30 No One-Size-Fits-All Design A point reinforced by our research is that there’s no perfect formula for corporate venturing. No single mix of practices fits all corporations or guarantees success across all corporate goals. The magic lies in the design — how corporations tailor and bundle different practices into their venturing efforts to align with their specific contexts, cultures, and strategic objectives. Companies operating in various industries or regions naturally craft idiosyncratic bundles of practices to address similar challenges. That said, certain practices lend themselves more effectively to some goals rather than others. For instance, CVC is a powerful tool for securing relationships with those developing transformative technologies. At the same time, events offer a cost- effective way to a first map of stakeholders in an eco- system. True success lies in designing comprehen- sive strategies that integrate multiple practices into a cohesive approach. In the end, it’s the thoughtful design — not the individual components — that sets great corporate venturing efforts apart. Emerging Tools for Business Opportunities and Challenges Corporate venturing can be a viable and versatile solution, whether the challenge is solving a technical problem, developing organizational capabilities, accessing breakthrough technologies, or fostering diversity and inclusion. Our research identified six key corporate goals that companies explicitly address through these practices. Among the more unexpected uses were initiatives aimed at nurturing Business Ecosystems (by developing important partners and even clients to raise competitive advantages), advanc- ing DEI goals (such as supporting minority found- ers), and programs aimed at sustainability, where corporate venture serves as a pathway to impactful environmental solutions. It remains to be seen whether corporate venturing’s role in advancing sustainability and diversity goals will endure. However, the key takeaway is clear: corporate venturing is evolving beyond its original mandate, becoming a strategic tool for tackling a broader set of business challenges. The magic lies in the design—how corporations tailor and bundle different practices into their venturing efforts to align with their specific contexts, cultures, and strategic objectives. “