Lens on Venture Scouting

In this episode, Sabine VdL defines venture scouting, also called technology scouting, and explains why companies and investors see it as so important. She also discusses what skillsets a technology scout needs to succeed as well as what should motivate them and how these strategies are delivered.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• In recent months companies around the globe have seen new types of challenges affecting them all, including: changing customer needs (such as the "I want it now" generation demanding reduced engagement friction); rising competition (This does not only means the fast-moving dominance of BigTech, but also the arrival of new digital market entrants.); and increasing market volatility (Think about bitcoins and other digital currencies that have fluctuated up and down).
• Many companies see it as essential to closely monitor developments in core technologies and scan for emerging technologies with disruptive potential. Methods here include technological forecasting, technology foresight, and technology intelligence.
• The basis of technology scouting is to enhance insight into emerging and advanced technologies and shorten the time lag between technological advancement and detection, accelerating the potential delivery of unfair competitive advantages for any company.
• One of the biggest obstacles to innovation is often the regional limitations and the siloed way of thinking that exist in many corporations today. They know, though, that to remain competitive, they need to acquire valuable information on emerging technologies as early as possible.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Strong technological competence plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving a company's competitive position, regardless of business size.’

‘In an environment impacted by technological complexity and the globalization of R&D activities, the successful identification, and usage of external sources of knowledge is becoming increasingly essential and primordial as part of a business success strategy.’

‘Technology scouts require lateral thinking, knowledge in science and technology, a certain level of credibility, recognition within the company, cross-disciplinary orientation, creativity, and imagination.’

‘Think about venture/technology scouting as an early warning system for companies to make better innovation choices.’

ABOUT THE HOST

Sabine VanderLinden is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur and the CEO of Alchemy Crew Ventures. She leads venture-client labs that help Fortune 500 companies adopt and scale cutting-edge technologies from global tech ventures. A builder of accelerators, investor, and co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, Sabine is known for asking the uncomfortable questions—about AI governance, risk, and trust. On Scouting for Growth, she decodes how real growth happens—where capital, collaboration, and courage meet.

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And if you’re interested in sponsoring the podcast, reach out to the team at hello@alchemycrew.ventures