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𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 (𝐍𝐨𝐭) 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐕𝐂𝐬 (𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟏) Businesses need to innovate or die. This is why, in recent years, corporate venture building has drawn lessons from the VC playbook for their venture-building exercises. However, corporates have different starting and ending points compared to VCs, and thus, corporate venture builders should act differently. This article is part one of a two-part series written by Sebastian Mueller, our Ming Labs partner, with the support of our partner Ziv Ragowsky, to explore the differences of opportunities and challenges they face in venture building compared to their VC counterparts.   --- We will delve deep into four aspects of how corporate venture building differs from VC: 📝 Strategic Focus and Objectives 📊 Risk Tolerance and Investment Philosophy ⚙️ Operational Approach and Resource Allocation 📈 Market Entry and Scaling Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gpsTyzxY --- If you are a corporate looking for a venture-building partner, reach out to us at contact@wright.partners. --- This article is written as part of Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB)'s Corporate Venture Launchpad 2.0 programme — an expanded S$20m programme by EDB New Ventures, designed to enable companies to incubate and launch a new venture from Singapore, supported by venture studios experienced in corporate venture building. #venturesmadepossible

🎙️ United Ventures' managing partner, Massimiliano Magrini, recently joined EUVC for an in-depth discussion on European venture capital's evolution and future. The conversation explores why Europe's venture ecosystem stands at a critical inflection point, presenting growing opportunities for building large-scale consolidators and attracting international capital. Key insights from the discussion: - Unlike the US market, where Big Tech companies serve as natural consolidators, Europe is still developing its ecosystem of large-scale acquirers - a dynamic that fundamentally influences exit strategies and growth paths; - The European growth stage, predominantly led by PE firms focused on profitability, offers a distinct contrast to the US VC model's emphasis on high-growth potential; - A big shift in US investment focus from Asian markets to Europe is creating new opportunities for transatlantic collaboration; - Europe's unique landscape presents exciting opportunities in sustainable digitization, enterprise software, and deeptech - key focus areas for United Ventures. Drawing from United Ventures' portfolio experience, Massimiliano shares his perspectives on how European startups can navigate #growth stages and attract international capital. His core messages resonate beyond market dynamics: successful venture capital requires balancing deep expertise with openness to discoveries while never forgetting our broader responsibility to society. And people remain at the core, beyond thesis. This philosophy continues to guide United Ventures' investment approach. 💭 This conversation is too dense to distill into a summary - we encourage you to listen to the full episode - and explore the newsletter notes - for Massimiliano's complete thoughts on building Europe's next generation of tech leaders. Thank you so much Andreas Munk Holm for hosting this thoughtful and comprehensive conversation 💖 🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/dG8F4RcJ #VentureCapital #EuropeanVC

🚀 Forging the Future: Corporate Venture Capitalists Driving Deep Tech Innovation Get ready to uncover the secrets behind how Corporate Venture Capitalists (CVCs) are shaping the future of transformative technologies at the Hello Tomorrow Japan Deep Tech Summit 2024! 🗓️ Session Title: "𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵" 📅 When: 18:30 - 19:00 🌟 Why This Panel Is Unmissable: CVCs are the powerhouses behind innovation, bridging bold ideas with strategic execution. In this thought-provoking panel, you’ll hear from industry leaders about how they: 1. Identify game-changing innovations that redefine industries. 2. Balance bold investments with commercial viability in an ever-changing global economy. 3. Build synergies that connect startups, corporates, and markets across regions. Featuring: 🌱🤝🌍 Nicolas Sauvage, President of TDK Ventures Kaz Hadano, CEO of Sony Ventures Corporation Nicole LeBlanc, CPA, Partner at Woven Capital, Toyota's Growth Fund Supachai Kid Parchariyanon, Managing Partner at SeaX Ventures Who Should Join? This session is for investors looking to spot the next unicorn, founders seeking guidance on scaling and collaboration, and industry leaders who want to learn how to unlock the full potential of CVC partnerships. 🎟️Get your tickets now: https://lnkd.in/gCT3f4hM Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gvev-wpT

The United States remains the world’s most lucrative destination for venture capital (VC). In 2023 alone, US VCs deployed over $200 billion across various industries, with tech dominating the lion's share. (Norwegian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (NVCA)) For companies hailing from outside the US, particularly the Nordics, the opportunity is immense... but so are the challenges. A closer look reveals that less than 25% of all venture funding in the US goes to foreign-founded startups, despite the fact that foreign entrepreneurs account for over 50% of US tech unicorns. (National Foundation for American Policy) Why the disconnect? ● Cultural Fit Matters: US investors often look for more than innovation; they prioritize market alignment, growth velocity, and leadership adaptability to the fast-paced American business environment. ● Storytelling and Metrics: While Swedish companies often focus on sustainability and long-term impact, US investors expect crisp, data-backed narratives about revenue growth and scalability. ● Networks Rule Everything: Studies indicate that 75% of successful funding rounds in the US involve warm introductions. Building these networks remotely can be a significant hurdle for international founders. Yet, the payoff is incredible for those who navigate the landscape effectively. The US offers not just capital but access to a market that accounts for 40% of the world’s tech spend and an ecosystem that rewards bold, forward-thinking innovators. At UmbrTech Partners, we specialize in helping Swedish tech companies bridge this gap. From perfecting your pitch to connecting you with the right investors, we work together with our partner companies to help you get the funding you need and to ensure you’re positioned for success in the US market. 🔑 Key Takeaway: Venture capital funding in the US isn’t just about raising money; it’s about becoming a part of a dynamic ecosystem that scales ideas into industry leaders. How is your business preparing to seize this opportunity? Let’s discuss strategies to unlock your full potential in the US market. #VentureCapital #TechInnovation #MarketExpansion #NordicTech #USBusiness

Next Tuesday! Please join our next Japan Zoominar @UC San Diego on Tuesday, Apr. 9 from 4-5 p.m. Pacific (Apr. 10 from 8-9 a.m. JST) Tim Romero will join Ulrike Schaede for a discussion of Japan's venture capital industry today. Register: https://lnkd.in/gWTVcBnF Compared to 20 years ago, Japan’s VC industry has evolved significantly. No longer are deals necessarily small, nor are all VC associated with banks or insurance companies. The rise of a vibrant domestic VC industry has also attracted more foreign funds. And as financing options for startup companies have diversified, more entrepreneurs enjoy broader access to funding. Join Tim Romero, seasoned Japan hand and new J-venture capitalist, for an inside look at this industry and its evolution, as well as where and why it continues to operate differently from the U.S. Tim Romero is a partner at JERA Ventures and host of the Disrupting Japan podcast. Tim is deeply involved in Japan's startup community as an investor, founder, author and educator, and he has founded several startups in Japan over the past 25 years. Romero has also taught entrepreneurship and corporate innovation at New York University's Tokyo campus, was the Head of Google for Startups Japan, and has worked with TEPCO and other Japanese enterprises on startup engagement and innovation strategy. Ulrike Schaede is Professor of Japanese Business at the University of California, San Diego, School of Global Policy and Strategy. Her research focuses on Japan’s changing business strategies, innovation, and corporate culture change. Books include “The Business Reinvention of Japan” (2020; in Japanese 「再興 THE KAISHA: 日本のビジ ネス・リインベンション」) and「シン日本の経営：悲観バイアスを排す」(2024, in Japanese only). #japaneseVC #Japan #venturecapital #japanbusiness #entrepreneurship

Fresh from one of our partners OUVC - Venture Capital & Venture Studio, 🚀The registration to the V4-Ukraine Talent Fusion Program’s #IamPitching competition is open! Do not miss the chance to bring your startup to the next level. Register now. ⬇️ What is in it for you? 🌐 Visibility: Showcase your startup to eager investors and industry leaders from the CEE region. 🧠 Elite Mentorship: Benefit from three exclusive training sessions led by industry experts. 🎤 Pitch Perfection: A chance to shine at our internal demo day, receiving invaluable feedback. 🚀 Showcase Supreme: Shine at the live pitch event in Budapest, with your booth and in addition, your stay is on us! All you need to do is to:  👉Complete a quick 3-minute form 👉Share your compelling pitch deck 👉Present a snappy two-minute video pitch Step to the next level! Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/dEiAEc-C The organisers: OUVC - Venture Capital & Venture Studio, Accelpoint, Insane Business Ideas, Rivne IT Cluster The project is co-financed by the Governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from the International Visegrad Fund. The mission of the fund is to advance ideas for sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe. #innovationjourney #startup #pitchcompetition #opportunity #applynow #VisegradFund

🔥 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲’𝐬 𝐕𝐂 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐚𝐧 & 𝐂𝐄𝐄 Join us today for a virtual 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐕𝐂 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 featuring 𝟔 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 that will be presenting their strategies and vision, focused on the 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐚𝐧 & 𝐂𝐄𝐄. 🕒 The event kicks off at 𝟑 𝐏𝐌 𝐂𝐄𝐓, providing a unique platform for leading VC funds to showcase their approach to investing in one of the most promising markets. 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭: 🔹Lighthouse Ventures is an early-stage VC, focused on technology projects with global vision. Their mission is to nurture inspiring ideas throughout their critical early-stage, financially as well as professionally, with an international team of partners bringing together expertise in entrepreneurship, startup mentoring, mergers and acquisitions, media and marketing. 🔹Nesprit is driving clean innovation by actively supporting and investing in the most outstanding early-stage teams, and sectors like ClimateTech, WaterTech, FoodTech, and IIoT. At Nesprit, they are driven by the simple idea of leveraging technology and innovation to foster growth and sustainability in Central and Eastern Europe's emerging markets. 🔹Sunfish Partners is investing at the intersection of three massive opportunities: CEE, DeepTech, and early-stage. Sunfish CEE II is the second fund of an accomplished German-Polish team. The new fund is doubling down on the proven strategy from their first fund, a portfolio with 16 exceptional startups at the forefront of technological innovation. 🔹STARTGUIDE VC is a VC fund dedicated to empowering early-stage digital startups in the CEE region, with a particular focus on sectors like FinTech, Enterprise Software, HealthTech, IoT, and B2B SaaS. StartGuide is more than just an investor - strategic partners dedicated to turning innovative ideas into market-leading companies. 🔹Fifth Quarter Ventures is the premier early-stage VC for startups in the Adriatic region. With extensive capital allocation and operational expertise, they strive to be the first significant institutional investor in our portfolio companies, leading funding rounds and securing a board seat to ensure we can contribute meaningfully to their long-term success. 🔹GapMinder VC is an early-stage VC fund, igniting the next wave of DeepTech and SaaS born in South Eastern Europe and diaspora. The team is rolling up their sleeves and helps start-ups scale in the US and other large markets. They are growing disruptive technologies, daring ideas and strong leaders, and we value creativity, value creation and the potential of the businesses to impact markets. 🔗𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲: https://lu.ma/fq57z8w5 With over 𝟏𝟏𝟎+ 𝐋𝐏𝐬 already attending, this is your chance to connect with top investors and discover the future of venture capital in the Balkan & CEE regions. We look forward to seeing you there! 🎉

Top Venture Capital Trends in the Middle East for 2024-2025 from VC Weekend by Gingo Partners. - Surge in Venture Funding and Startup Expansion: Funding notably increased, especially in fintech, healthcare, AI, and sustainability, as regional funds expanded their influence. - Global Ambitions for Local Startups: More Middle Eastern startups ventured into international markets, capturing global investment and scaling their operations. - Focus on Green Economy and Sustainability: Investors prioritized environmentally impactful projects, creating new funding channels and opportunities. - Growth of Corporate Venture Capital: Regional corporations expanded their VC arms, actively supporting innovative companies and strengthening the ecosystem. - Regulatory Initiatives and Improved Infrastructure: Governments enhanced policies and infrastructure, creating a more favorable environment for VC investments. 💼 Our Section with Jamil Shinawi explored these themes, highlighting VC trends, IPOs, venture debt, and the impact of AI and AGI on the future of investments, along with insights into GenZ banking expectations. Read the full article here https://lnkd.in/dG3Mt4sG

#𝟯𝟮 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹: 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵’𝘀 𝗩𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆’𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗚𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 🌍 Venture capital’s roots go back centuries, tracing an incredible journey of transformation. In the 𝟭𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆, European monarchs like 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗜 funded high-risk voyages, including Sir Francis Drake’s expeditions, hoping for returns from new trade routes. This early form of venture capital was risky but rewarded investors immensely. 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝟵𝟰𝟬𝘀-𝟱𝟬𝘀: As tech innovation accelerated in the U.S., early VC firms like 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 backed companies like Digital Equipment Corporation. The model shifted from voyages to technology, investing in people with big ideas. 𝟭𝟵𝟳𝟬𝘀-𝟴𝟬𝘀: With Silicon Valley’s growth, venture capital exploded, funding companies like 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵, pioneering today’s approach—investing in high-growth potential startups. VCs offered more than capital, helping build infrastructure for new businesses. 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟬𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱: The digital age sparked rapid growth, leading to “𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗻” startups like 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 and 𝗨𝗯𝗲𝗿. VC evolved further, adopting data-driven analysis and expanding globally, supporting startups in fields from AI to clean energy. Today’s VCs continue the legacy—funding transformative ideas and taking calculated risks to shape the future. How do you see venture capital evolving next? #VentureCapital #InvestmentHistory #Innovation #ExplorationToInnovation #SiliconValley #StartupFunding #TechRevolution #HistoryOfVC

As the startup ecosystem continues to evolve, the role of the VC scout is more important than ever. They're not just looking for great ideas; they're identifying the future of entire industries. #VentureCapital #VCScouting #StartupEcosystem #Innovation #Investing