The Corporate Venture Client Shift with Wharton’s Senior Vice Dean Serguei Netessine

What if the smartest way for corporations to innovate isn't investing in startups, but becoming their customers? Wharton Professor Sergey Netessine argues that corporations create more strategic value by purchasing from startups than by investing in them. He explains why venture clienting is emerging as a more effective alternative to traditional corporate venture capital, how AI is making speed a competitive advantage, and why so many startup pilots fail to scale. Sergey also shares practical lessons on aligning procurement, business units, and executive leadership to turn startup partnerships into measurable business outcomes. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for corporate innovation, strategy, and transformation leaders looking to accelerate growth through startup collaboration.