Here's what some of the innovation executives have mentioned about our upcoming EPIC Conference next month. Make sure to check out the homepage if you haven't seen it yet. Hope to see you all there!
"As part of Bell Labs and Alcatel-Lucent Ventures, which have a history of brining game changing ideas to market, our challenge isn't so much fostering a spirit of innovation. Instead, it's how to harness all of the ideas that are generated on a regular basis. I'm really looking forward to sharing insights and experiences with a group of like-minded individuals, and hope that I can kick-off some new relationships and partnerships that will help to transform our innovations into commercial reality"
John Riggs, Alcatel-Lucent
"I think the event is spot on. The notion of exploring how innovation is monetized, financed, developed and the business models, many of themselves innovative, growing up to assist in that process are topics on the minds of all of us who have been in this business for awhile. I plan to cover a range of issues, starting with the downward pressure on traditional venture capital funds because of substandard returns in the last decade; the rise of managed angel networks, together with the side car fund model for angel networks; the enhancement of spin outs from universities and medical schools with incubator and accelerator funds plus local support. And finally, the syndication of investments in gazelles (early stage companies, as David Birch liked to call them) both horizontally amongst angel groups and vertically between angel networks and venture capital funds"
Joseph W. Bartlett, Sullivan & Worchester LLP
"Innovation, to me, is about collecting idea fragments, adding my knowledge and unique perspective and then spinning it together in a way that delivers business value. I'm excited to meet other talented and passionate innovation practitioners. I look forward to connecting and shaping our shared stories into future possibilities of perhaps...EPIC proportions!" Michele Egger, Chevron ITC
