Sometimes, Intel would initiate an internal seed research program
as part of its due diligence process for evaluating a corporate venture investment
opportunity. Here is where the genius of Intel’s combination
of externally focused research and corporate VC becomes apparent.
This combination of internal seed projects and external investments
gave Intel a unique insight into future technology opportunities and enhanced
its knowledge as a corporate investor. Vadasz elaborated: “Intel
only makes investments that in some way help support Intel’s strategic
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interests. As an added benefit, Intel can also use investments to gain insights
into emerging trends. Traditional venture capital firms don’t have
the knowledge assets [in the form of thousands of engineers and marketing
people] to do the level of technical due diligence that we do. I
want to do more than simply invest money.