#64: On Air with EUVC: The Future of News and Insights in Corporate Venturing

Hi, I'm Jeppe and welcome to my 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 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.

Dear Readers, Colleagues, and Friends,

I hope you have had a great summer.

There is a lot happening, and exciting news will unfold over the fall as everything comes together.

The very first and major announcement is my new collaboration with Andreas Munk Holm and David Cruz e Silva ?? of EUVC . This partnership will bring a fresh spark to the newsletter, and I'll now shift my focus more towards podcasts on the EUVC platform, aiming to deepen your interest and knowledge in Corporate Venturing.

In today's podcast (link in comment), I discuss with Andreas why I have grown to love Corporate Venturing, sharing insights from my years at Maersk Growth .

From the script:

The Person Behind

In our upcoming series on CVCs at eu.vc, we'll dive deep into the roles and impacts of Corporate Venture Capitals. I'm thrilled to share my journey from Heartcore Capital to Maersk Growth and beyond.

From the Guest: After 9 years as CFO at Heartcore Capital, I transitioned to an investment role at Maersk Growth in 2018, where I managed investments exceeding USD 80 million, achieving a 3.6x return multiple. Currently, I am developing an infrastructure fund focused on balancing the electrical grid and consulting with corporations on structuring their venture programs to optimize benefits from the startup ecosystem. Additionally, I am collaborating with a business school to develop an executive masterclass on Corporate Venturing.

Top Reasons Why I Love CVC

1. My initial view was shaped by the notion that CVCs were cumbersome and slow. Joining Maersk allowed me to structure processes differently, enhancing agility and effectiveness.
2. My tenure at Maersk proved transformative; properly structured collaborations between startups and corporates can unlock significant synergies, providing startups with essential resources and expertise.
3. The role of corporations in accelerating startup development is profound, and contributing to this process as an investor brings immense satisfaction.

3 Biggest Learnings in CVC for VCs

1. Distinguish whether they are strategic or purely financial investors and their policies on follow-on investments.
2. Understand their investment and decision-making structures, including whether they are balance sheet investors.
3. Assess their involvement in Fund of Funds investments and the specific conditions applied.

3 Biggest Learnings for Corporates in CVC

1. The average lifespan of a CVC is 3.7 years, highlighting common pitfalls in the early stages.
2. Establishing a comprehensive Venture Program is crucial to engage effectively with the startup ecosystem.
3. Cultivate a differentiated team familiar with startup dynamics to streamline ecosystem integration.

Corporate LP Investing: My Perspective

I strongly advocate for Corporate LP investments as a strategy for accessing new technologies and geographies, particularly beneficial for new entrants in the CVC space.

Current Trends in CVC in Europe

Despite recent market challenges leading to restructuring and downsizing within many CVCs, interest remains high in sectors like Sustainability and AI. The collaboration between corporates and startups, especially in Climate Tech, is crucial to bridge the "valley of death" and reduce the risk of initial innovations.

I hope you enjoyed this week's 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