IBM and Indian Angel Network (IAN) have partnered to accelerate technology innovations in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India. As part of this strategic partnership, IAN portfolio companies and members will work with IBM to build thought leadership by leveraging design thinking workshops and IBM IX Studios program while gaining a chance to explore new dimensions of next-gen technologies like Cloud, Cognitive, Analytics, IoT and Mobility. In addition, IAN and IBM will work on various joint initiatives, to further technology innovation and offer mentorship and funding support to early stage start-ups, that will enhance their ability to scale business both in terms of technology and newer business engagements.
IAN is India’s largest angel network with 100 plus investments and has already made over 20 investments in the first half of 2016. The collaboration will spur transformation of technology startups across India and ensure they have access to the support they need to get their products / solutions into the marketplace. IBM along with IAN will organize knowledge sharing and enablement sessions, on cognitive learning, analytics and product design.
IBM and IAN will work closely with IAN portfolio companies across e-commerce, education, financial services, healthcare, retail, IT etc. IBM business leaders and technology experts will help IAN portfolio companies enhance go-to-market strategies, achieve market alignment and augment their technology roadmaps. The product and design enablement sessions will give an opportunity to help start-ups develop a strong product portfolio, shape the tech deployment early on and embed Cloud and Cognitive into their development cycle and leverage Design Thinking for enhanced client centricity. Furthermore, IBM will be able to influence a broad sweep of business leaders from Start Ups and Corporate CXOs by working with them along with the IAN investor group to make them aware about the future of emerging technologies, IBM’s vision, strategy and capabilities.
“IAN and its portfolio companies has been associated with IBM in the past and this partnership has helped nurture high growth startups. We believe this synergistic partnership will breed innovative technologies and grow global footprint companies from India.” said Padmaja Ruparel, Cofounder, President IAN.
“IBM and IAN can bring about a significant transformation to the start-up ecosystem. IBM will engage, influence and mentor the early stage start-up ecosystem and additionally nurture an IP led start-up ecosystem focused on IOT, Artificial Intelligence, Security, Commerce etc and influence by design thinking.” said Nipun Mehrotra, Vice President, Growth Initiatives IBM India/ South Asia. “We will work with IAN and their network of 400+ investor-members to grow India’s entrepreneurship culture.”
IBM’s collaboration with IAN is an extension of IBM’s commitment to the Indian start-up ecosystem, and builds on the company’s previous announcements, including its cloud data in Chennai and partnership with industry forums and investor community.
The IAN portfolio start-up companies will also have the opportunity to apply for the IBM Global Entrepreneur Program, which provides business mentoring, technical support, networking opportunities with enterprise clients and apply for up to $120,000 credits to build their applications on IBM Cloud.