In this episode of Inside CVC, we sit down with Michael Granoff, founder of Maniv Mobility, to explore the dynamic forces reshaping the movement of people and goods. From electric trucks in California to two-wheelers in India, Maniv’s portfolio reflects the global push toward decarbonization, automation, and digitization. Michael shares candid insights on the rise of Chinese EV dominance, the challenges of aligning corporate venture capital with geopolitical uncertainty, and what the road ahead looks like for autonomous vehicles and AI in mobility. If you're navigating the intersection of venture capital, mobility innovation, and global industrial strategy, this conversation is a must-listen.

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In this episode of Inside CVC, we sit down with Shawn Hoyer, Head of Venture Capital Coverage at Bank of America, to explore how capital markets are evolving—and what it means for founders, investors, and corporate innovators. From the fluidity of global capital and the rise of sovereign wealth funds to the future of AI-driven startups and public market exits, Shawn unpacks the macro trends reshaping the venture and CVC landscape. We also dive into the shifting role of the U.S. in global innovation, the risks of isolationism, and how legacy systems and political fragmentation are holding back progress. Whether you're on Sand Hill Road or inside a corporate innovation lab, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating the future of strategic capital. 

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In Episode 5 of Inside CVC, we continue our deep dive into the 2025 CVC Open Innovation Summit, this time focusing on highlights and takeaways from Day 2. Co-hosts Steve Schmith and Philipp Willigmann explore how Miami took center stage as an emerging hub for globally connected innovation—spanning Latin America, Europe, and beyond.

We spotlight the city’s growing influence in sectors like climate tech, logistics, and healthcare, and unpack the critical role public-private partnerships play in fueling scale-stage innovation. You’ll hear reflections on key sessions, including:

• The Miami economic development panel featuring voices from Greenberg Traurig, the Beacon Council, and Vatsco Ventures
• A powerful keynote from innovation strategist Kaihan Krippendorff on intrapreneurship and moving early on transformation
• Insights on mobility, talent-driven innovation, and the cultural foundation needed to build a future-ready organization

Plus, hear behind-the-scenes takeaways from conversations with thought leaders that challenge the status quo of corporate venture capital.

Whether you’re a corporate innovator, ecosystem builder, or curious policymaker, this episode offers rich perspective on what it takes to drive meaningful innovation—internally and across borders.

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In this episode of Inside CVC, hosts Steve Schmith and Philipp Willigmann explore the origins, purpose, and outcomes of the CVC Open Innovation Summit in Miami. Philipp shares how a dinner conversation in 2023 sparked a movement to create a trusted, high-impact environment for CVC and innovation leaders—culminating in a summit designed by CVCs, for CVCs.

Listeners will hear how this unique event came together, what made it different, and why it resonated with corporate investors, policymakers, academics, and startup founders alike. Topics include:

• The grassroots story behind the summit’s creation
• Insights from organizing partners like BorgWarner, Bosch, and Mitsubishi
• Takeaways from Bank of America’s economic outlook keynote
• The growing role of AI, venture clienting, and C-suite alignment in innovation strategy
• Regional investment trends in Africa, India, South Korea, and Latin America

This episode sets the stage for a broader conversation about the ecosystems, tools, and leadership perspectives shaping corporate venture capital today—and tomorrow.

Brought to you by UPath Advisors.
Inside CVC: Insights that shape tomorrow.

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Catch up on all episodes of Inside CVC at www.u-path.com/podcast.

Welcome to Episode 3 of Inside CVC! In this special behind-the-scenes edition, co-hosts Steve Schmith and Philipp Willigmann sit down—finally together on the mic—to talk about the "why" behind Inside CVC.

If you’re just tuning in, this is your chance to meet the minds behind the podcast. Steve and Philipp share the story of how the show came to life, reflect on their shared background in corporate innovation, and offer a candid look at what’s shaping today’s global venture and open innovation landscape.

You’ll hear:

• What sparked the launch of Inside CVC
• The mission and vision behind U-Path
• Key takeaways from previous guests, including J. Carl Ganter on water security and Benjamin Qiu on tariffs and geopolitics
• A thoughtful dive into current trends impacting corporate venture—from the rise of "venture clienting" to AI-native investments and deep tech
• What to expect in upcoming episodes, including exclusive interviews from the 2025 CVC Open Innovation Summit hosted in February

Whether you're a corporate venture leader, innovation strategist, policymaker, or investor—this episode sets the stage for the journey ahead.

🎧 Listen in and connect with us at u-path.com or on your favorite podcast platform.

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Catch up on all episodes of Inside CVC at www.u-path.com/podcast.

In this timely and globally focused episode of Inside CVC, we sit down with Benjamin Qiu, an American lawyer and cross-border investment expert, to unpack the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China—and what they mean for corporate venture capital, startups, and innovation worldwide.

Benjamin brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience in Silicon Valley and China, and currently joins us from Tokyo. We explore the ripple effects of rising tariffs, the future of globalization, and how companies should be rethinking supply chains, data access, and international deal flow.

Whether you're a CVC leader, startup founder, or strategist navigating global markets, this conversation offers sharp insight into one of the most urgent business issues of our time.

Topics include:

• China’s evolving trade posture and industrial confidence
• How Asian corporates are responding to tariff volatility
• Risks to cross-border data, innovation, and venture investing
• What CVCs should prioritize right now—from cash preservation to global diversification

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 J. Carl Ganter, founder of Circle of Blue, joins Inside CVC by u-path to explore water scarcity as a rising threat to corporate employees, supply chains, operations, and customers. With a journalist’s eye and an innovator’s urgency, the advisor to the World Economic Forum and global business leaders explains why this issue demands board-level attention — and the vital role CVCs can play in accelerating solutions. 

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Catch up on all episodes of Inside CVC at www.u-path.com/podcast.