Beyond the hype – Seven myths of startup collaboration
Over the past seven years, Holcim MAQER Ventures has grown into a leading platform for startup collaboration and innovation in the construction industry. As the interface between innovative startups and Holcim, we’ve worked with multiple high-impact startups – from AI-powered productivity tools to breakthrough low-carbon materials – and are introducing their solutions in our operations.
But with innovation comes complexity. And with complexity, come assumptions.
We, Bengt Steinbrecher (Head of Holcim MAQER Ventures) and Matthieu Horgnies (Holcim Accelerator Manager) have heard many of them – internally and externally.
“Aren’t Accelerator, Venture Clienting and Corporate Venture Capital completely separate?”
“Startups just want money, not partnerships.”
“Pilots are too expensive and time-consuming to run.”
To set the record straight, we’re addressing seven of the most common myths we encounter when it comes to corporate-startup collaboration – and sharing the truths behind how we work, what we prioritize, and why this approach delivers real value.
Because startup collaboration isn’t a side project at Holcim – it’s core to how we innovate.
Let’s dive in
Myth 01
Myth: Accelerator, Venture Clienting, and Corporate Venture Capital are separate, disconnected strategies at Holcim MAQER Ventures.
In fact: These three approaches form a cohesive funnel. The Accelerator is tailored for early-stage startups needing support to validate their technology with industry experts. Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) targets growth-stage startups where we identify long-term strategic potential and aim to deepen our relationship through investment. Venture Clienting focuses on mature solutions, providing startups with opportunities to pilot and scale their technologies directly within Holcim’s operations, driving immediate value and adoption. The approaches complement each other and help to validate and accelerate innovative startup solutions in our organization.
Myth 02
Myth: Startups are only interested in funding and don’t value partnerships with corporates.
In fact: Startups value more than just funding – they seek strategic partners who can accelerate their growth and multiply the use case related to their solution. For example, French startup Nanolike partnered with Holcim to bring their silo inventory management system from the agricultural industry to the construction industry and is now serving Holcim’s customers.
Myth 03
Myth: Startups are expensive and resource-intensive to test.
In fact: Not all startup collaborations require large upfront investments. Many digital startups offer ready-to-use solutions that deliver quick wins with minimal resources. For instance, Holcim Canada partnered with Provision on a short 8-week, $2,000 pilot and achieved 80% time savings and over 90% accuracy in automating tender document reviews with AI.
Myth 04
Myth: Only large-scale pilot projects will prove a startup’s value
In fact: Focusing on small-scale pilots is a strategic advantage. They minimize risk for the corporate partner, provide faster testing of the startup’s technology, and are more cost-effective. By targeting specific challenges, these pilots offer focused insights and measurable outcomes, enabling informed decisions about further scaling.
Myth 05
Myth: Holcim MAQER Ventures works only with deep-tech startups in the sustainability space.
In fact: Our startup collaborations are structured around three topics: Sustainable Building, supports startups like Sublime Systems, which are focused on reducing cement’s emissions. Transformative Building is dedicated to startups like 14trees, pioneering the future with 3D printing technology. Efficient Building focuses on startups like Gravis Robotics, developing autonomous excavators.
Myth 06
Myth: Startup solutions are too early stage to scale effectively within our organization or meet key requirements (e.g.IT security or GDPR).
In fact: The Venture Client unit focuses on startups with a degree of maturity. These companies have typically secured venture funding, established corporate client relationships, and possess robust IP with testable, readily available products. This focus mitigates the risks associated with early stage technologies and ensures better alignment with Holcim’s operational requirements and standards.
Myth 07
Myth: Startup solutions must always be top down and be passed onto countries via corporate innovation initiatives.
In fact: Innovation isn’t solely driven from the top. Country teams and business functions play a crucial role throughout the entire process, from identifying pain points and scouting for solutions to piloting and scaling successful implementations. This ensures that solutions are relevant to specific needs and enables broader adoption within the organization.
Addressing these seven common myths is key to pave the way for more impactful collaborations with startups. We are committed to driving innovation in the construction industry through strategic partnerships that deliver sustainable solutions and create lasting value. Ready to explore partnership opportunities? Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you.
