Roles & People
Corporate Venture Capital
Investment arms of large corporations that invest in startups for both strategic and financial returns.
Corporate venture capital (CVC) refers to direct minority equity investments made by large corporations into external startup companies. CVCs invest for strategic reasons (access to innovation, potential acquisitions, market intelligence) alongside financial returns. They can be powerful partners providing distribution, technical resources, and credibility, but may also create conflicts if the parent company is a potential competitor or acquirer.
In Practice
Google Ventures (GV), Intel Capital, and Salesforce Ventures are major CVCs. GV invested in Uber and Slack, providing both capital and access to Google's technical infrastructure and talent network.
Why It Matters
CVC participation can validate a startup's technology and provide strategic advantages, but founders should carefully evaluate whether the corporate relationship creates competitive conflicts or limits future exit options.
Related Concepts
Further Reading
The Venture Capital Career Path Explained
From analyst to managing partner: the real timeline, what each level does, how promotions work, and the 'up or out' dynamics that shape VC careers.
Startup Equity: What Founders Don't Understand Until It's Too Late
Most founders think equity is simple: you own X%. But option pools, liquidation preferences, and preferred stock can quietly eat your returns. Here's what actually happens.
How to Get a Job in Venture Capital: The Definitive Guide (2026)
The complete guide to venture capital careers: roles from analyst to partner, salary ranges at every level, interview prep, and proven strategies to break in — even without a finance background.
Corporate Venture Capital: How Big Companies Invest in Startups
A practical guide to how corporate venture capital works, how it differs from traditional VC, and how founders can evaluate and negotiate CVC investment on strategic and financial terms.
What Is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in Venture Capital?
How special purpose vehicles work in venture capital — SPV structure, economics, legal requirements, and when they make sense for angel syndicates, co-investments, and emerging managers.
Anti-Dilution Provisions Explained: What Every Founder Needs to Know
How anti-dilution provisions work in venture capital — full ratchet vs. weighted average, how they affect founder ownership in down rounds, and what to negotiate in your term sheet.
Related Guides
The Complete Fund Operations Checklist: From Formation to First Close
A step-by-step operational checklist covering every decision, filing, and system an emerging fund manager needs — from entity formation through first LP close.
How Venture Capital Works: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to understand about venture capital — how funds raise money, how deals get done, and how returns flow back to investors. The definitive primer.
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