Intellectual Ventures Employee Reviews about "business model"

Pros

Very smart employees, very experienced and at the top of their professions. Only hires people with major accomplishments and previous achievements. a combination of patent lawyers and engineers, all must be with MSc or PhD / JD degrees.

Cons

The company is in a down spiral mostly because it could not address major changes in patent legislation which severely affected its business model

Pros

very interesting business model; wide variety of possible technological areas; a possibility in the early days of great returns

Cons

management is composed of narcissists; management completely lacks a moral compass; management believes that it is acceptable to betray employees and take advantage of anyone; management does not believe in the concept of a win-win or level playing field - if they cannot take advantage of others, they won't participate

Pros

I feel that the finance department has clear goals. We are given the necessary resources and freedom to work toward those goals. We are a very collaborative group who willingly solve problems together. Our executive leadership is transparent to the extent they are able regarding expectations, performance, achievements, failures and future aspirations. We are always looking at long term solutions that all groups can integrate with. We are a dynamic business with complex business practices. This keeps things interesting and exciting, especially when a finance job typically becomes stale and boring. IV compensates fairly, work / life balance is appropriate and benefits are competitive.

Cons

People outside of IV seem to form opinions of our business model quickly. I remind those that we are in the business of world changing innovation. If we do not protect our inventors ideas, then we are at risk of losing some of the most brilliant, innovative people in the world.

Pros

IV is pioneering a new asset class and business model, so there is no well trodden path to simply follow what others have already done. This creates massive opportunity, but one needs to be a "go getter" and accept that things will fail from time to time which is at the essence of invention itself. However, the type of person that succeeds is one that is strong willed, inventive, persistent and can collaboratively work with others and clearly understand the strategy and translate that into tactical deliverables. From the leadership down everyone is hard working so don't expect to coast along ... its not that kind of place ... Also people who do well are those that grab responsibility and lead rather than being told what to do. The Finance management do a great job at keeping that balance which promotes opportunity to succeed. I can't think of a more invigorating and challenging place to work ...

Cons

IV is not as competitive "pay-wise" as the street so many good people have been poached. It's traditionally spread the compensation more broadly at year end, than being targeted to those that really make a difference and will commit to the long term. Given the state patent market, its feeling a little bit vulnerable now, but its poised to re-bound.