Introduction: Beyond the terms, a strategic approach to innovate
In the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the terms venture builder and venture studio are often used, and often interchangeably. However, they are not exactly the same. Understanding the differences is key for entrepreneurs, corporates, and investors looking to create strong, scalable startups.
In this article, we explain what differentiates them, how they complement each other, and why at Goo Ventures we have designed a hybrid model, specialized in HealthTech, SportsTech, and WellbeingTech, that maximizes project success from idea to exit.
What is a Venture Builder?
A venture builder, also called a company builder, is an organization that systematically creates startups, based on either in-house ideas or market opportunities. Its main characteristics are:
- Internal idea generation: most projects originate within the venture builder’s own team.
- Shared resources: marketing, technology development, legal, finance.
- Significant equity stake: the venture builder usually retains a large percentage of equity.
- Focus on scalability: building repeatable, scalable business models.
Well-known examples include Rocket Internet or Antai Venture Builder, which have launched multiple startups following this pattern.
What is a Venture Studio?
A venture studio shares the essence of a venture builder, creating startups, but with an important nuance: its involvement is more strategic and co-creative, from product conception through scaling. Typically, a venture studio will:
- Co-create with entrepreneurs and corporates: not only with internal ideas but also with external talent and partners.
- Provide seed capital and full operational support.
- Specialize in specific sectors to increase success rates.
- Measure success beyond profitability, including social, healthcare, or environmental impact.
At Goo Ventures, this approach translates into hands-on support from product design and business modeling to validation in real environments such as hospitals or sports centers.
Key differences between Venture Builder and Venture Studio
| Characteristic | Venture Builder | Venture Studio |
| Idea origin | Mostly internal | Internal + external (co-creation) |
| Level of involvement | High in development and execution | Very high, from strategic ideation to scaling |
| Sector specialization | Generalist or multiple | High specialization in specific verticals |
| Resource structure | Shared internal resources | Internal resources + external strategic alliances |
| Objective | Fast and scalable startup creation | Solid, validated startups with real impact |
Goo Ventures: A hybrid model specialized in HealthTech, SportsTech, and WellnessTech
At Goo Ventures, we have built a corporate holding that integrates the best of both worlds:
- As a venture builder: we leverage our own tech agency, GooApps®, to develop MVPs and AI-powered mobile solutions in less than 6 months.
- As a venture studio: we co-create with senior entrepreneurs, corporates, and universities, contributing capital, expertise, and networks from the idea stage.
This hybrid model allows us to:
- Reduce risks through early validation in real-world environments.
- Accelerate go-to-market strategy with in-house technology and teams.
- Guarantee impact by measuring outcomes in health, sports, and wellbeing.
Success cases: from challenge to startup
- AI & mHealth Challenge 2024: identified and accelerated digital health projects with AI, attracting international talent and generating early investment.
- Break the Gap 2025: program designed to reduce the gender gap in technology, with a focus on health, sports, and wellbeing, validated in environments such as the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau.
Why is this model attractive to investors?
Investors who join Goo Ventures benefit from:
- A diversified portfolio of validated startups.
- High equity participation (30–50% initial equity).
- Estimated ROI of 3x–5x within 5 years.
- Positive, measurable impact in health and wellbeing.
Conclusion: The future belongs to hybrid models
The distinction between venture builder and venture studio is useful to understand their nuances, but market reality shows that hybrid, specialized models with strategic alliances deliver better results.
At Goo Ventures, we have embraced this approach to transform disruptive ideas into global startups that not only generate returns but also improve people’s lives.
