Philadelphia Incubator Chooses Comcast Business for Ethernet, Voice and TV

PHILADELPHIA, June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Benjamin's Desk, the Philadelphia incubator that helped launch companies like Uber and Curalate, has selected Comcast Business as its exclusive network services partner to give its start-up and entrepreneur members access to a scalable and high-performing network of Ethernet, voice and TV services. Comcast Business will provide all members of this rapidly-growing, flexible co-working space and events venue with the infrastructure to support Web- and cloud-based applications, enhance customer and partner communications, and improve overall day-to-day business operations.

Described as "The Epicenter of Innovation" in Philadelphia, Benjamin's Desk aims to provide mobile professionals, consultants, entrepreneurs and startups across a range of industries with more than just office space. Members are given access to capital resources, economic partners, high-profile networking events, and more – all with the explicit goal of helping them grow. As a testament to its success, the average member lifecycle at Benjamin's Desk is approximately seven months, with its list of notable graduates including high-tech transportation company Uber and social media analytics provider Curalate, among many others.

"Our goal is to provide our 140 members across 70 companies with a collaborative working environment that fosters diversity and encourages growth, and the fact that we've received more than 650 inquiries since first opening our doors – and have never had an office vacancy – is proof that our business model is working," said Michael J. Maher, founder of Benjamin's Desk. "We credit much of this success to the cutting-edge technologies and unrivaled networking services we're able to offer, and Comcast Business has been instrumental to our cause of continuing to help our members innovate and grow."

As part of their services, all Benjamin's Desk members receive access to a 500 Megabits-per-second (Mbps) Ethernet Dedicated Internet line from Comcast Business, which provides fast, reliable Internet access while also supporting the building's internal WiFi network. This allows members to download and upload large files on multiple devices while participating in online conference calls, accessing cloud services, streaming video, and more. In addition to Comcast Business TV services, Benjamin's Desk members can also utilize Business VoiceEdge™, an easy-to-use, cloud-based voice and unified communications solution that delivers HD-quality voice service and innovative features like a mobile app, telephony toolbar and "be anywhere" call forwarding. 

In May 2014, Benjamin's Desk also joined the Startup Federation, a global network created by 1776 – a Washington, D.C., incubation space and fellow Comcast Business partner – that allows members to share temporary office space, thereby boosting collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas as entrepreneurs travel for business. As part of its ongoing commitment to these local entrepreneurs, Benjamin's Desk will also host an awards reception announcing the regional finalists of Comcast Business' Innovations 4 Entrepreneurs program, a national contest that honors aspiring entrepreneurs who are leveraging technology to enhance customer and employee experiences. The event will be held on June 19 starting at 5 p.m. ET, and more details can be found here.

Benjamin's Desk also has corporate partnerships with Pepper Hamilton, Eisner Amper, and TriNet. It is actively seeking to expand its model within the region.

"Even today's largest enterprises first started out as small businesses, which is why it's so important to us to establish relationships with incubators like Benjamin's Desk that assist these entrepreneurs in dreaming big and achieving their goals," said Kevin Conmy, vice president for Comcast Business, Freedom Region. "We continue to uphold our commitment to small businesses – not just by proactively building out our network to reach them in the first place, but also by hosting ongoing programs like our Innovations 4 Entrepreneur contest to help them gain access to the tools and industry expertise to bring their business goals to fruition – and we look forward to continuing to replicate this success in other markets as well."

About Benjamin's Desk
Benjamin's Desk is the Epicenter of Innovation in Philadelphia. We are a coworking community for mobile professionals, entrepreneurs and startups located at 1701 Walnut Street in the heart of Rittenhouse Square. Membership is affordable, flexible and scalable to support businesses as they grow. Our state-of-the-art workspace, conference room, and diverse community of members will take your business to the next level. Our premier event space is the most unique venue in Center City offering the latest in technology and an experiential environment suitable for any occasion. For more information, visit www.benjaminsdesk.com or email [email protected].

About Comcast Business
Comcast Business, a unit of Comcast Cable, provides advanced communication solutions to help organizations of all sizes meet their business objectives. Through a next-generation network that is backed by 24/7 technical support, Comcast delivers Business Internet, Ethernet, TV and a full portfolio of Voice services for cost-effective, simplified communications management.

For more information, call 866-429-3085.

Follow us on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social.

About Comcast Cable
Comcast Cable is the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider to businesses and residential customers. Comcast has invested in technology to build an advanced network that delivers among the fastest broadband speeds, and brings customers personalized video, communications and home management offerings. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is a global media and technology company. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

SOURCE Comcast Cable