E120: Emily Fontaine: Global Head of Venture Capital at IBM
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Get ready for an electrifying deep dive into the future of investing and technology with IBM’s Global Head of Venture Capital, Emily Fontaine! Recorded live at the Milken Institute Global Conference, this episode of Female VC Lab unpacks the powerful role that corporate venture capital (CVC) is playing in shaping startup success, AI, and Quantum innovation. You’ll hear firsthand how IBM’s investment strategy goes beyond capital—fueling strategic partnerships, market access, and cutting-edge growth.
Tune in as Emily Fontaine reveals the five essential criteria for investment selection, shares her “hot take” on how strategics will dominate the next wave of venture capital, and spotlights the transformative intersections of physical AI and Quantum computing. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or tech enthusiast, you’ll leave with actionable insights you won’t find anywhere else.
Guest Information
Guest Name: Emily Fontaine
Bio: Emily Fontaine is IBM's Global Head of Venture Capital, leading IBM Ventures—IBM's corporate venture capital arm—including the execution of IBM's $500 million Enterprise AI venture capital fund.
Links: LinkedIn – Emily Fontaine
Guest Name: Emily Fontaine
Bio: Emily Fontaine is IBM's Global Head of Venture Capital, leading IBM Ventures—IBM's corporate venture capital arm—including the execution of IBM's $500 million Enterprise AI venture capital fund.
Links: LinkedIn – Emily Fontaine
Episode Outline
The Strategic Power of Corporate Venture Capital
Emily Fontaine explains how IBM, as a strategic investor, not only provides funding but also leverages its ecosystem to accelerate portfolio company growth. She outlines the increasing importance of strategics in early-stage investing and why a diverse cap table matters.
Emily Fontaine explains how IBM, as a strategic investor, not only provides funding but also leverages its ecosystem to accelerate portfolio company growth. She outlines the increasing importance of strategics in early-stage investing and why a diverse cap table matters.
Investment Criteria & Selection Process
Dive into the five key areas IBM looks for in a portfolio company: strategic alignment, technology/product, market opportunity, founding team, and financial strength. Emily Fontaine details how this framework drives effective due diligence and successful outcomes 02:03.
Dive into the five key areas IBM looks for in a portfolio company: strategic alignment, technology/product, market opportunity, founding team, and financial strength. Emily Fontaine details how this framework drives effective due diligence and successful outcomes 02:03.
Frontiers of AI and Quantum Computing
Explore the latest developments in physical AI, Quantum computing, and how these technologies are converging to reshape industries. Emily Fontaine shares real-world Quantum applications already in use and anticipates how the software layer will drive even greater adoption 04:16.
Explore the latest developments in physical AI, Quantum computing, and how these technologies are converging to reshape industries. Emily Fontaine shares real-world Quantum applications already in use and anticipates how the software layer will drive even greater adoption 04:16.
- The Rise of Corporate VC – Explore how CVCs are changing the dynamics of startup investing.
- Innovating with AI: Real-World Use Cases – From practical deployments to ethical considerations.
Resource: About IBM Ventures
IBM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibm/
IBM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibm/
IBM X: https://x.com/IBM
IBM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IBM/
IBM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ibm
IBM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibm/
IBM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibm/
IBM X: https://x.com/IBM
IBM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IBM/
IBM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ibm
Transcript (if applicable)
For a full transcript of this episode, visit: Female VC Lab Show Transcripts
For a full transcript of this episode, visit: Female VC Lab Show Transcripts
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