Corporate Venturing Insider #5: Jaclyn Kossmann @ Applied Ventures, interview by Nicolas Sauvage

TL;DR

Jaclyn Kossmann explains how a circuitous path through renewable-energy startups, business school, and a student-run fund led to her role as senior investment manager at Applied Ventures. She also describes why venture capital appeals to her curiosity and interest in technologies that could change people’s lives. Read on for her career lessons, Applied Ventures’ investment focus, and the purpose of the 500 BC community.

Transcript

good morning everyone so before we kick off the webinar i wanted to quickly set the stage just so you all have some context firstly my name is peter i'm a senior associate here at 500 and so my job is largely to work with a number of corporate investors and innovators on projects related to startup investment and startup partnerships and so this ev... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Corporate venture community provides value through knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.
• 🚙 Strategic investments in emerging technologies like AI and autonomous vehicles drive growth.
• 🔠 Jacqueline Kosman's career trajectory showcases a diverse background in renewable energy and venture capital.
• 🥐 Applied Ventures emphasizes both strategic fit and financial ROI in investment decisions.
• 😚 Direct investments offer closer engagement with startups compared to funding funds.
• ❓ Warm introductions and effective communication channels are essential for reaching out to venture investors.
• 👶 Scaling investments and exploring new technologies are pivotal for corporate ventures.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Jaclyn Kossmann become a venture capitalist at Applied Ventures?

Kossmann worked for several renewable-energy startups before attending business school to explore other interests. A mentor encouraged her to examine venture capital, and they co-founded a student-run fund that became her first formal venture experience. She later became a senior investment manager at Applied Ventures.

Q: Did Jaclyn Kossmann plan to pursue corporate venture capital?

No, she describes her career path as circuitous rather than perfectly planned. Her route changed as new opportunities emerged, much like a startup may pivot from its original plan.

Q: What did Jaclyn Kossmann learn by co-founding a student-run fund?

The fund gave her direct experience building a team and developing an investment model. She says that experience got her hooked on venture capital and led her toward a career in the field.

Q: What experience did Jaclyn Kossmann have before entering venture capital?

She spent several years working at renewable-energy startups, including venture- and private-equity-backed companies. She was drawn to clean technology because of its potential societal impact and its interesting innovations.

Q: Why does Jaclyn Kossmann enjoy working in venture capital?

She values being paid to stay curious, learn, and meet passionate, energetic entrepreneurs. She also enjoys considering how new technologies and business models may change lives, reach markets, and gain adoption.

Q: What technologies does Applied Ventures focus on?

Applied Ventures focuses on emerging technologies such as AI, autonomous vehicles, and augmented reality. Its investment approach considers both strategic fit and financial return.

Q: What is the 500 BC Slack community?

500 BC is an invite-only Slack community for corporate and institutional investors. It supports helpful conversations, networking, and founders through networking events, startup presentations, and discussion series.

Q: What is the Corporate Venturing Insider speaker series?

It is a bi-weekly series featuring corporate venturing practitioners. Speakers discuss their paths into corporate venture capital, specific challenges, and the best practices they developed along the way.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Peter, a senior associate at 500, hosts a webinar on startup investments and partnerships.

• Jacqueline Kosman, a senior investment manager at Applied Ventures, shares her career journey and best practices.

• Applied Ventures focuses on strategic investments in emerging technologies like AI, autonomous vehicles, and augmented reality.