What is Venture Clienting? (and why it’s not Corporate VC)

Madlen Weinhardt
Written by
Madlen Weinhardt
Managing Director, GlassDollar
Published on
December 19, 2025
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What is Venture Clienting?

Venture Clienting is a smart and structured way for companies to solve real business problems by using products from startups. Instead of trying to build everything in-house or waiting for the next big idea to magically appear, companies actively search for startups that already have a solution, and then buy it, test it, and ideally implement it.

Think of it as a “make-or-buy” decision. You’re not just looking for cool startups. You’re looking for ones that can actually help your business right now.

Venture Clienting Corporate VC
Buy the startup’s product Buy shares in the startup
Goal: solve your problem Goal: make a return on investment
Decision based on product fit and problem relevance Decision based on financial potential and strategic alignment
Startup should have reference customers and a working solution Startup can be early-stage, even without a product yet
Driven by business units Driven by corporate investment teams
Venture Clienting
Buy the startup’s product
Goal: solve your problem
Decision based on product fit and problem relevance
Startup should have reference customers and a working solution
Driven by business units
Corporate VC
Buy shares in the startup
Goal: make a return on investment
Decision based on financial potential and strategic alignment
Startup can be early-stage, even without a product yet
Driven by corporate investment teams

In short

  • Venture Clienting is about solving problems.
  • Corporate VC is about making bets.

With Venture Clienting, you’re not funding a dream. You’re buying a solution that already works - just built by someone else.

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Madlen Weinhardt

Hi, I'm Madlen, and I lead the Venture Clienting solutions at GlassDollar. At GlassDollar, we empower corporations to quickly identify and test cutting-edge startup technology. Our outstanding team of Venture Clienting experts is committed to helping corporations harness startup innovations and drive growth at any stage. Whether you need strategic consulting, support in establishing a Venture Clienting unit, or assistance in operating and scaling it, we are your ideal partner.

Managing Director, GlassDollar

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