AAA April 2018 – Page 7

Venturing activity increases in the first quarter

In the first quarter of 2018, GCV Analytics tracked 625 funding rounds involving corporate venturers, a 3% increase over the 609 rounds recorded in in the first quarter of last year. However, the estimated total investment surged to $34.26bn, 87% higher than the $18.31bn recorded last year. The US hosted the largest number of funding… Continue reading Venturing activity increases in the first quarter

A champion for innovation and entrepreneurship

Christine Gulbranson is a force of nature. It is nigh on impossible not to be captivated by her passion for her job – senior vice-president, innovation and entrepreneurship, at University of California (UC) System – and her dedication to the ecosystem – also notable in her position as chairman of the Global University Venturing Leadership… Continue reading A champion for innovation and entrepreneurship

Interview: Reese Schroeder, MD, Tyson Ventures

How have the first nine months or so been? It has been a terrific learning experience. When I came on board at Tyson Ventures I really did not know very much about the space. I have learnt a ton in the first nine months. I tell people that I know 10 times more today than… Continue reading Interview: Reese Schroeder, MD, Tyson Ventures

Interview: Saemin Ahn, MD, Rakuten Ventures

What excites you as an investor? Being more of a contrarian has made for a lot of exciting verticals to focus on. If many investors head in one direction, I automatically look at what they have left behind. If you look at artificial intelligence (AI), right now a lot of the effort and energy is… Continue reading Interview: Saemin Ahn, MD, Rakuten Ventures

Deal volume and value go up

The number of corporate-backed deals in March was 270, up from the 233 funding rounds in the same month last year. Investment value also increased significantly, by 70% to $12.27bn – up from $7.22bn last year. Compared with January and February this year, March has the strongest deal count, outperforming the 197 and 158 deals… Continue reading Deal volume and value go up