The Unilever innovation and venturing process spans research and development (R&D), open innovation, a new businesses unit, direct investments and investing with independent venture capital firms, such as Physic Ventures, where Unilever is a cornerstone limited partner. Andrew Gaule, founder of the Corven Corporate Venturing Network, puts questions first to William Rosenzweig, managing director of Physic Ventures, which has Unilever as a cornerstone investor, then to Jon Hague, vice-president of open innovation at Unilever. Gaule’s Question Time’s June 2011 interview was with Martin Grieve, managing director of Unilever Corporate Ventures.
Gaule: Can you please give us a brief description of your background?
William Rosenzweig, managing director of Physic Ventures: I have been an investor for roughly the past 12 years, focused on early-stage venture capital, helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses. Prior to that for around 10 years I was an…
