For Kendall Crocker, senior vice president of Scor Ventures, the corporate venture arm of French reinsurer Scor, working with portfolio companies and founders has been a highlight of her career. “I am lucky enough to sit on multiple boards, which gives me the opportunity to work with founders directly. And since we invest globally, it is great to be able to meet founding teams in person, because you get such a different connection beyond a Zoom call,” she says.
Crocker began her career at Scor Ventures in 2021. She previously spent two years at TheGuarantors, a US-based fintech startup. “My previous role involved external facing responsibilities such as managing strategic partnerships with insurance carriers and helping to lead fundraising efforts for TheGuarantors’ series C,” she says.
It is always important to remember how the parent company and other LPs think, act and work. This is necessary to both your success and the fund.”
Her exposure to different investors during fundraising pitches is what led her to the role at Scor Ventures. “I met my current team while at TheGuarantors and I started building my relationship with them well in advance of the interviewing process.”
Since joining “Kendall has rapidly taken a leadership role within the team,” says Will Thorne, head of Scor Ventures. “Her operating background means she can provide real empathy for founders, while she has also helped several of our companies secure sales opportunities totalling more than $1m.”
Founded in 2017, Scor Ventures has a team of six and runs a €130m fund. It writes checks at seed to series globally, with a focus on risk and resilience in insurtech, healthtech and fintech. The firm has invested in more than 25 startups including Marshmallow Insurance, Protex AI and Kontempo.
“If you are new to corporate venturing, balance pragmatism with crazy optimism,” says Crocker. “It is always important to remember how the parent company and other LPs think, act and work. This is necessary to both your success and the fund,” she says.
See the full list of GCV Rising Stars for 2024 here.