Agenda
June 17 | Pre-Conference
14:00
Networking Activities (Pre-Registration)
Connect with Symposium delegates ahead of the main event by participating in one of three unique networking opportunities taking place in the afternoon of 24 June. These activities are subject to availability and can be selected during registration. The three activities include:
14:00 - 16:30
Walking Food Tour - Borough Market
Official Private Borough Market Food Tour conducted by the only tour company licensed to guide at Borough Market so this private experience provides behind-the-scenes insight like no other. The walking food tour will include:
Meet your friendly private tour guides outside Borough Market
Learn about the incredible beginnings of the 1000-year-old Borough Market
Be introduced to the people behind the produce and delve behind-the-scenes as you taste directly from the traders
Taste delicious tea, cheese, charcuterie, oysters, hot food, and a dessert
Explore the Dickensian backstreets with your knowledgeable guide and learn the significance of the market to the wider local area
Toast the end of the tour with a glass of wine or alternative and leave with a deep understanding of the people, history, and stories that make Borough market and its surroundings such a special place
14:00 - 15:00
Speed Boat Sightseeing Tour
Feel like James Bond for the day as you experience an extreme sightseeing RIB ride on-board the fastest London speedboats on the River Thames. Departing from Embankment in London, join one of our two rib boats that will take you on a guided tour up until Tower Bridge. Once through the bridge where there are no speed restrictions so you can have the sheer speed and adrenaline experience up until Canary Wharf and turn around to roar back to the Embankment Pier.
14:45 - 16:30
Afternoon Tea Sightseeing Tour
An exclusive vintage Routemaster bus wind its way through the heart of Central London, offering a unique blend of delightful sightseeing and delectable afternoon teas on a classic double-decker bus! As you sip your tea, you'll soak in the vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and rich history of London. It will depart from near Trafalgar Square.
The London Routemaster bus will treat you to breathtaking views of renowned attractions like Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James's Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson's Column, Downing Street, and many more. It's not just a tea; it's a journey through London's heritage. Savour the sweet and savoury flavours of France with a selection of scrumptious finger sandwiches, including classics like smoked salmon and cream cheese, and mouthwatering cakes and pastries, all expertly crafted by our executive pastry chef to enhance your tea experience. And of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without scones with jam and clotted cream.
19:00
Invest Estonia Private Dinner (Invite-Only)
June 18 | Day One
08:00
Registration, Welcome, & Information Desk
Welcome reception where badges can be collected from the registration desk.
08:00
Portfolio Exhibition & Welcome Networking
Grab a welcome hot drink and kick off your GCV Symposium by connecting with peers as you network and explore the opening portfolio exhibition area – where selected, corporate-backed startups are ready to show you their latest innovations.
10:00
Official welcome and opening of the GCV Symposium agenda
Charlie Hayward, Deputy Managing Director, Global Corporate Venturing
10:15
Keynote: Setting the scene – why CVC matters
Corporate venture capital (CVC) has become a vital force in the innovation ecosystem through resilience, professionalisation and constant innovation. In 2024, corporates participated in 15% of startup funding rounds, reflecting their growing influence.
James Mawson, CEO & Founder, Global Corporate Venturing
10:30
Fireside chat: What’s the secret to a long-term, multi-fund CVC?
With 60% of CVCs surviving beyond three years and 25% reaching the “resiliency” phase, the discussion will explore how corporate venturers can design actionable strategies to build enduring and impactful programmes.
10:50
Panel: Where is corporate venturing innovation headed – investing, building, partnering, clienting, or all the above
Corporate venturing is no longer just about investing. This session will explore how CVCs are blending these multi-faceted approaches to create long-term value and shape the future of corporate innovation, from mobility to fintech.
11:30 Networking Break
12:00
Panel: UK spinouts – How do we supercharge growth in IP-rich companies?
Britain is home to some of the world’s most innovative spinouts, but scaling these IP-rich companies requires a collaborative ecosystem. From funding and mentorship to commercialisation strategies, the panel will discuss how to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and global market success.
12:30
Panel: Early-stage investments vs growth capital – do you need a balanced portfolio?
Should CVC units focus on high-risk, high-reward seedlings or prioritise more mature companies to derisk their portfolios? Panellists will explore the pros and cons of each approach to drive greater impact, delivering both financial returns and strategic value.
12:50 Networking Lunch
14:20
CVC case study – the advantages of being a CVC that both invests in ventures and builds them
Many CVC units not only invest in startups but also build companies from the ground up. By combining these strategies, CVCs can take greater control over their innovation roadmap and help startups achieve deeper integration with corporate parent’s objectives.
14:40
CVC portfolio management and the ever-increasing demand to maximise value – The Rise of Platform Teams
A third of CVCs now have dedicated platform teams to foster collaboration between portfolio companies and corporate business units. The GCV Institute will explore how these teams are driving value, from pilot programmes to proof-of-concept funding, and why their role is becoming critical for CVC success.
15:00
Media for equity – A win-win model for startups and corporates
The media-for-equity model is gaining traction as a powerful tool for startups to scale their businesses without depleting cash reserves. This innovative model allows corporates to strengthen brand partnerships and leverage their media assets to drive strategic value.
15:20 Networking Break
15:50
Sector roundtables and CVC development discussions
For the next 90 minutes, the GCV Symposium audience breaks off into several different groups focused on a range of sector-led discussions, including:
Energy
Mobility
Sports technology
Operational excellence – led by the GCV Institute
17:30
Closing Remarks
Charlie Hayward, Deputy Managing Director, Global Corporate Venturing
17:30 End of Day Networking Drinks
18:30 GCV Symposium Summer Party
June 19 | Day Two
08:30
Registration, welcome & Information Desk
Badges can be collected from the registration desk from 08:30.
08:30
Portfolio Exhibition & Welcome Networking
Grab a welcome hot drink and kick off your GCV Symposium by connecting with fellow peers as you network and explore the opening portfolio exhibition area – where selected, corporate-backed startups are ready to show you their latest innovations
09:30
Welcome back to the GCV Symposium!
Charlie Hayward, Deputy Managing Director, Global Corporate Venturing
09:40
Opening fireside chat – the ever-changing role that venture plays in innovation strategy
CVC has become an essential tool in corporate innovation. This session will explore how its corporate venturing team is driving strategic value and growth for the firm’s businesses, from accessing cutting-edge technologies to fostering ecosystem partnerships.
10:00
Fireside chat: Harnessing a corporative venture mindset between CVC and VC
In this session we look at the learnings, case studies, and best practices that shape an optimum partnership between CVCs and VCs. Whether it’s LP positions, deal-flow accessibility, or just venture problem solving, what are the key strategies that both sets of investors need to adopt?
10:30
University spinouts – portfolio showcase
This quick-fire portfolio showcase presents some of the most exciting University spinout success stories.
10:50 Networking Break
11:20
Panel: Sustainability at scale – how CVCs are shaping the energy transition
Sustainability is no longer a niche focus – it’s a core driver of innovation and venture investment. CVCs are looking at innovations from nuclear energy, hydrogen and carbon capture and circular economy technologies.
11:40
Panel: Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India
India’s diverse startup ecosystem has emerged as a global hotspot for CVC activity. With a maturing tech sector, a growing number of unicorns and a thriving deeptech innovation scene, Bangalore is attracting investors from around the world.
12:00
Panel: The rise of CVCs in the Asia Pacific
The APAC region hosts various innovation hubs, from Singapore to Tokyo to Sydney. With their unique ecosystems, these regions are attracting global CVCs seeking to tap into high-growth sectors like fintech, AI, cleantech, and deep tech. This panel will explore the opportunities, challenges, and strategies for CVCs operating in these regions, with a focus on how Singapore and Japan are shaping the future of corporate innovation.
12:20 Networking Lunch
13:50
Panel: The impact of AI to infrastructure and robotics: a CVC perspective
AI is transforming industries, but its rapid adoption is driving unprecedented demand for data centre infrastructure and energy-efficient technologies. CVCs are playing a pivotal role in addressing the energy challenges of AI workloads.
14:20
Panel: The global expansion of CVCs into Latin America
Global CVCs exchange ideas on the unique challenges and opportunities in the rapidly growing region, exploring the power of ecosystem partnerships.
14:40 Coffee Break
15:00
Sector roundtables and CVC development discussions
For the next 90 minutes, the GCV Symposium audience breaks off into several different groups focused on a range of sector-led, or thematic-led inclusive discussions.
Healthcare
Defence & dual-use technology
Climate-tech investments
AI
16:30 End of GCV Symposium
17:00 Networking Drinks
