Thelander CVC Digest: May 2025

How Has CVC Compensation Changed Since 2021?

Welcome back to the May edition of the Thelander Digest. Having a competitive compensation strategy is more than just having access to real-time market data. CVC Units are one of the key players in driving innovation on a global level and as a result, you need deeper insights and analysis into the compensation mix that is unique to their firms in the global private capital market. 

Using one of our newest platform upgrades, year over year compensation data, we looked at how total cash has changed for CVC Unit Leaders and CVBD Professionals since 2021. By understanding how the median and 75th percentile in total cash has shifted over the last five years, you can better plan for what’s next – and ensure your firm stays competitive. Let’s dig in. 

CVC Unit Leaders See Growth in Total Cash Compensation

Using the chart generated from the Thelander Platform, following a dip in 2023, CVC Unit Leaders saw growth at the median and 75th percentiles in total cash from 2024 to 2025. 

Median total cash increased by ~$25,000 from $430,500 to $455,000 from 2024 to 2025. This is the biggest jump since 2021. 

The 75th percentile increased from 2021 to 2022, going from $581,750 to $616,813 until slightly increasing in 2024. 

The largest increase for the 75th percentile happened between 2024 and 2025, going from $624,313 to $652,770 (a $30,000+ difference), continuing upward momentum.

Business Development Professionals See Consistent Salary Growth

Following a different pattern than CVC Unit Leaders, Corporate Venture Business Development Professionals have seen a steady increase in total cash at the median and 75th percentile since 2021. 

Median total cash compensation has risen each year – but increased by more than $10,000 between 2024 and 2025 – going from $229,960 to $241,800.

The 75th percentile has held steady YoY with slight increases until 2024 when the total cash jumped by $30,000 from $250,000 to $282,900.

CVBD Professionals are key players within CVC Units. They work with the CVC investment team to deliver an “end-to-end investing” model, with the goal of accelerating portfolio company value. They are responsibly for the creation and maintenance of vital, high value internal corporate and external ecosystem networks and relationships, and facilitation of business partnering arrangements for portfolio companies. The compensation trends reflect the importance of this role. 

What’s The Bottom Line?

Cash compensation has increased overall – especially for CVC Unit Leaders and Business Development Professionals. As CVC Units continue to play a prominent role in corporate growth and innovation, staying competitive on compensation is essential for overall success. Utilizing the year over year compensation dataset can give you the data, insights and analysis you need to plan and have an impact on a global level. 

If you are interested in viewing the platform upgrades for yourself, respond to this Digest and a member of the Thelander Customer Success Team will reach out to you directly. 

For Even More Data, Participate in the Thelander CVC Compensation Survey Today