co-pace started in 2017 out of a strategy process to answer how Continental should address the relationship to the startup ecosystems around the world in a structured way. We were not the first (and not the last) to start doing this, but we are proud of ‘how’ we do it. We have had the privilege to work with more than 200 entrepreneurs and thought leaders and to bring more than 20 partnerships off the ground in the past 5 years, generating value for both Continental and the startups.
Our industries are going through a massive transformation. We see the changes in the shifting technology landscape as well as the dynamics of the markets (even before the pandemic). And we believe partnerships are how we keep up with the pace of change.
For us at co-pace, partnerships between startups and Continental are the true north – we catalyze future products and services out of such partnerships: we jointly execute the product roadmaps innovating both internally and externally, and the outcome is renewed, reinvented, and transformative solutions.
We operate in the global ecosystems from Tel Aviv to Singapore, from Berlin to Silicon Valley. It is in these global ecosystems that we find thought leaders such as yourselves – startup founders, serial entrepreneurs, investors, technology strategies and innovators. And we constantly meet new people to enrich each other’s network. This network is very important because it gives insights into all industries with the new perspectives, approaches, and players. We love linking that to Continental’s strategy, problems, and interests. And in this way, we look outwards and thus sharpen our focus inwards. Through these interactions, we anticipate product concepts and create new markets together with the thought leaders of the ecosystems.
Our superpower is to be the catalyst that brings Continental and startups together to create what wouldn’t be possible if either worked alone. And we have only just begun! Moreover, Continental’s Corporate Venture Capital arm invests in young technology companies, giving startups direct access to Continental's global mobility and industry expertise.