The VentureFuel Visionaries

Collaborate to Innovate: Author Adèle Yaroulina (Rebroadcast)

Adèle Yaroulina, global co-innovation expert and author of the new book “Collaborate to Innovate: How Startups and Established Organizations Create Breakthrough Success Together,” joins Fred Schonenberg, Founder of VentureFuel, to unpack what it really takes for large organizations to turn startup partnerships into scalable growth engines. They challenge the myth that startup collaboration “isn’t worth the squeeze,” arguing instead that the real risk is chasing trends, FOMO-driven pilots, and innovation theater that never moves the business forward. Why successful innovation starts with a real problem worth solving, a clear business case, and disciplined design for scale from day one. The conversation explores the evolution of startup partnerships—from supplier to co-creator, trusted advisor, and eventually joint venture or acquisition—and why trust, ownership, and measurable outcomes are essential along the way. They tackle the realities of internal resistance, not-invented-here syndrome, and legacy thinking that can stall progress. If you’re serious about turning uncertainty into opportunity, thinking ahead so you don’t fall behind, and building partnerships that deliver real ROC, “Return on Collaboration”, this episode is a must-listen.

Electrifying Government Innovation with New York City's Chief Fleet Officer Keith Kerman

What does it take to modernize one of the world's largest and most complex fleets while balancing public safety, operational reliability, and ambitious sustainability goals? Keith Kerman shares how New York City is transforming nearly 30,000 municipal vehicles through electrification, renewable fuels, intelligent safety technology, AI-enabled fleet management, and cross-sector partnerships. He explains why innovation in government is less about moving fast than building trust across hundreds of stakeholders, how public-private collaboration accelerates adoption, and why fleet operations deserve a seat at every strategic leadership table. Whether you lead innovation, operations, sustainability, or transformation, this episode offers practical lessons on scaling change across highly complex organizations.

Escaping AI Pilot Purgatory with VentureFuel's Vice President of Innovation & Partnerships Pritam Bhattarai

Nearly every enterprise is experimenting with AI, yet few are turning pilots into measurable business outcomes. Why do so many organizations get stuck in "AI pilot purgatory"? Pritam Bhattarai, Vice President of Innovation & Partnerships at VentureFuel, shares a practical framework for moving AI from experimentation to commercialization. He explains why choosing the right business problem matters more than the technology itself, how to design pilots that drive adoption and impact, and why trust, governance, and organizational alignment are essential for scaling AI. Pritam also explores when to build versus partner with startups, the future of venture clienting, and how organizations can preserve the human element as AI becomes embedded across the enterprise. Whether you lead innovation, digital transformation, or AI strategy, this episode offers practical insights for building AI initiatives that create lasting business value.

Corporate Radar for Tomorrow with Jaguar Land Rover's InMotion Ventures Managing Director Mike Smeed

What gives a global enterprise the radar to see what's coming next? Mike Smeed explains why corporate venture capital is far more than an investment vehicle—it's the translation layer between the gears of startups and large enterprises, helping organizations identify disruptive technologies, navigate internal complexity, and accelerate transformation. Drawing on his experience leading Jaguar Land Rover's InMotion Ventures, Mike explores why startups and corporations often struggle to connect, how CVC creates value beyond capital, and why reputation, governance, and timing matter as much as technology. If you're building innovation capabilities, investing in emerging technologies, or designing partnerships with startups, this episode offers practical lessons for enterprise leaders.

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.

Innovation at 35,000 Feet with United Airlines' Head of Airshop Innovation Lab, Jorie Sax

How do you create the runway for innovation inside one of the world's largest airlines? Jorie Sax, Head of Airshop Innovation Lab at United Airlines, shares how her team explores emerging technologies years before they're ready for scale while balancing safety, trust, and operational excellence. From why the best innovations are often invisible to how AI can create more human experiences, and why startups win through relentless focus, Jorie offers a masterclass in moving bold ideas beyond the pilot phase and into enterprise impact. Whether you're leading innovation, transformation, or venture partnerships, this episode is full of practical lessons for scaling what matters.

The Corporate Partnering Advantage with TDK Ventures’ Portfolio Program Director Geetha Dholakia

What separates corporate-startup partnerships that transform industries from those that stall after a pilot? Geetha Dholakia shares how leading corporate venture teams create strategic value by connecting breakthrough startups with the right people, processes, and business priorities inside global enterprises. Drawing on her experience at NASA and TDK Ventures, she discusses the role of deep technical expertise, venture discipline, and organizational alignment in commercializing emerging technologies. Geetha also explores how AI is accelerating innovation across manufacturing, energy, robotics, and materials science and why successful partnerships require as much cultural alignment as technical fit. This episode is for corporate innovation, venture, and strategy leaders looking to turn emerging technologies into enterprise impact.

Honoring Heritage, Driving Innovation with Midwest Dairy's Vice President of Research & Innovation Michelle Watson

How do you transform a legacy industry without losing what made it successful in the first place? In this episode, Michelle Watson, Vice President of Research & Innovation at Midwest Dairy, shares how one of America's oldest industries is reinventing itself around changing consumer demands for protein, nutrition, convenience, and sustainability. She explains why dairy is experiencing renewed growth, how the Midwest Dairy Accelerator connects entrepreneurs with industry expertise, and why collaboration between startups, farmers, researchers, and established organizations is critical to meaningful innovation. Michelle also shares lessons on leading transformation, building bridges across ecosystems, and creating products that feel both familiar and fresh. A valuable conversation for innovation leaders, founders, and anyone modernizing established businesses.

The State as Venture Enabler with New Jersey EDA's Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello

What role should government play in driving innovation? In this episode of VF Visionaries, Kathleen Coviello, Chief Economic Transformation Officer at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), explains how New Jersey is positioning itself as a venture enabler—bringing together startups, investors, corporations, universities, and policymakers to accelerate innovation and economic growth. Kathleen shares how NJEDA is building the infrastructure behind entrepreneurship through venture funding programs, founder incentives, strategic innovation centers, and AI-focused initiatives. She discusses the importance of ecosystem design, public-private partnerships, and creating the conditions that help high-growth companies scale. For innovation leaders, venture builders, and enterprise executives, this episode offers a practical look at how institutions can catalyze entrepreneurship and strengthen regional competitiveness in the AI era.

The 3 Jobs of Corporate Innovators with Innov8rs Chief Hans Balmaekers (Re-Release)