Startupbootcamp, a leading accelerator group with 14 industry-focused accelerator programs, has today announced a new global collaboration with Cisco. Cisco will be expanding its work with Startupbootcamp from its Amsterdam and Berlin accelerator programs to support its 14 physical locations and 325+ portfolio companies.
“Adding Cisco as one of our core Global Partners is a huge win for Startupbootcamp’s community of startup founders, mentors, investors, and partners, all of whom will be able to form even closer relationships with the tech leader,” commented Head of Startupbootcamp Global Andy Shannon.
Cisco engaged closely with the Startupbootcamp Amsterdam classes in 2015 and 2016, providing four Cisco executives as mentors to the startups involved and enabling two Internet of Things (IoT) startups to become certified partners working with Cisco’s own IoT solutions, according to the company.
Cisco’s decision to expand from a local partner to a global partner reflects the high-tech giant’s strategy to increase its work in the global innovation ecosystem. For early-stage startups joining any of Startupbootcamp’s accelerator programs, this deal gives direct access to Cisco Investments, Cisco’s corporate venture capital arm. Startups will also have access to Cisco’s technology and services, go-to-market through sales leads, and exposure to Cisco’s broad base of customers and partners through the company’s nine global Innovation Centers, as well as mentorship opportunities with Cisco employees.
“We’re incredibly excited to be intensifying our work with Startupbootcamp,” explained Cisco Corporate Strategic Innovation Group VP Maciej Kranz. “This partnership expands our co-innovation efforts with the thriving startup ecosystem. Together we’re more equipped to bring digital solutions that transform the businesses of customers and partners.”
Cisco joins other Startupbootcamp Global Partners including Intel, Salesforce, Amazon Web Services, and Google which form part of the accelerator’s unique position in connecting early-stage startups accepted into their various programs with industry leaders and their technology. Founded in 2010, Startupbootcamp has accelerated more than 325 early-stage startups innovating in sectors such as Internet of Things, FinTech, Smart Transportation, Hardware, Big Data and Smart Cities.