Beyond The Core

In this conversation with Amar Varma, we explored the nuances of corporate venturing through the lens of someone who's mastered it from multiple angles – as the co-founder of Hatch Labs (where Tinder was born), the architect behind Ford X, and now the founder of Mantle.

Join us on Beyond the Core as Pedro Earp, founder of ZX Ventures, shares how he built AB InBev's disruptive growth arm.

(1:58) Board-driven initiative created to accelerate innovation beyond AB InBev's traditional M&A strategy

(6:53) Despite initial reluctance, Pedro embraced the role with full autonomy from CEO Brito

(12:33) How AB InBev's strong partnership culture enabled innovation despite conflicts with core business

(17:19) Managing tension between operational efficiency and entrepreneurial speed

(24:27) Finding balance between corporate processes and startup agility

(29:54) ZX achieved both direct growth and "vaccine effect" that accelerated core business innovation

(34:37) Different metrics and timelines for measuring success of early ventures like Z Delivery

(39:11) Key lessons learned about hybrid business models and emotional intelligence

(42:16) Pedro's new startup applying the "dream, people, culture" triangle to solving happiness at scale

As founding partners of Highline Beta, we have spent countless hours with venture studio leaders, learning what works and what doesn't in the industry. Recently, in Episode 1 of Beyond The Core, we had a fascinating conversation with Kal Amin, who's doing remarkable things as Managing Director of 1848 Ventures.

In just seven months at the helm, Kal has already transformed their approach. They're planning to launch three new ventures in 2025 alone, matching what they accomplished in their first six years. Our chat with him revealed some powerful insights about scaling a corporate venture studio that we think are worth sharing.