Backing Grit and Innovation: Inside HG Ventures’ Unique Corporate Venture Model

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with John Glushik, Managing Director at HG Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of The Heritage Group.

John shares the unique investment thesis that blends the discipline of traditional venture capital with the strategic advantages of a 95-year-old family-owned enterprise. They explore how HG Ventures adds tangible value to startups—especially in hard tech and deep tech sectors—by leveraging industry expertise, technology insights, and market access. John dives deep into evaluating founders, emphasizing grit, adaptability, and perseverance as key traits for entrepreneurial success.

The conversation also covers how HG Ventures navigates the current challenging liquidity and fundraising environment while maintaining an agile decision-making process.

Additionally, John discusses the impact of culture, respect, and partnership both within his team and with entrepreneurs, underscoring the importance of trust and long-term relationships in venture investing.

This episode offers valuable wisdom for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of corporate venture capital and startup growth.

Learn more about John's work at https://hgventures.com/

Connect with John on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnglushik/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com