French multinational Capgemini is looking to partner with startups in India from the fields of data analytics, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) and build a bridge for these ventures to enter international markets, a top executive said. As part of Capgemini’s Applied Innovation Exchange (AIE) programme, the company leverages startups across the globe that demonstrate new thinking in retail, banking/insurance, telecommunications, among others.
After collaborating with startups in the US and Europe, the company is now scouting for some promising startups in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. “I think startups rely too much on venture capitalists to bring them to markets,” said John Brahim, CEO-insights and data at Capgemini.
“It’s difficult for startups to find enterprises across the ocean, and for big corporations, it’s like seeking a needle in the haystack.” This is the gap Capgemini is trying to bridge. There are many startups in India that are facing such problems — building products, but not able to connect with overseas clients. One way to do so could be by connecting with their offices located in India, suggests Subrahmanya Rao, CEO of Discover Dollar, a Bengaluru-based startup providing solutions to retailers.
Prior to being accelerated under Target Accelerator Program in India, Rao reached out to many international retailers, whose offices are in India. British retailer Tesco being one of them. “It worked for us, but being a part of Target Accelerator Program expedited the process,” said Rao. Capgemini’s AIE programme consists of nine innovation centres across the globe, including one in Mumbai.
Source: The Economic Times
