TGIF: Rosie powers through to win SmartCamp Cambridge with mobile and predictive!
I'm thrilled to announce that Rosie is the winner of the SmartCamp Cambridge event!
Rosie is a leading SaaS provider of predictive online and mobile shopping applications to local merchants. Their solution is aimed at improving the grocery store shopping experience by predicting the grocery items shoppers need before they run out, at the lowest price from local grocers and online retailers.
What does their solution do for grocery retailers? Rosie provides e-commerce, delivery opportunities, and deep data services. And for consumers, Rosie enables them to shop online for their favorite local stores for delivery or in-store pickup. No more running up and down the aisles looking for what you need! Rosie provides it in a mobile app!
And here's another tidbit about Rosie: they're focused on diversity with a workforce that is 50% women! Now that's an ingredient for success!
VacantBoards uses Big Data and Analytics for the SmartCamp Lagos win!
Imagine a company that uses big data and analytic software to capture data on the flow of traffic to determine the value of advertising on billboards. A solution like that could help small businesses, as well as enterprise-level businesses, maximize their advertising dollars when selecting the right billboard.
You don't have to imagine that company, because we found them at a SmartCamp event! VacantBoards was announced the winner of SmartCamp Lagos!
VacantBoards developed the very solution I described above. Driven by big data and analytics, their solution is a game changer in the African advertising industry. And, even better, their solution is provided at the touch of your fingers through a mobile app! How powerful is that?!
Congratulations to VacantBoards and to the Lagos ecosystem for putting on another great SmartCamp!
A New Video Blog Series on Internet of Things!
Today we start a full video coffee blog series on internet of things.
Heading to BlogHer '14 next week? Why Blogging is a gateway drug!
BlogHer is one of my favorite content networks and events. So I was very excited to have the opportunity to talk to co-founders Elisa Camahort Page and Jory Des Jardins.
We talked about developing more opportunities for women in tech, why when thinking mobile you need to think tablets, and how in certain markets every blogger needs to be a pinner.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wLtLx_ZJUo?rel=0]
If you haven’t already, make sure you check out BlogHer!
Internet of Things - Monday Coffee Break Video!
The internet of things is growing in importance, especially in a set of industries!
Today's Coffee Break focuses on the Internet of things!
2014: Year of the Entrepreneur
Have you noticed the new energy around Entrepreneurship?
For instance, Shark Tank is one of the most popular family shows. Families are teaching their kids about the potential and the feasibility of changing the world.
We now have Restaurant Start-up and even Walmart is running a "entrepreneur" event to gather new products for its US stores.
And more women are also joining the trend .... did you know that nearly 20% of angels invested in women-led businesses — the percentage grew more than 40% from the previous year, according to the Center of Venture Research.
Why is this the case?
1. There is more access to capital and it costs less to start a business. With new technologies like cloud, the cost to begin a start up is less, and areas like social enable businesses to market like the large companies for less.
2. There is more "hope" now in the economy that in the past few years. Yes, CNBC says we are in the period of overjoy, there are signs that our economy is improving -- it's a good time to start a business.
3. Corporate America isn't fulfilling the "need to show value" and to "change the world." To attract and retain the best employees, companies should be more proactive and willing to invest in their workers' future. Many believe they have to create their own company to get that culture.
4. Mentoring abounds. I see IBM offering business and technology mentoring. Virgin is focused on mentoring in the UK and the list goes on. Mentoring provides confidence to get started!
5. Support is pervasive. Unlike in the past, support for start-ups exists in networking groups, meetups, and beyond. For example, for women entrepreneurs, some groups are National Association of Women Business Owners, Women's Toolbox, PBWC, WITI, and Women 2.0.
I love this time of Entrepreneur Energy and know 2014 will truly be the Year of the Entrepreneur!
Announcing our newest BlueMix Garage: The Israel ALPHAZONE!
Are you ready to accelerate your startup? Click here to access the IBM Alpha Zone: A Bluemix Garage!
Have questions? Check out our FAQ here!
Didn't register for this semester? Click here to apply (Second semester registration starts October 2014).
SmartCamp Entrepreneur Winners in France, Italy, and Africa!
We have more exciting news coming from SmartCamps in Africa and Europe!
Last week, we had SmartCamps in Milan, Lille and Nairobi. And at each location, the local entrepreneurial ecosystem was engaged and participated!
Congratulations to Social Bullgard (Italy), Seclud-IT (France) and Digital Vision East Africa (Nairobi)!
Social Bullgard gathers and structures social media content to help companies react quickly to requests and opportunities, as well as avoid and manage crisis efficiently.
Seclud-IT's solution, Elastic Security, brings to cloud infrastructure providers the ability to provide on-demand computing resources to their customers, without compromising with security.
Digital Vision East Africa's solution, Chamasoft, is a simple to use web and mobile application that automates all activities in an investment group. Their solution also promotes transparency and accountability within investment groups.
What an impressive list of startups! And all that just from last week! There are more to come, as our SmartCamps are happening around the world. Find out more about a SmartCamp near you!
Two great opportunities: Big Data and Analytics whitepaper and webcast
Here's an opportunity to hear from IDC analysts in a webcast as they share insight from the whitepaper they authored, "The Big Opportunity for IBM Business Partners in Big Data and Analytics."
And, just as a teaser, here's a sneak preview about the IDC findings:
- Projected revenue of over $32 billion by 2017
- Focus on Line of Business Decision Makers for sales
- Big Data and Analytics as a profitable "fast turn" business - potential of sales cycles lasting fewer than 90 days
The IDC whitepaper (requires IBM ID and password) includes the story of three IBM Business Partners (YaData, Aginity, and eCapital Advisors) as they approach the Big Data and Analytics market with their solutions.
This is such an important opportunity, that we've dedicated a webcast for this whitepaper. I can't stress enough how important it is that you attend the webcast to learn more about the market opportunities with Big Data and Analytics.
I hope you'll join me for the webcast. It will be an hour well spent!