I Started a Podcast on Corporate Venturing
Taking the next step in sharing the stories and insights that inspire me
Previously on Open Road Ventures: In the last episode of Venturing Insights, we explored how to balance dreaming big with the discipline of shipping daily—turning ambitious innovation visions into tangible progress. If you missed it, you can catch up here!
Welcome 2025!
2024 was a year of exploration and sharing for me.
It was the year I launched this newsletter—Open Road Ventures—to explore the world of corporate venturing, open innovation, and what it really takes to make bold ideas happen inside complex organizations.
Along the way, I had some incredible conversations. I met innovation leaders who are rethinking how big companies partner with startups, build new ventures, and challenge traditional R&D models. And I realized something:
These stories deserved more than a newsletter.
So, I decided to start a podcast.
And this? It’s my first big news of 2025.
It’s called The Corporate Venturing Podcast, and it feels like a natural extension of this newsletter—another way to bring real insights from corporate innovators to a wider audience.
Why this Podcast?
Because I believe corporate venturing deserves better conversations.
Too often, the stories we hear about innovation are polished success tales filled with buzzwords and theory. But real innovation? It’s messy. It’s about bold experiments, tough decisions, and plenty of lessons learned along the way.
I wanted to create a space for informal, behind-the-scenes conversations—where industry leaders share what actually happens when large organizations collaborate with startups, launch new ventures, and navigate the risks of innovation.
What’s the Goal?
The Corporate Venturing Podcast is all about:
• Demystifying corporate innovation. What does corporate venturing actually look like when you’re in the trenches?
• Sharing practical insights. Each episode, you’ll hear from global leaders who’ve built corporate ventures—what worked, what didn’t, and the hard lessons they learned.
• Inspiring action. Whether you’re just exploring venturing or already leading programs, expect insights you can apply.
What to Expect?
Informal, real conversations with global innovation leaders, from companies like Beiersdorf, 3M, and Nestlé— sharing behind-the-scenes insights, including:
• Why startups are becoming essential innovation partners for corporates.
• How to build a culture of experimentation in large organizations.
• The most common pitfalls of corporate venturing (and how to avoid them).
• What venture collaboration, building and investing really means—beyond the buzzwords.
🎧 Episode #1 is live now! I sat down with Thomas Van Halewyck, Founder & CEO of Bundl, where we explored what corporate venturing really means today—and why traditional R&D strategies are no longer enough.
Powered by Bundl Venture Club 🚀
This podcast isn’t a solo effort—Bundl Venture Club is helping me every step of the way. They’re supporting me in engaging with the right guests, refining the topics that resonate most with corporate innovators, and sharing these insights with a wider audience.
Bundl’s mission is to connect senior corporate innovators, spark collaboration, and redefine what corporate innovation can look like. This podcast is an extension of that mission—bringing practical insights and real stories to those shaping the future of venturing.
P.S. Help shape the next episodes 🎯
I want The Corporate Venturing Podcast to bring you the insights you find most valuable.
What topics or questions about corporate venturing would you love to hear more about in future episodes?
👉 Reply here:
Follow, Listen & Never Miss an Episode 🎧
If you’ve ever wondered how the world’s most forward-thinking companies are redefining innovation, this podcast is for you.
🎧 Follow The Corporate Venturing Podcast on Spotify and be sure to hit the bell icon to get notified when new episodes drop!
👉 Listen to Episode 1 here and join me in exploring the strategies, challenges, and bold moves shaping the future of corporate venturing.
Here’s to making 2025 a year of bolder innovation stories. 🚀
Davide