who we are
At Danone Ventures, we're here to offer mentorship and support to help amplify your growth. We bring together subject matter specialists, financial experts, and access to Danone's world-class expertise and resources to help companies grow and scale.
Our Leadership Team
CLEMENCE DELCOURT
Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer
Clemence is the Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at Danone Manifesto Ventures. She brings a wealth of knowledge as both a financial leader and operator to the team. Clemence’s expertise leading deals combined with her strategic business partner roles as CFO provides a well-rounded and knowledgeable perspective to DMV’s portfolio partners. Prior to joining Danone Manifesto Ventures, Clemence was the SVP Business Planning and Performance Management leader for Danone North America. Over her 13-year career at Danone, she has led various finance functions across global Danone business units as well as led deals in Corporate Development. Prior to joining Danone, Clemence started her career in M&A at Lazard, both in Paris and NY. Clemence is a graduate of HEC Paris, having majored in business entrepreneurship.
When She's Not Partnering
You will probably find Clemence enjoying nature. Whether it’s hiking, skiing, or camping, Clemence enjoys exploring and traveling with her husband and three kids.
Words to Live By
Magic happens outside of our comfort zone.
holly jackson
Ventures Director
As a Ventures Director, Holly uses both her analytical and creative thinking skills to help identify like-minded brands and entrepreneurs as potential partners. She also helps her portfolio partners build strategies and solve business challenges to exceed their growth expectations. Before joining Danone Manifesto Ventures, Holly worked for Danone as a Brand Manager for Activia and Danimals, where her love for the food industry was born. Previously, she worked as a financial and litigation consultant at both Deloitte and Navigant Consulting in Chicago. She holds an MBA from New York University and a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan.
When She's Not Finding Novel Opportunities
Holly loves recreating celebrity chef-inspired dishes. When she's not whipping up something delicious, she likes to explore new cities and see the world through the eyes of her toddler.
Words to Live By
An open mind will open doors that you might not have thought of.
Jennifer Bernhardt
VP of Sales
Jen returned to Danone as the VP of Sales for Danone Manifesto Ventures, bringing her extensive experience in sales strategy and execution to the fund’s portfolio companies. She helps these partners optimize their channel strategy and sales plans, equipping them with the tools needed to drive for growth. Passionate about food, Jen began her career in sales at Kraft Foods in category management. She then joined Danone North America in 2005 holding many sales positions over 11 years, including VP of Sales for the Central Division and VP of Sales of Stonyfield. Before coming back to Danone, Jen was a trusted advisor for a number of food startups, enabling her to nurture her passion for entrepreneurs. Jen holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Finance from Illinois State University.
When She’s Not Meeting Inspiring Entrepreneurs
Jen loves cooking and testing out new recipes. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jen loves to discover new flavors by attending food tours in new cities. In the summertime, you will find her on an outdoor patio, spending time with her friends and family.
Words to Live By
Live in the moment
Jean Prevot
VP Operations
Jean recently returned to Danone to serve as VP Operations at Danone Manifesto Ventures, bringing to the portfolio companies his extensive knowledge of management, operations and supply chain. A food enthusiast at heart, Jean has worked in the food and dairy industries since the start of his career. He launched his career at Danone in dairy manufacturing plants in France before moving to Hungary to become the Plant Manager for Bongrain, the French cheese company. He then moved to the US to build a factory and head cheese operations for an American artisanal cheese company before becoming VP Operations at Kite Hill in 2012. He then became Kite Hill's COO leading their operations, manufacturing and R&D. He holds a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Arts et Metiers Paris Tech.
When He's Not Keeping the Gears Turning
Jean loves to cook and bake, especially with his wife and three kids. When not in the kitchen, he enjoys spending time outdoors on backpacking trips.
Words to Live By
Ain't no mountain high enough.
Aurelien Cohen
General Counsel
Aurelien is the General Counsel of Danone Manifesto Ventures, where he supports all legal aspects of investment activities and provides strategic counsel to the portfolio companies in legal and regulatory matters. Aurelien's sound business sense, pragmatism and passion for finding the most collaborative solutions make him the lawyer you want to have on your team. Prior to joining Danone Manifesto Ventures, Aurelien was senior legal counsel to Danone's corporate development group, where he led numerous transactions around the world, gained valuable industry experience and developed a deep understanding of long term partnerships. He's a former attorney with Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier (Paris) and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz (NY). He holds an LLM from Columbia Law School, a law degree from University Paris 2, and is a graduate of ESSEC Business School in Paris. Aurelien is admitted to both the New York and Paris bars.
When He's Not Lawyering
Aurelien loves spending time with his Swedish wife and their two American sons. He likes running along the Hudson River, staying close to his friends wherever they may be, and daydreaming about furniture design and vintage pieces.
Words to Live By
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
Kenta Nomoto
Associate Manager
Kenta serves as an Associate Manager at Danone Manifesto Ventures. He plays an active role in identifying and building relationships with start-up companies as well as supporting portfolio partners’ growth and collaboration projects. With a passion for numbers, Kenta brings his analytical and problem solving skills to the team. Prior to joining Danone Manifesto Ventures, Kenta was an Analyst at RBC Capital Markets, advising on M&A transactions across Consumer & Retail and other industries. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
When He's Not Crunching Numbers
Kenta is an avid Michigan sports fan and loves getting together with friends and family to cheer on his favorite Wolverine football and basketball teams. When he’s not watching sports he’s trying to find the best yet unknown restaurants in New York City.
Words to Live By
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
KATHARINA SCHILD
Associate Manager
As an Associate Manager, Katharina supports investment assessments end-to-end, from thematic research, deal sourcing and due diligence through transaction closing. Additionally, Katharina leads the team’s financial management. Prior to joining Danone Ventures, Katharina served as a Vice President at German media giant ProSiebenSat.1, where she led the investment strategy, financial planning and innovation for two flagship channels. She started her career in corporate development and as Chief of Staff at Allianz Global Investors. Katharina holds a Bachelor degree from LMU Munich and MBA and Masters in Finance from Hult International Business School. Katharina is also a FutureVC alumni.
When She’s Not Analyzing Trends or Companies
She is energized by nurturing communities and inspired by meeting new people. You will likely find her on morning runs along the Hudson, hitting the slopes in the Alps or indulging through her list of must-explore restaurants in NYC.
Words to Live By:
Teamwork makes the dream work.
BRENDA WU
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ANALYST
Brenda is the Science and Technology Analyst at Danone Ventures. With a background in chemistry and synthetic biology, Brenda brings analytical and scientific thinking to the team. She plays an active role in conducting scientific due diligence on innovative start-ups while incorporating insights gathered from scientific publications and experts to help understand the investment opportunity. Brenda holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Caltech and a Master of Science in Chemistry from Stanford.
When She’s Not Assessing Patents
Brenda is a plant enthusiast and she is hoping to explore the NY Botantical Gardens soon.
Words to Live By:
Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters.
JESSICA BORDES
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
As Executive Assistant at Danone Manifesto Ventures, Jessica plays an integral role in supporting the entire team. She tackles internal coordination, workflow systematization, relationship management, and more. Prior to joining the team, Jessica worked in various roles at the Permanent Mission of Haiti to the United Nations, including as an attaché focusing on social issues such as discrimination of women, as a communications officer, and as an Executive Assistant to the Ambassador of the Permanent of Haiti, who she followed as he became U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and on to Chair to the Advisory Committee on Administration and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ). Jessica holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and Marketing Management from Baruch College.
When She's Not Being a Multi-Tasking Maven
Jessica loves reading, cooking for holiday get-togethers, swimming, and interior decorating.
Words to Live By
Always trust your gut; it will never fail you.
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40 Fulton Street, 19th Floor
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