What is a Venture Client? How is it different to Venture Capital?

The BMW Startup Garage is the Venture Client unit of the BMW Group. As a Venture Client, the BMW Group becomes a client of a startup, at an early stage when its product, service or technology is not yet mature. In comparison to Venture Capital, we purchase a first unit of a startup’s product, service or technology, not its equity. This means that startups get a supplier status, supplier number, purchase order and revenue. We do not invest, i.e. we do not ask for shares or equity. We invented and are pioneering the Venture Client model. We see it as an highly efficient and effective way to integrate early stage startups with a corporation like the BMW Group.