Ivan Lukanov

Ivan Lukanov is a seasoned executive specializing in digital innovation and technology investment. Currently serving as Co-Founder of the Merck Group Innovation Center since January 2020, Ivan also holds the position of Technology Executive at Athinia, a joint venture between Palantir Inc. and Merck. In addition, Ivan advises on high-tech company funding as a Board member of the European Commission Technologies Funding Committee. Past roles include CEO at Iconiq Sports Technology GmbH, CEO at Maxxus Group GmbH & Co. KG, and Chief Strategy & Investments Officer at Simia Holding AG. Ivan's expertise is further highlighted by a Vice President position in M&A at HAUCK AUFHÄUSER LAMPE and extensive experience in financial due diligence at KPMG Deutschland. Academic credentials include degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, a Bachelor's in Finance and Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, and a Master of Science from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, complemented by certification as a Chartered Accountant through ACCA.