Why Serial Building + AI Is the Low‑Risk, High‑Reward Path for Corporate Venturing

Report Overview

McKinsey’s latest report, The way to win in corporate venturing: Serial building and AI , surveyed 715 senior managers worldwide. It shows that even in a climate of low consumer confidence and economic uncertainty, firms that repeatedly create new businesses and integrate AI are generating unprecedented returns.

All‑In New Business Amid Uncertainty

In the first half of 2025, global consumer confidence fell below average, yet companies that launched new businesses in the past five years made them a top‑5 priority for 58% of respondents. The success rate of new ventures approached 50% (47%), up from 43‑44% in earlier years. Revenue impact is striking: 61% of respondents report annual new‑business revenue exceeding $10 million, up from 45% in 2023. The proportion of businesses earning $5‑10 million doubled, while those below $1 million sharply declined. Monetization speed improved, with the average time to reach $10 million falling to 31 months—seven months faster than before.

Multiplicative Effect of Serial Building

Companies that launched three or more new businesses in the past five years (“serial entrepreneurs”) report higher returns: 59% say new ventures contribute more than 10% of total revenue, versus only 32% for firms with a single new business. Digital products and services—software, mobile apps, cloud platforms—generate the highest average revenue, while hardware products lag due to supply‑chain constraints. The report cites JPMorgan Chase’s launch of Chase UK , modeled after digital‑banking innovators Monzo and Revolut, as an example of leveraging existing assets to capture tech‑savvy customers.

Risk‑Controlled “New Formula”

Investment needed to reach breakeven fell from $125 million in 2024 to $77 million, representing only 2% of core‑business annual revenue. Over 80% of new ventures achieve breakeven within three years, many within two. Asian and Latin American firms lead: 22% of new businesses in Asia break even in the first year, with a second‑year surge in Latin America.

Key Drivers of Success

Leveraging existing assets or proven business models (“familiar routes”).

Data/IP‑driven ventures: roughly one‑third reach breakeven with under $1 million investment.

AI leverage: an agricultural‑fuel company used AI to forecast procurement and demand, unlocking $10 billion of industry value with minimal staff.

AI’s Transformation from Assistant to Core Engine

AI has moved from a supporting role to a core engine for new ventures. Most firms already use AI to optimize workflows, product development, and marketing; 97% plan deeper AI integration over the next five years, including building AI‑centric business models. Among serial builders, 72% employ AI for complex tasks such as personalized marketing and customer‑journey optimization, generating two‑to‑four times the revenue of firms that use AI only for simple tasks.

Illustrative Cases

A European roadside‑assistance company deployed an AI diagnostic system; after a six‑week pilot it achieved 100% case accuracy and a 63% improvement in prediction precision. An agricultural AI product automatically recommends actions based on weather data, unlocking substantial value. The report forecasts that 56% of firms will launch data/AI‑driven businesses within five years, up from 49% in 2024.

Success Pillars: Technology and Talent

Successful firms share three foundations: experimental culture (68% success rate), skill training (52%), and robust technology infrastructure (47%). AI and digital platforms now act as catalysts, while talent upskilling—especially in hypothesis testing and customer discovery—is essential; over half of high‑performing firms provide such training, compared with 42% of lower‑performing peers.

Future Outlook

Building new businesses remains a top strategic priority, alongside M&A (39%). Across industries, technology, finance, and advanced manufacturing favor AI‑centric ventures; energy leans toward sustainability, while consumer goods prioritize physical products.