IBM

IBM, through its Corporate Development and Ventures team, engages in strategic minority investments in startups and growth-stage companies. Its investment strategy is deeply integrated with IBM's broader corporate objectives, focusing on technologies that complement or enhance its core businesses in hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, cybersecurity, and enterprise software.

The firm seeks to identify and support innovative companies that can provide strategic value, foster new market opportunities, or potentially lead to future partnerships and acquisitions. IBM's investment approach is not purely financial; it often involves leveraging IBM's extensive research capabilities, global market reach, and technical expertise to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies.

Typical investments are made in Series A, B, and C rounds, where IBM can provide both capital and strategic guidance. For instance, IBM participated in the $19 million Series A round for Solidatus, a data lineage company, in 2021, demonstrating its interest in enterprise data solutions. Similarly, in 2018, IBM was part of the $10 million Series A funding for Sandstone Diagnostics, showcasing its engagement in health tech innovation.

While specific check sizes can vary based on strategic importance and stage, IBM's first cheques typically range from a few million dollars for early-stage strategic bets to tens of millions for more mature growth-stage companies. These investments aim to build a robust ecosystem around IBM's platforms and solutions, ensuring access to cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaborative innovation within its strategic domains.