Corporate venture capital at Jaguar Land Rover, with Mike Smeed

Episode notes

Mike Smeed is managing director of InMotion Ventures, the corporate venturing arm of Jaguar Land Rover. In this episode of the Fund Shack podcast, he speaks to Ross Butler about what the company looks for in start-up candidates and the rapidly evolving nature of corporate venture capital. Mike the Managing Director of InMotion Ventures, the corporate venture capital (CVC) arm of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). Mike discusses his career background, including roles at a Shanghai-based joint venture and Walgreen Boots, and delves into the unique aspects of CVC compared to traditional venture capital (VC). Key Points: Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) vs. Venture Capital (VC): Similarities: CVC and VC both perform due diligence, focus on valuation and metrics, and aim for strategic investments. Differences: Historically, CVCs were viewed skeptically due to fears of corporate overreach. Modern CVCs have adopted VC professionalism and often invest off their parent companies’ balance sheets, with some even taking external capital.

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