74% of corporate venture investors prefer investing early.
Key takeaways
01
74% of survey respondents target pre-seed and early-stage companies
However, the ongoing myth is that CVCs only invest at later stages when the investment has been de-risked.
02
49% of respondents lead at least 30% of the deals they participate in, and 70% have the ability to take active board seats
The myth is that CVCs don’t lead deals, and don’t have board influence.
03
50% of respondents disclosed active LP positions in other venture funds
The myth is that a small number of CVCs take LP positions.
CVCs are approving deals faster
Almost 50% of CVC firms have approved deals in place within two months of initial meetings. Additionally, Bellwether firms are typically completing deals in under 30 days from the first meeting, keeping pace of their traditional VC counterparts.
CVCs have greater influence on boards than expected
49% of CVCs surveyed lead at least 30% of the deals they do, and 70% have the ability to take board seats.
Active firms use LP stakes to expand into new geographies
Taking LP positions help their CVC groups cover their initial investment thesis while providing more exposure to geographies and sectors than they would have otherwise achieved organically.
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Co-authored by Counterpart Ventures and SVB
This report was developed by Counterpart Ventures in partnership with SVB.
