Top 50 Rising Stars 2021 continued (in alphabetical order by CVC unit): Steve Deutsch, investment principal, Motorola Solutions Venture Capital
Steve Deutsch is a venture partner at Motorola Solutions Venture Capital (MSVC), the corporate venturing unit of US-listed communications technology and equipment producer Motorola Solutions.
MSVC’s former managing director Brad McManus said of Deutsch: “Steve joined MSVC [in September 2019] and has been an impressive contributor to our team from day one, including sourcing compelling venture startups, performing diligence on strategic investment opportunities and driving high-impact strategic partnerships with existing and new portfolio companies.
“Steve’s previous career experience in management consulting and working with early-stage startups forms a great foundation for strategy formulation, diligence and developing win-win partnership outcomes. We are fortunate to have Steve on our team and are confident that he will be a CVC leader as he perfects his VC deal structuring knowledge.”
In addition to deals, Deutsch manages MSVC’s relationships with several portfolio companies. “CVC provides a unique opportunity to help entrepreneurs access large organisations that are historically difficult to navigate, while simultaneously helping accelerate innovation at a historic tech company that is helping keep communities safe and saving lives,” he said.
Developing trusted relationships with key stakeholders across Motorola Solutions’ business units has been an accomplishment, he added. “Taking the time to continuously understand their needs and priorities, while also providing an outside perspective on how the market is evolving and the startup ecosystem is absolutely critical given the highly strategic nature of our investments.
“These relationships not only help us qualify investment opportunities but also ensure the ventures team can provide the right access and opportunities to our portfolio and pipeline companies.”
Before MSVC, Deutsch served as a strategy consultant at management consultancy Waterstone Management Group advising technology companies and private equity investors. Previously, he worked as an analyst at VC firm Sandbox Industries, where he conducted analysis on investment candidates, having begun his career on its incubation team helping launch and scale early-stage startups.
