Indian Angel Network partners IBM to bolster startup ecosystem

Tech giant IBM and Indian Angel Network (IAN) have partnered for technology innovations in startups where IAN portfolio companies and members will work with IBM to build thought leadership by leveraging design thinking workshops and IBM IX Studios programme.

They will also gain a chance to explore new dimensions of next-gen technologies like Cloud, Cognitive, Analytics, IoT and Mobility, IAN said in a statement here.

"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, Co-founder, president IAN.

IAN and IBM will work on various joint initiatives, to further technology innovation and offer mentorship and funding support to early stage startups, that will enhance their ability to scale business both in terms of technology and newer business engagements, it added.

"IBM will engage, influence and mentor the early stage startup ecosystem and additionally nurture an IP led startup 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.

IAN has 100 plus investments and has 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 and solutions into the marketplace.

IBM, along with IAN, will organise knowledge sharing and enablement sessions, on cognitive learning, analytics and product design, across e-commerce, education, financial services, healthcare, retail, IT, it said.

IBM's collaboration with IAN is an extension of IBM's commitment to the Indian start-up ecosystem.