Davorin Kuchan has just finished a comprehensive strategy review of US-based chipmaker Texas Instrument’s (TI) corporate venturing designed to make the company more subtle in its approach.
Kuchan, director of corporate venturing and innovation at TI Venture, said: “We have done venturing since 1996, usually at two extremes – on one hand using the fund of funds approach as an limted partner [investor] in venture funds, and on the other hand via acquisitions.
“Once we analysed historical data, we have basically realised there may be other options in between. There are many creative ways large semiconductor companies can add value to entrepreneurs besides buying the company or just being a source of capital.
“The best investments for TI will have three key criteria. First, they have potential of being integrated or marketed as a TI core product, the second is strong interest and support from one of our business units, and the third is the large and growing market trend in line with our capabilities.”
Kuchan has worked at TI for nearly 12 years. Before this, he worked at US-based software company Telogy Networks, which was acquired by TI for $435m in 1999. He previously worked at technology companies Neuron Data and Centerline Software.
Kuchan speaks Croatian, French and English, and gained a master of business administration from Berkeley, and studied computer information systems and business administration at Menlo College. He is also a pilot and winemaker.
Lessons from the top: Kuchan said: “The corporate venturing industry cannot be considered a standalone financial venue. It has to be looked at from the viewpoint of a corporation itself and its corporate DNA. Although positive financials are essential, the ultimate purpose should be an extension of corporate innovation and growth strategy.”
