Traditional accelerators focus primarily on rapid prototyping and market validation. Our experience shows this approach fails for complex technical ventures, where technical feasibility often determines success. We validate technical scalability in parallel with market fit, using specific frameworks for different technology types. This parallel validation approach has proven critical - in our experience, over 60% of technical ventures fail due to scaling challenges that weren't identified during initial prototyping.
Our methodology is particularly effective for ventures that involve significant technical complexity or IP development. This includes areas like advanced materials, industrial technology, life sciences, and climate technology. However, the systematic validation approach we use works for any venture where scaling challenges aren't immediately obvious from pilot projects.
While every venture is different, we typically see 4-6 months for initial validation and 12-18 months to reach market entry. However, we don't believe in fixed timelines. Instead, we use milestone-based progression where each phase must meet specific validation criteria before moving forward. This approach has proven more effective than forcing artificial deadlines.

This is one of the most critical decisions affecting venture success. We help design governance frameworks that protect the venture's autonomy while maintaining strategic alignment. Key elements include:
- Clear decision rights and boundaries
- Resource access protocols
- Milestone-based oversight
- Strategic alignment mechanisms The specific structure depends on factors like technical complexity, market dynamics, and corporate objectives.
Successful ventures need three types of support:
1. Strategic assets (IP, market access, technical expertise)
2. Resource access (facilities, equipment, key personnel)
3. Financial commitment
We help assess which resources are critical and design frameworks to access them without creating dependencies that could slow the venture's development.
IP strategy is designed based on the specific venture context. Key considerations include:
- Existing corporate IP that the venture needs
- New IP developed by the venture
- Freedom to operate in target markets
- Protection of corporate IP in adjacent areas We help structure IP agreements that protect both corporate and venture interests while enabling rapid development.

Venture success depends heavily on having the right team at each stage. Our approach:
1. Initial phase: Small core team focused on validation
2. Build phase: Key technical and commercial roles
3. Scale phase: Full operational team
We help identify which roles are critical at each stage and can provide experienced interim executives while building the permanent team.
Rather than trying to eliminate risk, we focus on identifying and testing critical assumptions early. Our systematic validation process addresses four key risk areas:
- Technical feasibility
- Market demand
- Scaling challenges
- Execution capability
Each risk area has specific validation requirements that must be met before significant resources are committed.
We believe failing fast is better than failing slowly. Our milestone-based approach includes clear criteria for continuing, pivoting, or stopping ventures. This helps prevent the common problem of ventures consuming resources long after they should have been redirected or stopped.

While financial returns are important, successful corporate ventures typically need to deliver both strategic and financial value. We help define specific metrics across three areas:
- Strategic alignment
- Financial performance
- Learning/capability development
The relative importance of each depends on the corporate partner's objectives.
Rather than setting fixed budgets, we believe in milestone-based funding tied to specific validation achievements. This typically means:
- Smaller initial investments for validation
- Increased funding as critical assumptions are proven
- Major funding only after key technical and market risks are addressed
This approach helps prevent over-investment in ventures before critical risks are addressed.
Through our venture studio Graviton, we can co-invest in select ventures where we see significant potential. This creates strong alignment of interests and gives corporate partners access to our full venture building capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions