Lilly's Evolving Corporate Venture Model

Of all the big pharmaceutical companies, Eli Lilly & Co. has arguably been the most aggressive and creative in finding outsiders to help develop their drugs. With its latest venture, Lilly hopes to learn lessons from a past failed initiative. The Indianapolis drug firm is set to put up to $150 million to work, backing three traditional venture funds as part of a strategy that outsources development of its own molecules.