Corporate Ventures

Venture Konnect

Connecting you with ground-breaking startups and scaleups in emerging tech to drive your business growth.

All the best parts of corporate venturing, without the overhead

Given the speed and disruption created by emerging technology, most corporates would love to work with startups and scaleups - if only they were easier to find and work with.

What if there was a team to help provide you with the relevant connections worth your attention, and to guide you through the process?

Stone & Chalk’s Venture Konnect is a service that finds the right partnerships and potential investment opportunities to accelerate business growth.

How does it work?

The Venture Konnect process is designed to be simple and effective. 

  1. We understand your strategy and what it means for the partners you’re looking for.
  2. We write up a Venture Brief which reflects your strategy and what that means for the kind of startups and scaleups with whom you need to partner.
  3. Once we’ve curated the right startups and scaleups, aligned with your business strategy, we present their propositions and why we believe they meet your Venture Brief.
  4. We connect you directly with your chosen businesses.
  5. We help you both to get to know each other and prepare for partnership. 

What you receive

Curated deal flow from our database of 250 resident businesses and 4,000 alumni founders.

The opportunity to form commercial partnerships that accelerate your business growth.

Expert guidance throughout the entire process to ensure positive, mutually beneficial relationships.

Which corporates are already involved?

We’re adding corporates to the program all the time, but at the moment, we’ve signed up:

  • One of the largest insurance companies in Australia;
  • One of the biggest international accounting and professional firms;
  • An international defence and aerospace company;
  • A prominent standards organisation; and
  • Some of Australia's leading banks.

FAQs

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    How can Venture Konnect help my company find suitable startups/scaleups to partner with or invest in?

    Venture Konnect uses a sophisticated matching process to analyse your company's strategy, needs, and goals to find startups that align with your specific interests. Through personalised introductions and a deep understanding of the emerging tech ecosystem, we connect you with innovative startups that can drive value for your organisation. 

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    What is the cost for a corporate to subscribe to Venture Konnect?

    Venture Konnect is built around your specific needs which means it is priced according to the features you need. Please contact and we'll work with you to provide a service which will deliver the most value for you

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    How are the startups/scaleups on the platform vetted to ensure quality and relevance?

    We conduct a thorough screening process for all startups/scaleups on our platform. This includes assessing their business models, financial stability, technological innovation, and alignment with your industry and strategic goals. We aim to provide only the most relevant and promising connections. 

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    Can I specify our preferences and requirements for startup partnerships?

    Yes, specification is a key part of the Venture Konnect process (including preferences and criteria for partnerships or investments). We use this information to match you with startups/scaleups that fit your exact needs, ensuring meaningful and strategic connections.

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    How long will it take to get matched with suitable startups?

    The matching process timeline varies based on your specific requirements and the available startups/scaleups that align with your needs. We actively work to find the best fit and typically introduce suitable startups within a few weeks of understanding your objectives and then on an ongoing basis.

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    How is confidentiality handled when engaging with Venture Konnect?

    Stone & Chalk Group takes confidentiality very seriously through all of its programs. All information shared is handled with the utmost discretion, following strict privacy policies. We ensure that your data and intentions are shared only with relevant parties, and only with your consent. 

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    Can I join Venture Konnect if my company is based outside of Australia?

    Yes, Venture Konnect is available for both domestic and offshore corporates. Our focus on fostering global connections allows us to facilitate collaborations between corporates and startups across different regions. 

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    How can I monitor and evaluate the success of my partnerships with startups/scaleups?

    Our team will work with you to establish strategically aligned key performance indicators and provide insights to ensure that collaborations are achieving the desired outcomes. 

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    What makes Venture Konnect different from traditional Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) teams?

    Venture Konnect offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional CVCs by providing a service that connects you with relevant startups for a fraction of the cost.

    Our personal service, tailored matching, and full support make it easy for companies of any size to get access to new ideas and technologies without having their own in-house CVC team.

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    Can I cancel or change our subscription level at any time?

    Yes, you can change or cancel your subscription with Venture Konnect at any time.

    We offer various subscription levels to fit your needs and are flexible in accommodating changes as your requirements evolve.

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    How does Venture Konnect ensure that there are no conflicts of interest with other corporates on the platform?

    Venture Konnect maintains transparency and ethical practices to avoid conflicts of interest. We handle connections with integrity, making sure that startups are matched uniquely with corporates, and that all engagements are conducted fairly and responsibly.

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    How can I give feedback or concerns about our experience with Venture Konnect?

    We value your feedback and encourage open communication. You can provide feedback or express concerns through your designated support contact within the Venture Konnect team, or use the contact form on our website. Your input helps us continually improve our services. 

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    Can Venture Konnect help me integrate a startup/scaleup's technology or product into our existing structure?

    Yes, Venture Konnect can assist with integration planning and support, helping you to seamlessly adopt a startup's technology or product into your existing business structure.

    We work closely with both parties to make it a smooth transition. 

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    Does Stone & Chalk offer trial periods for corporates to explore Venture Konnect before committing?

    We understand the importance of evaluating our services to ensure they meet your needs.

    Please contact our team to discuss potential trial options or customised packages that can provide an opportunity for you to explore Venture Konnect's offerings. 

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    What is the typical profile of startups/scaleups available on the platform? Are early-stage businesses also included?

    Venture Konnect hosts a diverse range of companies, from early-stage startups to more established scaleups, across various industries and sectors.

    We can match you with startups that align with your interest in terms of development stage, innovation, market readiness, and other specific criteria. 

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    How do I ensure that our strategic goals remain aligned with the startup/scaleup throughout the partnership?

    Venture Konnect facilitates continuous alignment by encouraging clear communication and regular check-ins between both parties.

    Our support team is available to assist in maintaining a strong strategic connection throughout the partnership. 

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    Can I recommend startups/scaleups to join Venture Konnect?

    Yes, we welcome recommendations or referrals of startups or scaleups that you believe would benefit from joining Venture Konnect.

    Our team will evaluate and engage with referred startups to explore potential collaboration opportunities within our network. 

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    How does Venture Konnect contribute to fostering innovation within the industry?

    Venture Konnect fosters innovation by connecting you with startups and scaleups that are pushing technological and industry boundaries.

    By facilitating partnerships and investments with these companies, we help you access new ideas, disruptive technologies, and agile methodologies, enhancing your company's innovation potential and broadening the horizon of your industry. 

Drive your business growth by connecting with the right partners.

Get in touch