TLDR:
- 37 new names have joined the 2024 Global Corporate Venturing Powerlist.
- Main trends include a focus on AI, global expansion of CVC, and increasing longevity in the profession.
The 2024 Powerlist showcases the influence of corporate venture capital with 37 new names joining the prestigious list. The key trends observed in this year’s list include a significant emphasis on generative AI investments, reflecting the growing interest in AI technologies. Notable additions to the list include Ian Hathaway of OpenAI Startup Fund and Mohamed Siddeek of NVentures, Nvidia’s investment fund, both actively investing in startups leveraging AI technologies. Other established companies like ServiceNow and Databricks have also launched large funds dedicated to AI ventures.
In addition to the AI focus, the global spread of corporate venturing is evident with new geographies represented on the Powerlist. Companies like Telefonica’s Wayra and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have increased their CVC activity in regions like Latin America and South/Southeast Asia. The list also highlights the increasing longevity of CVC units, with a significant number of investors having been featured multiple times on the Powerlist, showcasing the sustained impact of these units.
The Powerlist profiles provide valuable insights into effective CVC strategies, with examples ranging from venture building to championing under-represented groups in venture investing. Investors like Gurdeep Singh Kohli of SC Ventures and Rachel Sheppard of Mars Petcare offer unique perspectives on successful CVC practices. The Powerlist serves as a guide for companies looking to enhance their CVC programs and navigate the evolving landscape of corporate venture capital.
