CVC Board Members & Board Observers

About the Program

Today’s Corporate Venture Capitalists (CVCs) are playing influential and high value roles in the global investment ecosystem, participating in more than 25% of Venture Capital (VC) deals and increasingly seen as partners of choice in complex and regulated sectors. But corporate venturing is hard! CVC programs must combine strategic and financial mandates and operate in a complex set of interdependent ecosystems involving both internal and external stakeholders. Integrating an understanding of the VC ‘rules of the game’ with an appreciation for the nuances for strategic investors is fundamental to CVC program professionalism and impact.


What is CVC Board Members & Board Observers?

The definitive course on CVC Board Member and Board Observer strategies and best practices, this is a cohort-based masterclass for strategic investors serving as startup Board Members and/or Observers.

that delves into the critical building blocks for professional strategic investment programs. Both experienced CVC Board Members/Observers and aspiring CVC portfolio company Board Members/Observers will benefit from the fast-paced combination of self-paced technical materials, case studies, models and market data/resources enriched by facilitated live discussions. 

  • Explores the roles, responsibilities and global considerations for venture-backed company Board Members and Board Observers

  • Describes the regulatory and contractual framework for startup company Board Members and Board Observers and outlines typical board meeting agenda and practices

  • Delves into the nuances for strategic investors serving as startup Board Members and Board Observers

  • Includes library of resources, assessment-based certification framework and ongoing update/re-certification process to ensure team knowledge and skillset remain current

  • Offers ongoing access to private Institute alumni LinkedIn group and quarterly online expert panels discussing CVC hot topics

Group discounts and Leadership Society member discounts available – contact courses@gcvinstitute.com for more information.


Course Format Benefits

CVC Board Members & Board Observers is offered in two formats: live online (via Zoom) or in person, each with unique benefits.

Our live online courses offer:

  • Flexibility and Convenience: Accommodate your professional and personal commitments with a course structure designed for 6 hours over two days.

  • Immediate Application of Skills: Apply what you learn in real-time to your current role and team, boosting your productivity and contributing to your organization’s success.

  • Comfortable Learning Environment: Study from the comfort of your work, home, or preferred location with easy access via an online Zoom link.

  • Cost Effective: Save on travel and accommodation costs while still accessing high-quality training.

  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers from other corporations to share experiences, challenges, and best practices

Our in person courses offer:

  • Networking Opportunities: Interact face-to-face with industry experts and fellow participants

  • Interactive Learning: Engage and ask questions in real time and participate in discussions that will enhance your learning to the full.

  • Hands-on Experience: Deepen your understanding and retention of the material through practical exercises and case study discussions.

Amplify Effectiveness and Impact

Our in-person conduct runs across two full days, while the live online conduct runs across three days (four hours per day).

    • Legal framework (structure, governance and committees,
      applicable laws)

    • Role of the Board and fundamental duties

    • Board composition

    • Duty of Care

    • Duty of Loyalty

    • Business Judgement Rule

    • Safe Harbors and good Board Member practices

    • Director and Stockholder roles

    • Legal representations and protections

    • US States and International variances of Fiduciary responsibilities

    • Meeting logistics, quorum and structure

    • Preparing for the Board meeting

    • Nuances for CVC Board Members

    • Serving on audit or compensation committees

    • Dealing with down rounds or insolvency

    • Preparing for exits/M&A

    • Handling CEO/key executive transitions

    • Stockholder situations

    • Transitioning Board Member

    • Portfolio company policies

    • Observer rights and responsibilities (contractual)

    • What makes a good Observer

    • CEO and VC expectations of CVC Board Observers

    • Confidentiality and Conflicts of Interest

    • The Side Letter

    • Board Seat vs. Board Observer Seat: Pros and cons

    • BU representatives as portfolio company Board Members or Observers

    • Transfer of an existing CVC Board Seat/Observer Role

Learning Modules

Upcoming Conducts

September, 2025

9 AM - 5:00 PM ET

This IN PERSON course is held in New York, NY

Daily breakfast and lunch are provided. All participants are invited to a networking dinner the evening of September XXX.

November, 2025

7:00AM -11:00AM PT

This IN PERSON course is held in New York, NY

Daily breakfast and lunch are provided. All participants are invited to a networking dinner the evening of September XXX.

Who Should Attend?

  • New or aspiring CVC portfolio company Board Members or Board Observers

  • Experienced CVC Board Members or Board Observers in need of a ‘refresher’

  • CVC Investors, who share portfolio company investment management responsibilities with Business Unit executives who hold the Board Member or Board Observer seats

  • Business Unit executives who are or aspire to be CVC portfolio company Board Member or Board Observers

  • In-house legal counsel who work with the CVC team


Community

  • Enrollment in CVC Board Members & Board Observers include invitations to quarterly panel discussions featuring a VC, a CVC and an attorney.


Pricing

  • $2,000 per person for live online course delivery or $3,500 per person for in person course delivery.

    • Group discounts and Leadership Society member discounts available – contact courses@gcvinstitute.com for more information.