CVC Board Members & Board Observers

New York, NY

December 3-4, 2025 / 9AM - 5PM ET

Location / Fenwick & West, 902 Broadway, #18, New York, NY 10010

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

    Course Format Benefits

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.

    Pricing

  • $3,500 per person

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

December 3, 2025
9AM - 5PM ET

    • 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

    • Meeting logistics, quorum and structure

    • Preparing for the Board meeting

    • Nuances for CVC Board Members

December 4, 2025
9AM - 4PM ET

    • 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

Previous Expert Speakers

  • Professional man wearing a dark suit and light blue checkered shirt, smiling at the camera against a gray background.

    Jim Adler

    Founder and General Partner, Toyota Ventures

  • A professional headshot of a man in a dark suit, white shirt, and dark tie, smiling against a plain gray background.

    A.J. Bertone

    Managing Partner, In-Q-Tel

  • A smiling man with short hair, wearing a white shirt and a blue plaid blazer, against a dark background.

    Matt Carbonara

    Former Managing Director, Citi Ventures

  • A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiling outdoors with a building in the background.

    Einat Meisel

    Partner, Corporate & Israel Practices, Fenwick & West

  • A portrait of a woman with short black hair, wearing a navy blue top, smiling against a gray background.

    Jonathan Sagot

    Partner, Fenwick & West

  • Portrait of a young woman with long brown hair, wearing a light blue top, standing against a gray background.

    Lisa Suennen

    Managing Partner, American Heart Association Ventures