Nagakura says his brief is to "identify, analyse, recommend and execute possible investments and alliance deals which would have a strategic fit with TransCosmos Japan".

Nadkarni says he proposed the venturing unit's creation three years ago because the VC community was "sitting on its hands".

During the past decade he has expanded the corporate venturing team to 14 in offices in the US, China, Japan and Germany.

Chief architect behind a unique set up in the corporate venturing industry.

As a brain scientist, Maris discerns the fine line between crazy and genius.

Rock star investor and manager of first global value-added venture unit.

This year, in all bar one of the awards, Global Corporate Venturing selected a shortlist and the winner was selected by the magazine's advisory board at the end of March. Editor James Mawson chose the lifetime achievement award.