Clément Boussard is the CEO and founder of Stanley Robotics, a Paris-based startup selling automated valet parking solutions. The case illustrates the typical challenges faced by innovators (here an entrepreneur) selling a technological innovation and dealing with their first customers.

At the BMW Group, Gregor Gimmy, a serial entrepreneur and former consultant, introduces the Venture Client (VCL) model to engage with start-ups and boost corporate innovation. The case discusses its initial success at BMW and the rationale that drove Gimmy to establish a new model of external corporate venturing (ECV).