By adopting eco-friendly and digital solutions across production, operations, administration, marketing, and sales, businesses can reduce their environmental impact while enhancing and market appeal. Embrace these efficiency strategies to position your company at the forefront of the green economy. Embrace these strategies to position your company at the forefront of the green economy.
OUTBOUND LOGISTICS
Activities involved in converting the inputs into finished products and services. This includes manufacturing, assembling, packaging and testing.
Corporate funding offers startups not only financial support but also strategic advantages, including market access, industry expertise and business development opportunities. By identifying the right corporate investors and showcasing a strong business case, startups can leverage corporate funding to accelerate their growth and scale effectively.
Corporate funding refers to financial investments made by established corporations in startups or smaller companies. This type of funding is often part of a corporation’s strategic investment strategy, allowing companies to gain access to innovative technologies, expand into new markets and stay competitive. Corporate funding can come in various forms, including direct investments, venture arms, partnerships and acquisitions.
With corporate funding, startups gain not only financial backing but also industry expertise, access to established distribution networks and credibility in their sector. Unlike venture capital or angel investments, corporate funding is often strategic, meaning corporations invest in startups that align with their business objectives.
Who is Corporate Funding for?
Corporate funding is ideal for startups and growth-stage companies that:
Operate in industries relevant to the investing corporation.
Have innovative products, services or technologies that complement the corporation’s existing offerings.
Seek strategic partnerships beyond just financial investment.
Aim to scale quickly by leveraging the corporation’s infrastructure and market presence.
How does Corporate Funding Work?
The process of corporate funding generally follows these steps: 1. Identifying Strategic Fit – Corporations assess whether a startup’s product or technology aligns with their business interests. 2. Investment Evaluation – Financial due diligence, market research, and growth potential analysis are conducted. 3. Negotiation & Investment Agreement – Terms such as equity stake, intellectual property rights, and strategic collaboration are established. 4. Post-Investment Support – Corporations provide mentorship, business development support, and access to resources. 5. Exit Strategy – Corporations may later acquire the startup, integrate its technology, or exit through an IPO or secondary sale.
Where to Find Corporate Funding?
Startups can access corporate funding through multiple channels: • Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) Firms – Many corporations have dedicated venture arms, such as: - Google Ventures (GV) – Investing in technology and healthcare startups. - Intel Capital – Focused on semiconductor, AI, and tech startups. - Salesforce Ventures – Investing in cloud and enterprise software companies. - Strategic Partnerships & Joint Ventures – Collaborating with corporations to receive funding and resource support. - Corporate Accelerator Programs – Many large companies run startup accelerator programs, such as Microsoft for Startups, AWS Activate, SAP.io. Some offer equity-free support (e.g., cloud credits, mentorship), while others may lead to investment or long-term partnerships. • Industry Conferences & Networking Events – Events like CES, Web Summit and Slush attract corporate investors. • Startup Pitch Competitions – Some corporations sponsor pitch events to discover potential investment opportunities.
Types of Corporate Funding
Corporate funding comes in different forms, each serving a specific purpose: • Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) – unlike traditional venture capital, CVCs prioritize strategic fit over purely financial returns and may offer longer-term support tied to the corporation’s innovation goals. • Strategic Partnerships & Joint Ventures – corporations and startups collaborate to develop products or expand into new markets. • Corporate Grants & Sponsorships – typically non-dilutive and mission-aligned, often supporting innovation in sustainability, education or social impact. • Acquisitions & Mergers – corporations buy startups to integrate their technology, talent, or market share.
How to Attract Corporate Investors?
1. Identify the Right Corporate Partners. Research corporations that align with your startup’s industry and strategic goals. 2. Develop a Strong Value Proposition. Clearly articulate how your startup benefits the corporation and complements its existing business. 3. Leverage Industry Connections. Network at industry events, pitch competitions, and corporate accelerator programs. 4. Demonstrate Market Traction. Showcase revenue growth, customer adoption, or partnerships to prove your startup’s potential. 5. Approach Corporate Venture Arms. Many corporations have dedicated investment teams actively looking for innovative startups. 6. Be Open to Strategic Collaboration. Be flexible in exploring joint ventures, partnerships, and co-development opportunities.
Google for Startups is a global initiative by Google to provide financial support, mentorship, and resources to early-stage startups. The program connects startups with Google’s global network, offering grants, cloud credits, and access to a wide array of Google’s business tools. In Europe, they provide local support in various countries, helping startups scale and innovate.
SAP.iO Foundries is SAP’s global network of accelerator programs, providing early-stage startups with funding, mentorship, and access to SAP’s enterprise software ecosystem. The program is designed to help startups scale by integrating their products with SAP’s solutions and by connecting them with potential customers in SAP’s vast network.
Sony Innovation Fund is the venture capital arm of Sony Corporation that invests in innovative startups, particularly in the fields of AI, entertainment, robotics, and other cutting-edge technologies. Their corporate funding and investment opportunities aim to accelerate the development of new technologies that align with Sony’s strategic interests.
Orange Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of the French telecommunications company Orange. It focuses on investing in startups that are developing innovative solutions in the fields of telecoms, media, fintech, and digital transformation. Orange Ventures offers not only funding but also access to Orange’s extensive network and expertise in telecoms and technology.
The Visa Everywhere is a global innovation program designed to help startups and entrepreneurs create solutions that are relevant to the payments and financial services industry. Through this program, Visa offers funding, exposure and mentorship to startups that are developing cutting-edge financial technologies, including digital payments, fraus prevention and financial inclusion solutions. The initiative provides startups with an opportunity to partner with Visa and leverage its global network.
