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

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.
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The Startup Advantage: How Systematic Corporate-Startup Collaboration Drives Market Outperformance.
Collaborating With Corporations—A Startup‘s Point of View
The potential of Venture Clienting, on the one hand, is full of opportunity; it allows startups to receive direct feedback, resources, and support for their projects. On the other hand, it also contains risks, with potential for a startup to lose its way in bureaucracy or, worse, fail to meet expectations. This article shares perspectives as an startup’s experience in this way of operating and optimising for better outcomes.
Collaborating With Corporations—A Startup‘s Point of View
The potential of Venture Clienting, on the one hand, is full of opportunity; it allows startups to receive direct feedback, resources, and support for their projects. On the other hand, it also contains risks, with potential for a startup to lose its way in bureaucracy or, worse, fail to meet expectations. This article shares perspectives as an startup’s experience in this way of operating and optimising for better outcomes.
Collaborating With Corporations—A Startup‘s Point of View
The potential of Venture Clienting, on the one hand, is full of opportunity; it allows startups to receive direct feedback, resources, and support for their projects. On the other hand, it also contains risks, with potential for a startup to lose its way in bureaucracy or, worse, fail to meet expectations. This article shares perspectives as an startup’s experience in this way of operating and optimising for better outcomes.
Collaborating With Corporations—A Startup‘s Point of View
The potential of Venture Clienting, on the one hand, is full of opportunity; it allows startups to receive direct feedback, resources, and support for their projects. On the other hand, it also contains risks, with potential for a startup to lose its way in bureaucracy or, worse, fail to meet expectations. This article shares perspectives as an startup’s experience in this way of operating and optimising for better outcomes.
