Show NotesGet ready for an electrifying deep dive into the future of investing and technology with IBM’s Global Head of Venture Capital, Emily Fontaine! Recorded live at the Milken Institute Global Conference, this episode of Female VC Lab unpacks the powerful role that corporate venture capital (CVC) is playing in shaping startup success, AI, and Quantum innovation. You’ll hear firsthand how IBM’s investment strategy goes beyond capital—fueling strategic partnerships, market access, and cutting-edge growth.Tune in as Emily Fontaine reveals the five essential criteria for investment selection, shares her “hot take” on how strategics will dominate the next wave of venture capital, and spotlights the transformative intersections of physical AI and Quantum computing. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or tech enthusiast, you’ll leave with actionable insights you won’t find anywhere else.Guest InformationGuest Name: Emily FontaineBio: Emily Fontaine is IBM's Global Head of Venture Capital, leading IBM Ventures—IBM's corporate venture capital arm—including the execution of IBM's $500 million Enterprise AI venture capital fund.Links: LinkedIn – Emily FontaineEpisode OutlineThe Strategic Power of Corporate Venture CapitalEmily Fontaine explains how IBM, as a strategic investor, not only provides funding but also leverages its ecosystem to accelerate portfolio company growth. She outlines the increasing importance of strategics in early-stage investing and why a diverse cap table matters.Investment Criteria & Selection ProcessDive into the five key areas IBM looks for in a portfolio company: strategic alignment, technology/product, market opportunity, founding team, and financial strength. Emily Fontaine details how this framework drives effective due diligence and successful outcomes 02:03.Frontiers of AI and Quantum ComputingExplore the latest developments in physical AI, Quantum computing, and how these technologies are converging to reshape industries. Emily Fontaine shares real-world Quantum applications already in use and anticipates how the software layer will drive even greater adoption 04:16.The Rise of Corporate VC – Explore how CVCs are changing the dynamics of startup investing.Innovating with AI: Real-World Use Cases – From practical deployments to ethical considerations.Resource: About IBM VenturesIBM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibm/IBM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibm/IBM X: https://x.com/IBMIBM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IBM/IBM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ibmTranscript (if applicable)For a full transcript of this episode, visit: Female VC Lab Show TranscriptsShow Info Podcast Website: https://www.femalevclab.comCommunity & Calls to ActionRate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. Leave a review hereSign up for our newsletter: Subscribe hereFollow us on social media:X (formerly Twitter): @FemaleVCLabInstagram: @FemaleVCLabJoin the conversation: Share your thoughts on LinkedIn, send us a message, or share your key takeaways using #FemaleVCLabPodcast.Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway. ★ Support this podcast ★