#73: 2024 in Review: Unveiling Corporate Venturing’s Best Insights
Hi, I'm Jeppe and welcome to my bi-weekly podcast/newsletter on Corporate Venturing.. My aim is to provide a comprehensive perspective on the latest developments in the field and its related topics, drawing from the insights of top management, venture capitalists, founders, LPs, and family offices. I aim to offer valuable information and thought-provoking content that will aid in understanding the importance of Corporate Venturing in business strategy.
As we close out 2024, it's been an incredible journey of insights, conversations, and collaborations in corporate venturing. Across 31 episodes, we explored the evolving landscape of corporate innovation, strategy, and investment, thanks to the remarkable contributions of industry leaders, academics, and practitioners.
Highlights of the Year:
Samuli Sirén from Redstone and Gina Domanig from Emerald Technology Ventures provided in-depth perspectives on working with corporate investors and the nuances of building and operating VC funds.
David Horowitz, CEO and Founder of Touchdown Ventures, offered insights into Corporate Venture Capital as a Service, while Georg Horn from WhatAVenture - Corporate Venture Builder discussed strategizing venture governance for corporate innovation.
Dr. Andre Retterath (Earlybird), author of The Data-Driven VC, explored how AI can drive strategic investments.
Céline Abecassis-Moedas connected academia and corporations, highlighting the importance of bridging these worlds for innovation.
Lauri Lehtovuori, CEO of Combient Foundry , shared his vision for fostering collaboration through alliances.
Paulina Banszerus, Head of Venture Capital at Schenker Ventures, provided actionable advice on getting corporate venturing right.
Thought-Provoking Panel Discussions:
Water Impact Partners with Jesper Munkholm (جيسبر مونكهولم) and Sead Bajrovic explored the next wave in climate tech, focusing on water solutions.
A corporate venture panel unpacked the mechanics of setting up CVCs, engaging with them, and navigating challenges in collaboration in collaboration with Crispin Leick from EnBW New Ventures and Associate Professor at Copenhagen Business School, Francesco Di Lorenzo
Conversations with Ninepointfives Pieter Van de Velde and Bart Houben, and TouchDown Ventures shed light on structuring innovation for maximum impact.
Lessons and Strategies:
Gregor Gimmy the "founder" of the Venture Client Model, walked us through this game-changing approach.
Copenhagen Business School and Francesco Di Lorenzo hosted discussions on navigating corporate venturing with clarity and vision.
Andre Retterath, Paulina Banszerus, and other guests illuminated topics like navigating downturns, scaling ventures, and integrating ESG goals.
The Baton story told by founder Nate Robert now with Ryder System, Inc. brought unique insights into navigating shifts in the corporate venture capital landscape, showcasing how adaptation and resilience can pave the way for success.
Inspiring Perspectives:
Reflections from Iceland and Piedmont showcased how lessons from unique environments—be it vineyards or geothermal landscapes—can inform corporate venturing.
David Horowitz and Samuli Siren emphasized the importance of using corporate assets for an unfair advantage.
A Special Thanks:
To every individual who joined us in 2024, to the thought leaders featured across the year, your insights and expertise have enriched these discussions and the broader corporate venturing community.
I hope you enjoyed this newsletter. If you have any suggestions or contributions that you would like to share with me, please do not hesitate to reach out. I would be delighted to hear from you.