- Seven high-potential startups have been selected from around the world in the fields of smart mobility
- The INFINITI LAB Singapore program is a specifically tailored eight-week curriculum for the selected startups to learn more about INFINITI and the premium automotive space to allow entrepreneurs to pitch back to INFINITI executives on new business opportunities
- This is INFINITI’s third program in partnership with Nest
SINGAPORE — INFINITI Motor Company, Ltd. and Nest, a leading venture capital firm and innovation partner, today announced the official launch of INFINITI LAB Smart Mobility.
The announcement was made at a launch event that brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, government officials, and influencers alike to meet seven high-potential startups specializing in the areas of smart mobility and connected technology.
“INFINITI has always been driven by the spirit of innovation. We are constantly seeking opportunities to both engage with and nurture entrepreneurial talent. When it comes to startups, Singapore is brimming with potential and INFINITI is helping accelerate the next entrepreneurial breakthroughs in the smart mobility space,” said Roland Krueger, president of INFINITI Motor Company.
The evening began with a live panel discussion on smart mobility, with guests from Singapore’s startup ecosystem hearing from various business leaders about how technology can transform the future of transport. The speakers—including Dane Fisher, General Manager, Global Business Transformation & Brand at INFINITI Motor Company, Amir Nivy, CEO of Hapticus and INFINITI LAB Hong Kong 2.0 alumnus, Lawrence Morgan, CEO of Nest, and Pankaj Lunia, Cognitive Transportation Systems Solutions Leader at IBM—shared thoughts on key topics including the challenges faced by the startup ecosystem, urban transport issues within Singapore, and global smart mobility trends.
INFINITI LAB is committed to advancing entrepreneurs through every stage of their journey. This unique program gives high-potential startups in mobility and connectivity the opportunity to pitch viable business-use cases to INFINITI’s decision makers.
This eight-week program is a first of its kind, and is geared toward startups that have advanced from the idea stage and are ready to gain validation in a commercial setting.
Each of the startups involved will receive dedicated mentorship guidance from industry experts at INFINITI and Nest as they tailor and refine their business models. This will culminate in a Demo Day on June 8, 2017, where the entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors to secure partnerships and funding that will help propel their businesses to the next phase. They also will have a chance to pitch their business cases to key decision makers from INFINITI and the Renault/Nissan Alliance.
Lawrence Morgan, CEO of Nest, added, “We are constantly evolving our programs to ensure they provide as much value as possible to startups as well as our corporate partners. After two successful programs with INFINITI in Hong Kong, we have seen that one of the main outcomes participants are looking for is validation for their business in a commercial environment. For this reason, the eight weeks at INFINITI LAB Singapore will be largely dedicated to helping the startups refine their business models and facilitate relationships with INFINITI”s internal business teams.”
These programs and key partnerships are the latest developments in INFINITI’s ongoing support of the global startup ecosystem. INFINITI continues to explore innovative new initiatives and partnerships that empower entrepreneurs on every step of their journey. For more information on INFINITI programs, please visit https://www.infiniti.com/pursuing-potential/infiniti-lab.html.
About INFINITI:
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with representations in 50 markets around the world. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom and China. INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing. INFINITI is in the middle of a major product offensive. The brand has been widely acclaimed for its daring design and innovative driver-assistance technologies. From the 2016 season, INFINITI is a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance.
More information about INFINITI and its industry-leading technologies can be found at www.INFINITI.com. You can also follow INFINITI on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.
About Nest:
Founded in 2010, Nest invests in entrepreneurs and builds platforms to support each stage of their journey. We believe our path to achieving positive impact is to fuel the entrepreneurial spirit: empowering startups on their mission to solve big challenges in a profitable and scalable way.
Our three platforms:
* Nest Innovation delivers a range of transformational programs including accelerators, innovation challenges and thought leadership events, for entrepreneurs and corporations.
* Nest Ventures is an early stage venture capital firm specializing in startups developing impactful world-changing technologies.
* Mettā is a members’ club for the entrepreneurial community with the purpose of connecting people, ideas, resources and opportunities.
Nest has strategically built a network spanning both developed and frontier markets in order to maximize opportunities for startups to scale and connect with the global ecosystem. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Nest now has representation in Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Nairobi, Paris, London and the Middle East.
www.nest.vc
