with Sadia Wern-Sukhera. On Tuesday, 21 November 2023, the founder and CEO of Vertevis Capital gave a talk at Frankfurt School followed by an inspiring discussion with students, alumni and friends. The key topic: critical success factors for founding a company. Passion for the project, persistence and stamina to overcome setbacks and barriers as well as energy are essential. Especially in the early stage, one needs to work around the clock.

Sadia Wern-Sukhera spoke about her career in the private equity industry and talked about her beginnings as an accountant, her rise to CFO of DPE Deutsche Private Equity and her motivation to found her own company about a year ago. Vertevis Capital is a private equity firm that invests in companies whose products and services promote sustainability. Sadia Wern-Sukhera currently leads a 14-person team that has raised 50 million euros for its co-investment vehicle in just 8 months. The ambitious plan is to raise a further 100 million euros in order to reach the first fund closing of by mid-2024.

The Pakistan-born investment Lady with Indian roots believes in diversity. Thanks to diverse teams, different experiences and perspectives flow into decisions and corporate development — an invaluable asset for Sadia Wern-Sukhera.

Sadia Wern-Sukhera also emphasised the impact of networks: they offer immense support for one's own career and, in particular, for founding a company. Being a member of associations was not just about professional affiliations; it was about being part of a dynamic ecosystem that fosters growth, empowerment, and positive change. These long term relationships are based on "give and take". Sadia Wern-Sukhera stressed, that one had to get actively involved and contribute to filling a network with life. She is convinced that this attitude would benefit all members and encouraged students and alumni to cultivate networks in this spirit.

The CEO Talk was a joint event of FS Women's Society and the FS Entrepreneurship Center of Frankfurt School moderated by Angelika Werner, Vice President Strategic Relations, and Ram Shoham, Director of the Entrepreneurship Center.