What is Corporate Venture Capital (CVC)?
Corporate venture capital (CVC) is venture capital funded and managed by a corporation — often a large incumbent in a sector — to invest in startups that are strategically relevant to its core business. CVC arms also act as LPs in external VC funds.
A CVC unit invests corporate capital into startups to gain strategic insights, access to emerging technologies, or potential M&A targets. Unlike financial VCs, CVCs often accept below-market returns in exchange for strategic benefits such as early access to technology, preferred supplier relationships, or talent pipeline.
Many CVC programs also invest as limited partners in independent VC funds, positioning themselves to see deal flow and co-investment opportunities. Notable examples include Google Ventures, Intel Capital, and Salesforce Ventures.
Also known as: CVC, corporate VC