EUVC VC | E473 | Marcus Behrendt of BMW iVentures: Hedging the Future of Mobility, One Strategic Bet at a Time
May 21, 2025
Marcus Behrendt, Managing Partner at BMW iVentures, discusses how corporate venture capital is reshaping Europe's automotive landscape. He highlights the importance of sustaining innovation amidst disruptions like electric vehicles and Tesla's model. The conversation delves into the balance between integration and modularity in future automotive leaders. Behrendt also underscores the significance of culture in corporate innovation and the necessity for regulatory reform to foster a thriving tech ecosystem. He shares insights on strategic investments that prioritize sustainability and carbon impact.
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Automotive Industry's Resilience
- The automotive industry faces deep transformation but remains robust enough to adapt and evolve.
- New technology adoption like electrification is progressing steadily, reshaping industry dynamics.
Integration vs Modularity in Auto
- Automotive companies will vary between vertical integration and modular partnerships based on their strengths and strategic choices.
- Success depends on playing well in chosen market niches rather than following one dominant integration model.
Hedge with Independent Venture Capital
- Use corporate venture capital to independently scan markets and hedge bets by exploring multiple technology paths.
- Invest early in promising alternative routes to complement the mothership's strategic direction and learn from outcomes.