Why Large Enterprises Need to Make Bets Now With Mark Treiber

Platform shifts are happening faster than most enterprises can react. What happens when companies wait too long to place their bets?

This week’s VentureFuel Visionary is innovation leader Mark Treiber!

In this episode, he breaks down how corporates can stay ahead of platform shifts — from mobile and OTT to the creator economy and AI — and why the biggest mistake companies make is not making enough bets. From his experience at Nokia and CBS Sports to Paris Hilton’s 11:11 Media, Mark also unpacks the collision of sports, media, culture, and technology and how leaders can turn emerging platforms into real business value.

Episode Highlights

• Making Bets on What’s Next – Mark breaks down how companies can turn emerging technologies and cultural shifts into growth opportunities, focusing on reducing friction and maximizing consumer adoption.
• From Exploit to Explore – He explains why large organizations struggle with innovation and how a structured venture-style approach enables them to test multiple bets without being held back by internal barriers.
• The Creator Economy and Strategic Capital – He also discusses how media companies and creators are evolving, and how allocating capital thoughtfully across startups, joint ventures, and in-house projects drives long-term business value.
• Authenticity Over Immediate Monetization – Mark emphasizes that forcing early revenue in communities or fan bases can backfire, and true value comes from building trust and engagement over time.
• The Cost of Inaction – The discussion highlights that large companies risk more by not experimenting, and that placing frequent, thoughtful bets is critical for success in fast-moving industries like media, sports, and technology.