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

  • 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