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World of Corporate Venturing 2026: Regional analysis

Germany market

CVCs based in Germany constitute the largest and most mature community in Europe and with 25 responding units, represent the largest European component of the GCV Keystone data set.

Perhaps in response to economic headwinds, German CVCs are re-balancing portfolios away from Horizon 3 for shorter lead times to value. There is more focus on European opportunities, with a lower percentage targeting North America and Asia.  Larger teams integrate venture clienting and CVC investing. Although emphasis on financial performance and VC level performance targets has fallen, there was a slight increase in penetration of retention-focused bonus programs that reward professional investors for venture returns.

CVC’s influence in VC ecosystem

17.2%

of German VC funding rounds include CVCs, participating in deals representing 57.8% of total value

CVC community maturity

80%

are established CVCs, with 44% having achieved ‘resiliency’

CVC fund size

59%

have assets under management (AUM) of more than $100m, with 37% exceeding $300m 

 

CVC role in corporate innovation

36%

rate creating new businesses and supporting existing businesses as their top priorities 

Corporate venturing toolkit

40%

have separate venture client programmes, 32% have venture building units

CVC operating model

72%

 invest from the balance sheet, with 52% theme and business unit priorities-driven

Geographic investment focus

75%

invest in the US and Canada and 48% in Asia-Pacific, in addition to Europe

Financial performance targets

43%

have VC-level or top-quartile financial targets, with 33% aiming to ‘not lose money’

Team size and structure

 

60%

have teams larger than five people, with 57% of teams averaging more than five years of experience

CVC compensation levers

27%

of units have a financial upside programme (‘carry’), 23% offer spot bonuses

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