Employee stories
Vanessa Lin shares her journey from London to Nrep’s investment team in Frankfurt.
A Journey of Sustainable Growth with Nrep in Germany
As a global citizen, born and raised in Germany with roots in Asia, my path has taken me across Europe. During my university studies in the UK, I took the opportunity to explore various industries in London, developing a broad skill set in infrastructure & real estate private equity, asset management, and investment banking. After joining a London-based private equity firm, my role focused primarily on assessing the financial performance of both corporate and asset-backed investments. Over time, I developed a growing interest in the broader impact these investments could have. I came to see the importance of aligning my work with my values by pursuing investments that could positively influence communities and the environment. This desire for meaningful change led me to seek opportunities focused on ESG principles and sustainable development.
Shaping the Future: Nrep’s Investment Strategy in the German Market
When I started considering moving back to Germany and looked into different opportunities within urban investing, I came across Nrep. I loved the opportunity to be part of building a strong local presence by combining our robust internal capabilities in product understanding, development, and sustainability proven in the Nordics with local market knowledge. As the third full-time member of the young and ambitious German investment team, I’ve had the privilege of helping shape Nrep’s investment strategy in Germany while establishing our presence in this new market. With a specific focus on the “Living” and “Logistics” segments, I am actively involved in all stages of the investment process—from underwriting proposed opportunities to developing investment strategies across asset classes, engaging with both internal and external stakeholders, and managing due diligence workstreams.
I collaborate closely with our fund finance, sustainability, and product specialists during live transactions, which enables the development of a refined business plan for the investments. This role has not only pushed me out of my comfort zone but has also facilitated significant personal and professional growth.
Pushing Boundaries with a Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
What truly inspires me about working at Nrep is our commitment to sustainability and innovation. We lead change in the real estate sector by looking at the entire ecosystem, beyond just the financials. Collaborating with Nrep’s technical experts and sustainability teams has broadened my understanding of how real estate can create long-term value.
A great example of this is our lighthouse project in Straubing, Bavaria, where we are developing one of Europe’s largest timber-constructed logistics facilities in partnership with Garbe Industrial. This 27,000-square-metre hall is a game-changer in sustainable construction, expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 66% compared to traditional concrete buildings. With circularity in mind, the hall’s design allows it to be dismantled, relocated, or have its materials reused when the operational phase ends. The facility also fosters biodiversity with green roofs, photovoltaic systems, fauna-friendly lighting, and replacement habitats such as insect hotels and bird nests. It’s not just a logistics facility—it’s a testament to how we push the boundaries of sustainability.
A Culture of Growth
One of the aspects I appreciate most about working at Nrep is the regular forward- and backward-looking feedback sessions with my people leader. These sessions are not just about highlighting what went well or where improvements can be made—they are also an opportunity to discuss career aspirations, personal growth, and the areas you want to develop. The senior team is very supportive of this, creating a culture of sustainable personal development that aligns with Nrep’s values. This constant dialogue has been instrumental in helping me shape my career path.
At Nrep, one can find a place that encourages growth and responsibility. Being part of a small team allows me to take on exciting challenges, engage with various stakeholders, and contribute to impactful projects. I believe we are setting a new standard for real estate in Germany, combining financial success with a focus on sustainability and positive impact. I’m proud to be part of Nrep’s expansion into Germany and excited for what’s to come.