Open Innovation and Corporate Venture Funding

Matthew Jones, Managing Director at Solvay Ventures North America Dr. Christine McGuiness, Solvay’s U.S. West Coast Research and Innovation delegate Join us for a presentation by Solvay and Solvay Ventures on how Solvay promotes the transfer of technology from academia to industry through their “Open Innovation” efforts, and on the value of corporate venture funding mechanisms for startups and how they differ from traditional Angel/VC investments. Monday, October 29th11am-12pm, Elings Hall Rm 1601 *Light refreshments provided* *RSVP required*: https://forms-csep.cnsi.ucsb.edu/forms/PDS/Registration.php Office hours with Matt and Christine will be available from 1:30pm-3pm. Please contact Tal Margalith(margalith@ucsb.edu) if you would like to reserve a time slot. SOLVAYis an advanced materials and specialty chemicals company, committed to developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges. Solvay innovates and partners with customers worldwide in many diverse end markets. Its products are used in planes, cars, batteries, smart and medical devices, as well as in mineral and oil and gas extraction, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Its light weighting materials promote cleaner mobility, its formulations optimize the use of resources and its performance chemicals improve air and water quality. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with around 26,800 employees in 61 countries. Net sales were €10.1 billion in 2017, with 90% from activities where Solvay ranks among the world’s top 3 leaders, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 22%. Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg:SOLB.BB-Reuters:SOLB.BR) and in the US its shares (SOLVAY) are traded through a level1 ADR program. Financial figures take into account the announced divestment of Polyamides.   SOLVAY VENTURES,the Venture Capital fund of Solvay, invests in startup companies focused on developing and accelerating the adoption of advanced materials. Operating since 2005, Solvay Ventures currently invests out a €80m global evergreen fund. Solvay Ventures targets early stage investment opportunities (Seed through Series B) with a focus on startups solving problems in sustainable resources, energy transition, increased wellbeing, and digital age. Beyond capital, Solvay Ventures leverages the resources at Solvay to accelerate technology and market adoption.