Strategic Partner Spotlight: IBM

IBM is a leading cloud platform and cognitive solutions company. We are the largest technology and consulting employer in the world. With Watson, the AI platform for business, powered by data, we are building industry-based solutions to real-world problems. Our company remains today because we have restlessly reinvented ourselves during our more than 100 years in business. 

How does your company help North Carolina entrepreneurs?

IBM has a Global Entrepreneurship Program offering free cloud services to startups. IBMers mentor NC entrepreneurs, coaching startup teams through their many milestones. We sponsor and judge pitch competitions and offer funds and resources to winners. When applicable, we bring NC entrepreneurs to client meetings, showcase them at conferences, and partner with them on pivotal projects.

In return, NC entrepreneurs help IBMers too. It is a mutually beneficial relationship; working with entrepreneurs helps IBM foster an environment of continuous creativity, positive energy and growth.

What does your company envision for the future of entrepreneurship?

It is our firm belief that entrepreneurial thinking is a trait that we must be nurturing at an earlier and earlier age, via both formal and informal learning. We are doubling down in curating this culture of entrepreneurial thinking within IBM among our employees- we even coined it ‘treasuring wild ducks’! At IBM, we are creating environments ripe for entrepreneurs to grow and innovate. North Carolina entrepreneurs are harnessing APIs in IBM’s Cloud environment that bring enterprise-scale AI, data analytics, blockchain and other software capabilities to disrupt industries. 

Sanjay Pal – Global Vice President, Cloud and Cognitive Software Solutions, CED Member of Executive Council and Board.

Becoming involved with CED as partner will not only help to sustain CED, but drive our mission forward — connecting entrepreneurial companies with the resources that will accelerate their growth. We put your expertise to work supporting companies that are growing and scaling in our region. Visit our Partner page now.