The Drop 2025 - Ripple summaries

Starting (and maintaining) corporate partnerships for global expansion


The Ripple centered around the complex world of corporate-startup collaborations, uncovering key insights about working together effectively.

Participants explored the evolving landscape of partnerships, highlighting critical takeaways:

- Corporates aren't all the same - each has unique motivations and approaches.

- Startups need to prove financial value, not just environmental impact.

- Corporate venture capital (CVC) can be a powerful ally, but choose wisely.

- Building trust is crucial - find champions within large organizations.

- Relationships matter more than one-off deals.

- Understand a corporate's true objectives before jumping in.

The conversation revealed that successful partnerships aren't about quick wins, but creating genuine value. Startups must speak the corporate language of cost savings and strategic benefits, while corporates need to be genuine partners who truly support innovation. Smart collaboration trumps traditional transactional approaches.

HOSTS

Satowa Kinoshita
Japan Energy Capital

Felicity O’Kelly
Climate Investment

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