
CVC Board Members & Board Observers
Live Online
Kick Off Session: November 10, 2025 / 8 AM 9 AM PT
Course Dates: November 17-19, 2025 / 7AM - 11 AM PT
About the Program
Today’s Corporate Venture Capitalists (CVCs) are playing increasingly influential and high-value roles in the global investment ecosystem, participating in more than 25% of VC deals. However, CVC is a challenging job. Corporate Venturing programs must operate professionally in a complex set of interdependent ecosystems involving both internal and external stakeholders and are tasked with both financial and unique strategic mandates. Integrating an understanding of the VC ‘rules of the game,’ with an appreciation for the nuances and requirements of strategic investing is fundamental to CV program professionalism and impact.
What is CVC Board Members & Board Observers?
This is the definitive course on CVC Board Member and Board Observer strategies and best practices:
Delivered via a fast-paced combination of lectures, challenging hands-on scenario role plays and interactive discussions with CVC, VC and legal experts, and cohort peers
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 (e.g. Board Member vs Board Observer strategies, Board Member vs Stockholder representative roles, side letters, corporate vs personal liability and reputational risk…)
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
$2,500 per person
Group discounts and Leadership Society member discounts available. Contact courses@gcvinstitute.com for more information.
November 17, 2025
7 AM - 11 AM PT
-
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
November 18, 2025
7 AM - 11 AM PT
-
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
November 19, 2025
7 AM - 11 AM PT
-
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
-
Jim Adler
Founder and General Partner, Toyota Ventures
-
A.J. Bertone
Managing Partner, In-Q-Tel
-
Matt Carbonara
Former Managing Director, Citi Ventures
-
Einat Meisel
Partner, Corporate & Israel Practices, Fenwick & West
-
Jonathan Sagot
Partner, Fenwick & West
-
Lisa Suennen
Managing Partner, American Heart Association Ventures