PoC Kickoff
The PoC Kickoff is the official start of the project - the moment when the startup takes the lead and the corporate-startup collaboration really begins.
Goal of the kickoff
To align all parties on:
- What will be done (scope & success metrics)
- Who will do it (roles & responsibilities)
- When it will be done (timeline & milestones)
- How results will be measured
Who leads it?
The startup should lead the kickoff.
- They’re the ones delivering the solution
- They’re getting paid for it
- They have the biggest incentive to make it work - because PoCs themselves usually aren’t profitable for startups, the real value comes from winning the full implementation afterwards
How to prepare
- Pre-kickoff check-in with the startup
- Review their kickoff plan in advance
- Share any insights about the corporate culture, expectations, or stakeholders they should know
- Make sure they know the success metrics agreed in the PoC scope
- Set expectations
- Make it clear: this first meeting sets the tone for the whole PoC
- A messy kickoff = unhappy stakeholders = extra work for you cleaning up later
Your role as Innovation Manager
Even though the startup is leading:
- Be the mediator between the corporate and the startup if any issues arise
- Advise the startup on how to work smoothly with the corporate team
- Keep an eye on the business impact calculation and make sure it’s updated during the PoC
Why a strong kickoff matters
A good kickoff builds:
- Trust between startup and corporate
- Clarity on what will be delivered
- Early momentum to keep the PoC moving
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.
The Startup Advantage: How Systematic Corporate-Startup Collaboration Drives Market Outperformance.
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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.
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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.