Corporate Venturing Insider
Barbry McGann on Product-Led Corporate Venture and the Future of AI
Filmed at the GCVI 2026 Summit in Monterey, Corporate Venturing Insider #126 features Nicolas Sauvage in conversation with Barbry McGann, co-head of Workday Ventures. Barbry shares how a career in enterprise software product leadership led her from PeopleSoft, Oracle, and Workday into corporate venture capital. She explains how product thinking shapes Workday Ventures’ investment strategy, why the team moved away from seed investing, and what she looks for in product-led founders. The episode also explores AI’s impact on enterprise software, market sensing inside corporations, and how Workday Ventures uses a provocative weekly newsletter to educate executives.
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Ana Lopes of IBM Ventures on Translating Science, Supporting Founders, and Building the Next Chapter of Corporate Venture Capital
Interviewed March 25th, 2026 at the GCV Monterey Summit
In this episode of Corporate Venturing Insider, Nicolas Sauvage speaks with Ana Lopes of IBM Ventures about her journey from astrophysics and MIT tech transfer to startup building, GE Ventures, and IBM Ventures. Ana shares lessons on translating science from lab to market, why founders should start with the problem rather than the technology, and how corporate VCs can provide “capital plus” through customer access, strategic validation, and go-to-market support. They also discuss IBM Ventures’ focus on enterprise AI, hybrid cloud, and quantum computing, plus how CVC teams...
Policy, Capital, and the Future of Innovation: NVCA’s Bobby Franklin on Why VCs and CVCs Must Work Together
Bobby Franklin joins Nicolas Sauvage for a conversation on venture capital policy, the rise of corporate venture capital, AI regulation, and the future of innovation. They explore why exits matter, how Washington misunderstands startups, and why stronger alignment between VCs, CVCs, and policymakers is increasingly critical to sustaining entrepreneurship and technological leadership.
Interviewed March 18th, 2026
600 Bets, Zero Consensus: How Coinbase Ventures Thinks Differently with Hoolie Tejwani
In this episode of Corporate Venturing Insider, recorded on March 24, 2026 at the Global Corporate Venturing Innovation Summit in Monterey, Nicolas Sauvage sits down with Hoolie Tejwani to unpack one of the most unconventional models in venture today.
With over 600 investments since 2018, Coinbase Ventures has taken a radically different approach—prioritizing speed, breadth, and ecosystem development over concentrated ownership and control. Tejwani shares how the firm scaled from a decentralized experiment into a high-velocity investment platform, why conviction matters more than consensus, and how Coinbase Ventures operates as an “API” for founders rather than a traditional lead investor.
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What It’s Like Stepping Into a Moving Venture Machine: Laurel Buckner on BHP Ventures
In this episode of Corporate Venturing Insider, Nicolas Sauvage speaks with Laurel Buckner, head of BHP Ventures, about what it takes to step into and lead an already established corporate venture fund. Laurel shares how she approached her first 30 days, aligned with senior leadership, and built on a high-performing team without disrupting momentum. The conversation explores BHP Ventures’ integrated model, its focus across the mining value chain, and how corporate VCs can balance strategic alignment with financial discipline. Laurel also discusses emerging opportunities in AI, critical minerals, and the evolving role of corporate venture capital in today’s innovation ecos...
Inside BASF’s AgroStart Model for Startup Collaboration with Mirella Lisboa
In this episode of Corporate Venturing Insider, Nicolas Sauvage speaks with Mirella Lisboa, Head of AgroStart LatAm at BASF, about how large corporations can turn startup collaboration into real business impact. Mirella explains how AgroStart operates as an open innovation platform connecting BASF business units with startups tackling real agricultural challenges. She discusses how the team structures partnerships around clear problems, measurable KPIs, and disciplined proof-of-concepts to avoid “innovation theater.” The conversation also explores AgroStart’s role as a venture client and how its work feeds insights to BASF Venture Capital. The result is a practical look at how corpor...
To CVC or Not to CVC: An Examination of Venture Clienting with Francesco Di Lorenzo
In this episode of Corporate Venturing Insider, recorded January 6, 2026, Nicolas Sauvage speaks with Francesco Di Lorenzo of Copenhagen Business School about the evolution of corporate venturing. Drawing on a decade of research, Francesco explores the shift from traditional CVC to venture clienting, examining why collaboration models are gaining traction. He challenges the hype around venture clienting, highlighting hidden OpEx costs, governance friction, and risks of short-termism. The discussion unpacks CapEx vs. OpEx, power law vs. distribution thinking, and how boards should structure venturing for long-term resilience. A thoughtful, critical look at where corporate venturing is headed next.
Proving Value Before Capital: Patricia Kroondijk on Pilots, VC-as-a-Service, and Corporate Venture Design
Interviewed January 5th, 2026
In this episode, Nicolas Sauvage speaks with Patricia Kroondijk of Canon Marketing Japan about building corporate venture capability through venture clienting. They unpack Canon’s VC-as-a-Service approach, why pilots come before investments, and how Japanese corporate culture shapes decision-making. Patricia shares where the platform is heading next as it gains independence.
The Challenges Facing Corporate Venturing and GCV Leadership with Bill Taranto
In this episode of Corporate Venturing Insider, Nicolas Sauvage sits down with Bill Taranto, founder of the Merck Global Health Innovation Fund and outgoing co-chair of the GCV Leadership Society. Recorded on January 6—just one day after his conversation with fellow co-chair Arvind Purushotham—the discussion offers a rare look at leadership transition inside the global CVC community. Taranto reflects on nearly four decades in corporate venturing, shares hard-earned lessons on strategy, trust, and longevity, and offers candid advice to Sauvage as he assumes the GCV chairmanship. A thoughtful conversation on stewardship, community, and building institutions that endure.
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Passing the Baton: Lessons from Outgoing GCV Co-Chair, Arvind Purushotham
As Nicolas Sauvage steps into the role of co-chair of the GCV Leadership Society, he sits down with outgoing co-chair Arvind Purushotham of Citi Ventures to reflect on how corporate venturing has matured over the past 15 years. Together, they explore what it takes to build durable CVC programs—covering strategic impact, incentives, governance, and the importance of patience in a long-term venture model.
Interviewed January 5th, 2026
The Compensation Architect: How Jody Thelander Thinks About Incentives, Autonomy, and the Next Decade of CVC
Interviewed October 18, 2025
In this episode of Corporate Venturing Insider, Nicolas Sauvage sits down with Jody Thelander, founder and CEO of J. Thelander Consulting, to unpack how compensation shapes autonomy, retention, and performance in corporate venture capital. Together they explore the delicate balance between VC-style incentives and corporate governance. Listeners will learn how to design compensation models that align mission, motivate teams, and earn the mothership’s trust.
The Scout Bees of Btomorrow Ventures: Guiding BAT Toward Its Next Hive
Interviewed October 6, 2025
In this episode of Corporate Venturing Insider, Nicolas Sauvage sits down with Annie Goman, Managing Director of Btomorrow Ventures, to explore how BAT’s venture arm is redefining corporate innovation. Goman shares how she led a strategic reset of Fund II, emphasizing “high alignment and high autonomy” to guide BAT’s transformation beyond nicotine. She also shares her scout bee analogy—describing how Btomorrow Ventures is charting the path to the company’s next hive of growth.
Inside BMW’s Venture Client Model: Alexandra Renner on Building the World’s First Venture Client Unit
Interviewed September 25, 2025
In Episode #113 of Corporate Venturing Insider, Nicolas Sauvage speaks with Alexandra Renner, Program Manager at BMW Startup Garage, the world’s first venture client unit. Alexandra shares her journey from co-founding an augmented reality startup to shaping how BMW collaborates with hundreds of business units and pilots startup technologies at scale. She discusses the evolution of venture clienting, from early challenges to today’s best practices in scouting, piloting, and building lasting partnerships. Alexandra also explains how BMW balances startup speed with corporate rigor, the importance of internal communications, and why starting “big enough...
Talking Corporate Venturing and “When Goliath Needs David” with Valery Yakubovich from Wharton's Mack Institute
Interviewed August 15th, 2025
In this episode of Corporate Venturing Insider #112, Nicolas Sauvage speaks with Valery Yakubovich from Wharton’s Mack Institute about his latest report on corporate venturing. Valery explains how CVC has evolved from “David vs. Goliath” disruption toward symbiotic partnerships, where corporations and startups co-create value. The conversation unpacks six core corporate objectives—from risk management to ecosystem building—and explores emerging practices like venture clienting, venture building, and even AI-enabled startups.
“Steady as She Goes”: Intel Capital Veteran Tammi Smorynski on Boards, Down-Cycles, and Why She’s Teaching the Next Generation
Interviewed August 14, 2025
Nicolas Sauvage interviews Tammi Smorynski—24-year Intel Capital veteran and now GCV Institute instructor—on her winding path from J.P. Morgan to venture and why great CVCs must balance strategic impact with financial discipline. She shares boardroom best practices (say the hard thing first, observers can be powerful, use her eight-slide handover pack) and lessons from Intel Capital’s leaders summed up by Les Vadasz’s mantra: “steady as she goes.” Smorynski compares past downturns to today’s uncertainty, offers guarded optimism for deep-tech hardware, and urges aspiring CVCs to find mentors, treat failures...
What Kind of Investor Do You Want to Be? A Conversation with Mike Smeed of InMotion Ventures
On July 21st, 2025, Corporate Venturing Insider welcomed Mike Smeed, Managing Director of InMotion Ventures, the CVC arm of Jaguar Land Rover.
In conversation with Nicolas Sauvage, President of TDK Ventures, Mike shared how InMotion balances strategic alignment with entrepreneurial agility through its evergreen structure, fast decision-making, and clear corporate engagement. The episode explores the central question guiding his journey: what kind of investor do you want to be?
How Game Theory, Gut Instinct, and Long-Term Thinking Shape Great Venture Capitalists: A Conversation with Matt Rhodes-Kropf
Tune into our conversation with Matt Rhodes-Kropf, Managing Partner at Tectonic Ventures and Professor at MIT Sloan School of Management.
Interviewed on March 28th, 2025
Boundary Rules & Breakthroughs from Temple Fennell from Clean Energy Ventures
Interviewed May 5th, 2025
In Episode 108 of Corporate Venturing Insider, Nicolas Sauvage sits down with Temple Fennell, cofounder and managing partner at Clean Energy Ventures. Temple shares his journey from systems engineer to climate-focused investor, offering insights into launching the CREO Syndicate and building Clean Energy Ventures. He breaks down his investment framework—like boundary rules and watch mode—and reflects on the evolving role of CVCs in climate tech. This episode is packed with strategic lessons for investors, founders, and innovation leaders.
Bridging Founders and Funders: Lessons from Angela Lee of Columbia Business School and 37 Angels
Tune into our conversation with Angela Lee, Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia Business School.
Interviewed on April 15th, 2025
In this episode of Corporate Venturing Insider, Nicolas Sauvage sits down with Angela Lee, founder of 37 Angels and professor at Columbia Business School, to unpack her unconventional path from founder to investor and educator. Angela shares how she built 37 Angels to close both the knowledge and diversity gaps in angel investing, while offering frameworks for diligence, decision-making, and founder evaluation. The conversation also explores the evolving role of corporate venture capital, including its strategic potential, pitfalls...
A Liberal Arts Approach to Private Equity and Venture Investing with Gustavo Schwed of NYU Stern and Princeton
Tune into our conversation with Gustavo Schwed, Professor of Finance and Professor of Management Practice at NYU Stern School of Business.
Interviewed on March 4th, 2025
https://cv-insider.com/
Flying Solo: How Bonny Simi Launched JetBlue’s Venture Arm—and Landed Joby
Join Bonny Simi, President of Operations at Joby Aviation and former founder of JetBlue Ventures to discuss her corporate venturing career.
Interviewed March 19th, 2025 at GCVI 2025 Summit in Monterey, CA.
Hosted by Nicolas Sauvage
Find the Full Episode here: https://cv-insider.com/
Chasing the Future with Steve Westly, founder of The Westly Group
In this episode of Corporate Venturing Insider, Steve Westly—Founder and Managing Partner of The Westly Group, and former Controller and Chief Fiscal Officer of the State of California—joins Nicolas Sauvage for a wide-ranging conversation on investing, innovation, and leadership.
Recorded live at GCV Monterey on March 20, 2025, Steve shares hard-earned lessons from his journey through public service, IPOs, and nearly two decades of venture investing. From early bets on Tesla and Luminar to his views on AI, cost curves, and the role of corporate LPs, Steve offers actionable advice for fund managers, founders, and corporate leaders alik...
How Megann Watters Turned Science-First Investing into Strategic Wins at LabCorp
Interviewed on March 19th, 2025
Megann Vaughn Watters shares her journey from biomedical engineering to one of healthcare's most strategic corporate venture funds at LabCorp. She and Nicolas Sauvage discuss lessons in sourcing innovation, managing a fund of funds, partnering with startups, managing a growing portfolio, and scaling strategic value across the enterprise.
The Global Edge: Joe LiPuma on CVC’s Strategic Role in International Expansion
Tune into our conversation with Joseph LiPuma, Associate Professor In Global Business, Strategy And Innovation at the Boston Questrom School of Business.
Interviewed on March 6th, 2025
From Private Equity to CVC: Steven N. Kaplan, One of the Galaxy’s Top Experts, Shares His Research
Tune into our conversation with Steven Kaplan, Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Interviewed on March 3rd, 2025
Jeff Bussgang Talks AI-Forward Strategies, CVC Best Practices, and Flybridge’s Road to Success
Tune into our conversation with Jeffrey Bussgang, General Partner and Co-Founder, Flybridge Capital Partners; Senior Lecturer, Harvard Business School, Author of the new book The Experimentation Machine.
Interviewed on February 6th, 2025
The Power of Ecosystem: Victoria Slivkoff on Juggling Three Full-Time Roles
Tune into our conversation with Victoria Slivkoff, Executive Managing Director of Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) and later the Head of Ecosystem at Walden Catalyst,
Interviewed on February 28th, 2025
Intel, Apple, and Europe's 50-Year VC Revolution: A Conversation with Oxford's Thomas Hellmann
Tune into our conversation with Thomas Hellmann, Professor at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School.
You can also read his case study from Stanford on Apple's CVC in the 80's or read the article on the interview here.
Interviewed on January 14th, 2025
From Finance to Philanthropy: Lisa Hehenberger on the Rise of Venture Philanthropy and Impact Investing
Tune into our conversation with Lisa Hehenberger, Associate Professor and Director a of the Esade Center for Social Impact.
Interviewed on January 16th, 2025
Melbourne’s Next Big Leap: Unlocking Australia’s Venturing Potential with Colin McLeod
Tune into our conversation with Colin McLeod, Professor and Executive Director of the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre at The University of Melbourne
Interviewed on January 15th, 2025
90% Exploration: How GTT Strategic Ventures Finds the Future of Maritime Innovation with Hélène Loncin
Tune into our conversation with Hélène Loncin, Head of Venture Capital at GTT Strategic Ventures.
Interviewed on December 13th, 2024
Unlocking 'the Venture Mindset' Beyond CVC: Insights from Ilya Strebulaev
Tune into our conversation with Ilya Strebulaev, the The David S. Lobel Professor of Private Equity at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and author of "The Venture Mindset", a bestselling book on corporate innovation.
Interviewed on October 29th, 2024
From Horseback to Carbon Curves: Decarbonizing with Diane Frachon of SLB New Energy
Tune into our conversation with Diane Frachon, Director New Energy UK & Corporate Ventures for SLB.
Interviewed on November 29th, 2024
Sailing to Scaling: Investor Alejandro Solé's Journey in Energy Transition
Tune into our conversation with Alejandro Solé, CIO of TechEnergy Ventures.
Interviewed on November 4th, 2024
To Sit or Not to Sit with Sophie Dingreville of bp pulse
Tune into our conversation with Sophie Dingreville, Global Product Partnerships & Innovation Director of bp pulse.
Interviewed on October 28th, 2024
Failure, Hobgoblins, and M&A: Dr. Dennis Charlebois on the Start-up Journey
Tune into our conversation with Dr. Dennis Charlebois, Professor of entrepreneurship at the Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business.
Interviewed on October 18th, 2024
Wishlist to Wins: Empowering Founders with a Proactive Platform Team
Tune into our conversation with Galina Ozgur, Vice President of Platform for H/L Ventures.
Interviewed on September 30th, 2024
Investing with Purpose: Inside the Gates Foundation’s Strategic Investment Fund
Tune into our conversation with Archana Srivatsan, Head of Investment for South & South-East Asia for the Gates Foundation Strategic Investment Fund (SIF).
Interviewed on September 12th, 2024
Catalyzing Innovation & The Dotted Line with National Grid Partners
Tune into our conversation with Swati Dasgupta, former Director at National Grid Partners
Interviewed on July 15th, 2024
Beyond the Golden Triangle: Exploring UK Innovation with Future Planet Capital
Tune into our conversation with Sakura Holloway, Investment Director at Future Planet Capital
Interviewed on June 18, 2024
