TDK Ventures

What does it take for VCs to move beyond platitudes and genuinely support the entrepreneurs they fund? In a recent Harvard Business Review article, our own President 🌱🤝🌍 Nicolas Sauvage explores how the Net Promoter Score (NPS) methodology has proven invaluable over the past five years. At TDK Ventures, NPS has guided and empowered us to serve our entrepreneurs more effectively as customers. Nicolas details a practical four-step approach for implementing NPS in a VC fund, demonstrating how it can unlock untapped ideas from entrepreneurs and ensure a mutually beneficial experience for both VCs and founders. Read the full article to explore these insights and more: https://lnkd.in/g2pbPtHf #VentureCapital #NetPromoterScore #NPS #startups #VC #entrepreneurs

Unlocking the Power of Long-Duration Battery Storage: Insights from TDK Ventures’ 100X Conference Long-duration energy storage is emerging as a critical enabler of the clean energy transition—offering solutions for scaling intermittent renewable power like solar and wind. At TDK Ventures’ 100X Conference, leading experts and investors discussed how advancing technologies, strategic investments, and collaborative innovation are shaping this evolving space. Key insights: > Capital-intensive scaling: Jonathan Glass (ARPA-E) emphasized that modeling capabilities and localized forecasts are as vital as novel chemistries in achieving cost-effective storage solutions. > Corporate partnerships: Brigid O'Brien (RA Capital Management highlighted how corporates can provide early capital and market access to help startups build momentum and scale efficiently. > Technology maturation: Bernd Heid (McKinsey & Company) introduced the concept of “plant as product” to modularize and commoditize production, enabling faster scaling for emerging technologies. > Global variations: Robert Stoner (Kendall Square Project) explored how markets like India may adopt unique approaches to integrating renewables and storage due to distinct economic and infrastructure challenges. Read the full recap of 100X insights and explore collaboration opportunities that could transform the future of sustainable energy. https://lnkd.in/g3JecnwB

Where are the untapped opportunities in climate tech? At TDK Ventures’ 100X Energy Track Summit, industry leaders explored the “white spaces” crucial for advancing global decarbonization. Key insights: - 90% of climate solutions exist but need scaling to reach impact. - Scaling reduces costs — following a “Moore’s Law” for climate tech. - True success lies in de-risking and deploying known technologies to tackle market problems effectively. Learn how startups, investors, and innovators are shaping the sustainable energy ecosystem. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gDaGcg7v Bernd Heid Robert Stoner Brigid O'Brien Jonathan Glass David Delfassy #ClimateTech #Innovation #Sustainability #NetZero

From Brick and Mortar to Venture Success: The Role of Finance and Accounting in CVC Operations Corporate venture capital (CVC) is a dynamic and complex world, but behind every successful CVC lies a strong foundation in finance and accounting (F&A). In this latest article, 🌱🤝🌎Robert Porter, Financial Principal at TDK Ventures, explores the essential role that a skilled and strategic F&A team plays in navigating the dual priorities of CVC: delivering exceptional financial returns while advancing a corporate parent’s long-term mission. Key takeaways include: - The importance of risk management and due diligence to protect investments. - How metrics like ROI, IRR, and cash runway drive smarter decisions. - The role of strategic alignment in balancing innovation with corporate objectives. - Why robust reporting inspires stakeholder confidence and trust. An efficient F&A team doesn’t just manage numbers—they enable innovation, strategic alignment, and long-term success. Dive into the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gNyXB25u What are your thoughts on the role of finance and accounting in venture operations? Share your insights below.

We’re excited to announce the promotion of Yan Yan to Investment Associate at TDK Ventures. Since joining our team in 2022, Yan has leveraged her expertise in climate tech, advanced materials, and bio-based solutions to drive deep-tech innovations, forge strategic partnerships, and support transformative investments that advance our mission for a more sustainable and connected world. "We are thrilled to see Yan advance within TDK Ventures. Her dedication and insights have been invaluable to our team and our entrepreneurs," said 🌱🤝🌍 Nicolas Sauvage. "Yan’s commitment to nurturing the next wave of industry pioneers makes her a perfect fit for this role." Please join us in congratulating Yan on this exciting new chapter.

Critical Mass: Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey Leads the Climate Tech Charge At TDK Ventures' 100x Energy Track in Boston, Governor Maura Healey shared her bold vision for positioning Massachusetts as a global leader in climate technology. From appointing the state's first climate chief to deploying innovative policies that align with federal funding, Healey is putting Massachusetts at the forefront of the clean energy revolution. The Bay State boasts unparalleled resources: top-tier research institutions, accelerators, and groundbreaking startups like Ascend Elements and Boston Metal. Under Healey’s leadership, the state isn’t just tackling climate challenges—it’s turning them into opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and equitable workforce development. “The heroes of this revolution will be those who innovate and inspire hope through action,” Healey told attendees. Read more about her inspiring keynote and Massachusetts’ unique approach to climate innovation here: https://lnkd.in/gh5SuiE3 #ClimateLeadership #CleanEnergyRevolution #SustainableInnovation #TDKVentures #100xEnergyTrack

Lithium is considered the key to a low-carbon, green future. So, how can we make its production faster, cheaper, and greener? Our portfolio company Novalith has found the answer. Featured in Forbes Australia, CEO and founder Steven V. discusses the company’s groundbreaking technology and how Novalith is changing the game by using carbon dioxide to extract battery-grade lithium. This innovative approach cuts production costs by up to 60% while significantly reducing carbon emissions and water usage. With plans for a commercial-scale plant in the US, discover how Novalith is poised to play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for lithium and accelerating the transition to sustainable energy. https://lnkd.in/gtdDsi7y

Progressive Policy & Massive Investment: Key to Achieving Energy-Transition Goals In a recent TDK Ventures 100X Energy Track talk, Tara Narayanan, BloombergNEF's lead analyst for North America, laid out a powerful case for the massive policy shifts and funding needed to reach global climate goals. The U.S. is reducing emissions, but according to Narayanan, we’re far behind the pace necessary to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Key insights: - The urgency of action: Annual climate investments must nearly triple to $5 trillion by 2030. - Sector focus: Energy, biofuels, and CCS (carbon capture and storage) need focused investment and incentives. - Global collaboration: Only a combined effort across sectors and borders can meet these ambitious goals. The 100X summit demonstrated that leaders in energy innovation and policy must accelerate efforts and create a resilient ecosystem of sustainable solutions. Dive into the full article to explore Narayanan’s insights on the pathways forward. https://lnkd.in/gYUga6FV #EnergyTransition #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture

We're thrilled to share that TDK Ventures' journey is now part of the curriculum at IESE Business School—ranked among the world’s top three MBA programs. “TDK Ventures: From a Successful Story to Case Study,” showcases a new case study on TDK Ventures that delves into the strategic, operational, and cultural intricacies of corporate venture capital (CVC). It highlights our efforts to align innovative startup investments with TDK’s core values, while exploring pathways for future growth. This case captures the essence of our mission: driving deep-tech innovation while staying true to TDK’s foundational principles. Through it, IESE students confront real-world challenges that we face daily, from talent acquisition and financial uncertainty to fostering long-term alignment between startups and corporate structures. IESE’s experiential approach lets students step into our strategic decision-making processes, gaining firsthand insights into building impactful partnerships and making venture capital a catalyst for meaningful change in materials science, energy, and sustainability. A huge thank you to Mª Julia Prats, Josemaria Siota and the IESE team for integrating our story into your teaching. We can’t wait to see the fresh perspectives and valuable insights this will inspire among the next generation of CVC leaders. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/genMqk5a See our case study: https://lnkd.in/gkNVCx75 #TDKVentures #ImpactScalers #CorporateVenture #Innovation #BusinessEducation #CaseStudy

Our growth story continues with the expansion of our India office, where Ravi Jain joins Vasan Churchill in empowering Indian entrepreneurs to advance their innovative technologies with TDK Ventures’ global deep-tech expertise. “By situating TDK Ventures closer to India’s visionary startups and innovators, the goal is to offer TDK Goodness firsthand, accelerating the development of transformative technologies that can benefit the global ecosystem," President 🌱🤝🌍 Nicolas Sauvage noted. Ravi Jain brings extensive experience from key roles at Ola Group, where he oversaw Ola Consumer, Ola Electric, and AI unicorn Ola Krutrim. He also co-founded GenY Medium and GenY Labs, developed the Auris platform, and previously led cleantech and healthcare investments at VenturEast. Vasan Churchill joined TDK Ventures after founding ADAXIS, a leader in robotic additive-manufacturing software. With prior experience as a senior scientist at Sweden’s RISE and contributions to GE's wind and aviation research, he holds two patents in wind turbine blade technology. “TDK Ventures entered the Indian market with a mission to accelerate learning, bring meaningful contributions to society, and invest in startups with similar ideals,” said Investment Managing Director, 🌱🤝🌍 Anil Achyuta. Learn more about the team and our India innovation-hub location. https://lnkd.in/gvmcVdME #India #VentureCapital #VC #CVC #startups #innovation