EUVC E603 | EUCVC Summit | Gina Domanig, Emerald Technology Ventures & Nicolas Sauvage, TDK Ventures: Evolving CVC Programs
Welcome back to the EUCVC Summit Talks, where we bring you candid conversations with Europe’s leading founders, corporate leaders, and investors shaping the future of venture collaboration.
In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm speaks with Gina Domanig, Managing Partner at Emerald Technology Ventures, and Nicolas Sauvage, President of TDK Ventures, on what it really takes to design, launch, and evolve corporate venture capital programs that endure.
They explore how corporates can balance financial credibility with strategic impact, why governance and structure matter, and how to bridge the cultural gap between startups and corporates. From KPIs and deal flow to long-term commitment, this is a masterclass in building CVCs that deliver more than returns.
Here's whats covered:
- 00:30 Building a CVC program is more than financial—it’s a cultural shift.
- 01:00 Exploitation vs. exploration — balancing today’s business with tomorrow’s bets.
- 02:00 The role of funds, reserves, and acting like financial VCs to gain credibility.
- 04:00 Gina’s “CVC as a service” model — how Emerald engages with multiple corporates.
- 05:00 Why corporates must commit resources to both financial and strategic value creation.
- 06:00 Engagement processes — KPIs, partnerships, and designing for tangible outcomes.
- 07:00 Mining deal flow — helping corporates benefit even from startups not invested in.
- 08:00 Deliverables matter — deal flow, pilots, KPIs, and leadership pressure for follow-through.
- 09:00 Investor + consultant? Or financial + strategic VC? — the real identity of CVCs.
💡 One-liner takeaway: Corporate venture programs succeed when they combine financial discipline with strategic alignment—backed by clear KPIs, strong governance, and leadership commitment.