Your expert for questions
Florian Nöll
Head of EMEA CVC Center of Excellence, Innovation & Corporate Development Leader, PwC Germany
Tel: +49 30 2636 4176
Securing access to future technologies
Innovation is a key competitive advantage for established companies. Therefore, more and more global champions are turning to external sources to drive their business forward. While own research and development activities continue to be essential, new market entrants are taking innovative leaps forward by collaborating inside the ecosystem.
Even though there are many forms of collaboration between established companies and startups, it is worth noting that globally, the portion of direct investment tripled from 2014 to 2019. The reason CVC has gained attention is because of the benefits companies gain by collaborating with younger technological pioneers. Corporates can pursue financial and / or strategic returns. In particular, a focus on strategic returns is enabling more and more companies to gain access to future technologies, digital talent and expertise such as new markets and business models and helps secure their future viability.
PwC's COE for CVC plays a key role in the ecosystem by building bridges between (corporate) venture capital, young tech companies, family businesses and corporations. Our mission is to support innovation drivers with a holistic view, from strategy to execution.
Contact us if you’d like more information on PwC’s COE for CVC and how you can explore opportunities for investments in innovative startups.
I'm confident that by working together, today's market leaders and startups can bring about the most successful innovations.
CVC ecosystem development in EMEA
A key pillar of startup financing
The global trend towards increasing CVC activities and deals has also hit EMEA: The region experienced a massive increase of CVC activities. In Europe, Middle East and Africa, there are 328 CVCs nowadays actively investing in startups. The amount of active CVCs increased more than 700% within the last 20 years and shows an exponential growth of CVC units. Triple-digit growth rates can also be observed within the last four five-year cycles, while the period around 2010 marks the strongest growth of entering CVCs
Business expansion opportunities through CVC
Win-win situation: startups and corporates benefit equally
By collaborating with each other, established companies and startups can both generate multiple benefits for themselves - making it a classic win-win situation.
Our offering for existing and planned CVC activities
PwC supports businesses looking to invest in startups and establish their own corporate venture capital unit in four areas:
- Culture
- Strategy
- Structure
- Processes
Culture
How should we develop our culture and thinking within the company so that corporate venture capital can be successfully implemented?
In order to build up a successful CVC unit, you need an experienced and competent team, supported by the right mindset within the executive board and management. PwC professionals can help you establish an innovative culture within your company and equip key employees with the knowledge needed for your CVC unit to succeed.
Strategy
Which opportunities does corporate venture capital hold in store for your current business and what is the available budget? What are the primary objectives and focus of investment? How do investments in startups fit with your strategy?
Companies have to ask themselves a range of questions to find the CVC strategy that suits them best. PwC professionals can help you find the answers so your CVC unit can be successful in the long run.
Structure
How is the investment unit structured from a legal and tax standpoint? Is this the right investment criteria for you? Which common pitfalls and mistakes need to be avoided?
PwC professionals can help you find compatible startups by giving you access to our startup and scaleup network and initiating the search based on your specific requirements. In addition, our professionals will acquaint you with best practices and help you optimise the structure of your CVC unit, if required. This also includes the search for the right co-investors for you and assisting in the sale and acquisition process.
Processes
How to generate a substantial deal flow for your unit? How can a portfolio’s performance (strategic/ financial) best be measured? What are the right investment criteria for you? Which common pitfalls and mistakes need to be avoided?
PwC's experts can help you find compatible startups by giving you access to our comprehensive network and initiating the search based on your specific requirements. In addition, we will acquaint you with best practices and help you optimise the structure of your CVC unit, if required. This also includes the search for the right co-investors for you and assisting in the sale and acquisition process.
Florian Nöll