In this episode of Klimatic Scale, Dash speaks with Erik Wirsing, a logistics innovation veteran who has implemented dozens of startups into corporate operations. Drawing from decades in leadership roles, Erik breaks down the practical reality of corporate venturing.
How to scale a startup solution across 100 countries, navigate internal politics, and convince both the C-suite and warehouse workers that change is worth it. Erik shares hard-won lessons on when to use venture clienting vs. venture building, why German companies struggle to kill projects, and the critical mistake that made employees reject a self-driving bus they initially loved.
Here’s one question to set the scene: Should you fall in love with a technology first, or find the pain point first?
👉 Listen to find out why Erik completely reversed his approach.
This is the last of four episodes in the Venture Tools Chapter of Klimatic Scale, where we focus on venture clienting and venture building as the most practical innovation tools for climate-critical industries to move beyond pilots and into real-world impact. Both corporate and startup listeners can take valuable insights from real cases.
1:00 From toy trucks to autonomous driving: Erik’s logistics DNA13:00 The corporate venturing toolbox: clienting, building, CVC17:30 Push vs. pull: why “cool technology” doesn’t scale21:00 Stakeholder mapping: from board to shop floor27:00 Budget reality: who pays after the pilot ends?30:00 Business case drivers: cost savings vs. new revenue36:00 How to pitch to corporates
Connect with Erik if you want to continue the conversation - he’s currently exploring new adventures in corporate venturing!
