Global Corporate Venturing's survey of unit heads for the biggest expected issues of the year showed how important the macroeconomic climate will be in deciding the health of portfolio companies and new investments even as the pace of innovation remains strong.
Most respondents also revealed what they hope will occur again (repeat) and what they hope to miss (avoid) in 2012 compared with 2011.
Macro-political and economic
Erik Sebusch, partner of venture capital firm CMEA Capital, said: "European Union (EU) and Middle East stability will be the big issue."
Repeat: More venture capital-backed IPOs (initial public offerings.
Avoid: High pre-money valuations.
Peter Dunphy, treasurer at tyre maker Michelin, which chose not to initiate a corporate venturing programme, said the issue would…
