#012 - Operational Venture Capital, Project A, Simon Walter - (NoSchnickSchnack - The Toolbox of Corporate Venturing) Podcast Details

Description

In this episode, Christian Hüttenhein speaks with Simon Walter, Chief Strategy Officer of Project A Ventures, about the current challenges in venture capital and the differences between corporate venture capital and traditional venture capital. They dive into key topics like fund sizes, risk diversification, and investment goals, while also discussing exciting future trends that could shape the industry.

Takeaways

Project A Ventures is an operational VC that provides investment and support to portfolio companies.

The cross-functional team at Project A, consisting of experts from various fields, helps portfolio companies with strategic challenges.

The venture capital industry has faced challenges due to the economic downturn, but it has also become more cautious and healthier.

Corporate innovation strategies have evolved, with a focus on venture clienting and partnering.

Investing in a venture capital fund like Project A provides not only financial returns but also learning opportunities and access to a diverse deal flow. Corporate venture capital and traditional venture capital have different investment goals and strategies.

corporate venture capital often focuses on strategic investments and potential mergers and acquisitions (M&A), while venture capital aims to invest and sell for financial returns.

corporate venture capital can benefit from partnerships with venture capital funds to access promising startups and explore venture partnering or venture clienting opportunities.