Cisco will be expanding its work with Startupbootcamp to now support Startupbootcamp across all of its 14 physical locations and 325+ portfolio companies.

Cisco has worked with Startupbootcamp’s Amsterdam and Berlin accelerator programs for the past three years. For example, 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.

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. Startupbootcamp’s global footprint, with activities in more than 30 countries, makes it an ideal fit.

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.

Commenting on the announcement, Andy Shannon, the Head of Startupbootcamp Global said: “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.”

“We’re incredibly excited to be intensifying our work with Startupbootcamp,” said Maciej Kranz, vice president of the Corporate Strategic Innovation Group at Cisco. “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 runs 14 industry-specific programs in across Asia, Europe and U.S. Known for its industry-focused approach, 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.