Life in the FastLane
Twice a year DRIVE TLV presents the start-ups in its FastLane programme. DRIVE TLV focuses on the start-ups in the programme to help them grow and to connect them to the right corporate partners. “As partner we can give our input on what Volvos’ needs are and what kind of start-ups we would like to see in the FastLane programme.”
The pros and cons of working with start-ups
“Interacting with start-ups is so refreshing,” Guillaume says. “You meet people who are so passionate about what they do, and they work with the latest technology and solutions. A meeting with a start-up doesn’t have to lead to commercialisation, but you always leave with new insights and inspiration.
It can make you think differently and see challenges in a new way. Collaborating with a start-up can also be challenging for a big company like Volvo. Start-ups have an in-depth focus on specific capabilities and technologies, while we have a broader emphasis with an ability to scale up and implement projects globally. Although this is a great combination, the challenge is that there is only a short window for us at the Volvo Group to convert this into a fruitful partnership.
Start-ups are constantly in survival mode and are aiming to succeed or fail fast, so we need to accelerate the process of finding a good match for our requirements and that is where the support from Drive TLV comes in.”
