H2 Launches Insights Platform to Connect Industry Leaders, Startups, and Corporates Across Top Global Technology Markets

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- H2 (h2.co), the premier global leadership network for the digital industry, announced today the launch of Insights (h2.co/insights), a new platform for startups and corporates to access domain expertise and market intelligence across top technology markets and entrepreneurial centers. The industry level initiative will leverage H2's unique network of digital leaders along with a partner program to offer valuable services for participating companies. At launch, supporting organizations from H2's global partner community include leading growth services firms (such as Silicon Valley Bank, Cooley, and Sparkpr) in addition to top investors and accelerators (such as Accel Partners, 500 Startups, Seedcamp, and SingTel Innov8).

H2 Insights features a groundbreaking advisor platform linking startups to top industry executives from H2's 300+ strong member network, with chapters in major markets across the US (Silicon Valley and New York), Europe (London, Berlin, Tel Aviv), Asia (Singapore, Beijing, India, and Tokyo), and Latin America (Sao Paulo) regions.

"For startups everywhere, achieving breakout scale is all about executing on growth," said Dave McClure, founding partner at 500 Startups. "The H2 Insights advisor platform connects startups with the right company execs all over the world who can help them accelerate globally."

"In recent years, we've seen corporate innovation teams become more aggressive in their search for valuable startup partnerships around the world," said Claire Lee, Managing Director of Corporate Venture at Silicon Valley Bank. "The H2 Insights platform will play an important role in connecting them with the dynamic startup landscape. In turn, startups will benefit from striking the relationships they need to accelerate commercialization and growth."   

H2 today, on its 4-year anniversary, also announced plans for its second annual Global Innovation Leadership Summit, H2O (h2.co/h2o), on October 8-9, 2014 to be held at Stanford University in Silicon Valley. Summit sessions will include coverage of top startup playbook themes as well as select industry verticals.

"The launch of Insights represents an exciting milestone for H2, in direct support of our organizational mission" said Nayan Patel, founder and CEO of H2. "We are excited to be building a world-class platform and partner community around this foundational initiative, and look forward to holding our second annual H2O Global Summit in October."

About H2 /h2.co

H2 is the premier global leadership network for the digital industry. Its mission is to support  and develop the next generation of global leaders in the digital domain. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Silicon Valley with chapters globally, its membership consists of senior executives, entrepreneurs, and domain experts at leading startups and top global firms situated in key digital hubs worldwide. Through its unique global network, programs, and content, H2 creates valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange throughout the year in support of its mission.  

SOURCE H2