Crestlight’s unique, operations-focused venture model fills a critical void in the Internet of Everything venture ecosystem.”
Palo Alto, California (PRWEB) October 13, 2014
Crestlight Ventures, an investment firm focused on investing in and accelerating technology and solutions in the Industrial Internet of Things, announced today the formation of a unique collaboration to accelerate Industrial IoE startups and has appointed Maciej Kranz, Cisco vice president of Corporate Technology, to the Strategic Alliance Board effective immediately. As a member of the Strategic Alliance Board, Kranz will advise on technology trends and innovative startups in the Internet of Everything (IoE).
This collaboration will accelerate the surfacing and connecting of promising technology startups from Cisco’s Global IoE Innovation Centers and startup ecosystem to Crestlight’s Connected Industry Fund™.
At Cisco, Kranz leads the IoE external innovation strategy with a focus on scouting and shaping the next wave of technology innovators. In addition, Kranz oversees Cisco’s Global IoE Innovation Centers and leads key technologies in broader IoE initiatives.
“Maciej’s enthusiasm, thought leadership and deep domain knowledge adds an inimitable perspective to guide and align Crestlight’s Connected Industries Fund,” said David Borlo, Managing Partner, at Crestlight Ventures. Jens Horstmann, Managing Partner, Crestlight Ventures added: “We are excited and honored to welcome Maciej to the Strategic Alliance Board. He brings deep and valuable market insights with an unmatched solid understanding of the Internet of Everything.”
“Crestlight’s operations-focused venture model supports a critical need in the Internet of Everything venture ecosystem,” said Maciej Kranz. "This complements Cisco’s ability to discover and accelerate disruptive startups which is a key part of our IoE ecosystem development strategy."
The Strategic Alliance Board guides Crestlight’s Connected Industry Fund™ initiatives, accelerating the development of Industrial Internet of Things technologies and solutions through an active, bi-directional collaboration between industry thought leaders and managers.
About Crestlight Ventures
Crestlight Ventures was founded by industry veterans with deep experience developing connected companies, products and teams across retail and manufacturing in Fortune 100 and startup companies. Powered by our proprietary Lean Equity for Startups™ model, Crestlight fills the critical void between seed stage and Series-A investments. Our investment team has collectively built a global startup and innovation lab ecosystem for the world’s largest enterprise software company, been founding members of leading connected companies, and made dozens of seed-stage investments in Internet of Things startups. For more information: http://www.crestlight.com.
# # #
Press Contacts
David Borlo, Managing Partner
Crestlight Ventures
david(at)crestlight(dot)com