Book Launch Lecture: The Founder’s Guide to Corporate Venture Capital

Corporate Venture Capital now participates in more than 20% of all venture deals and deploys tens of billions of dollars globally. For many founders, that capital looks like a shortcut into customers, distribution, and industry credibility. In practice, CVC is a different animal from institutional venture: different incentives, different approval paths, different deal terms, and a dual mandate that can either accelerate a company or quietly constrain it. Yet most fundraising advice still treats corporate investors as a footnote to traditional VC. That gap is what this evening is about. Join author and venture capitalist Freddy Dopfel for the launch of The Founders’ Guide to Corporate Venture Capital. Drawing on the book and on his work across institutional venture, deep-tech engineering, and corporate venture units, Freddy will walk through how founders can evaluate, negotiate, and work with corporate investors and how to turn those relationships into a genuine advantage rather than a hidden risk. The evening begins with a lecture pulling excerpts from the book, followed by time to continue the conversation over drinks and informal networking. Copies of the book will be available for purchase, with signing after the talk. What we’ll cover: Institutional vs. Corporate VCHow CVC units actually operate: structural differences from traditional funds, internal corporate incentives, and how they balance financial returns against strategic mandates. Unlocking “CVC Alpha”Where corporate investors add non-dilutive value and how to use it. From enterprise customer discovery and joint development to navigating regulatory pathways. Deal Terms & Side LettersScenarios and case studies on the terms that matter most: IP rights, information rights, commercial exclusivity, and the pitfalls founders often miss. Timing & EngagementHow to tell whether your company is ready for a corporate partner, and how to find an internal champion before you ask for a check. After the lecture, stay for conversation with the author, fellow VCs, founders, and operators About the Speaker: Freddy Dopfel is a full-time CVC investor and author of “The Founders' Guide to Corporate Venture Capital.” In 2025, he was named Corporate VC of the Year by the Association for Corporate Growth, Silicon Valley. His commentary has appeared in TechCrunch, Venture Beat, and other publications, and he is a frequent speaker to founders, MBA programs, and accelerators. He has invested through LG Technology Ventures, Samsung Ventures, and institutional funds such as Grishin Robotics. He holds an MS in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University and a BS in Engineering Physics from UC Berkeley.