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SDForum and Dutch Government Partner to Create the World’s First U.S. Incubator for Dutch Companies
Team will Reduce Risk, Bolster Success, and Navigate U.S. Business Procedures for Expanding Businesses
SAN JOSE, Calif. – March 3, 2010 – SDForum, Silicon Valley’s leading source of information and education in the technology community, is partnering with local Netherlands officials from the Dutch Consulate General in San Francisco to create the first U.S. incubator for Dutch technology companies. This agreement is a milestone in SDForum’s Global Gateway initiative to connect Silicon Valley with technology communities around the globe.
The economic department of the Consulate General will provide consulting to Dutch companies considering a U.S. expansion to determine if there’s a suitable market opportunity. Organizations that move forward will establish their initial presence in the country at SDForum’s new offices at 901 Mariner’s Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA. SDForum will provide office services and help companies in day-to-day business, legal, cultural, and marketing processes specific to the United States.
“The SDForum community is an important hub for the valley’s early stage technology companies and the investors that back them. It’s a great place for technology companies and communities around the world to congregate, network, and exchange ideas,” said Dan’l Lewin, Corporate Vice President, Strategic and Emerging Business Development, Microsoft and a member of the SDForum Board. “As companies from around the world seek to establish themselves in the United States for the first time, they both have a lot to learn and a lot to offer. SDForum will support building connections between the Silicon Valley community and companies around the world to host this free exchange of ideas.”
“As the largest and oldest non-profit community dedicated to entrepreneurs and investors behind emerging technologies in the valley, we have an opportunity to expose the world to the secret sauce behind the area’s innovators and entrepreneurs,” said Susan Lucas Conwell, CEO of SDForum. “We also bring greater value to our community by bringing global networking opportunities and perspectives.”
“The opportunity for Dutch companies to expand into the U.S. market is huge, but success will often hinge on understanding local business and legal processes, culture and marketing. Our work with the SDForum will not only help make expansion plans a success, but provide a temporary outpost for initial growth that provides an affordable launch pad to test the waters,” said Bart van Bolhuis, Consul General of the Netherlands for California and 12 additional Western States in the U.S.
“We provide an online service that compares rates from all the major shipping providers to find the best options for a business or individual’s specific shipment. Our Dutch customers have given us the feedback that their U.S.-based business partners also want to use the service,” said Parcel International in a statement. “Establishing our U.S. beachhead in the SDForum incubator will allow us to ramp up our presence in the country in half-the-time and expense.”
About SDForum
SDForum has been instrumental in setting the high tech industry agenda for more than 25 years. As the largest and oldest non-profit dedicated to educating and creating relationships within the technology community, SDForum provides the latest insights on emerging technology trends and best business practices through events, specialized services and resources. The SDForum reaches 12,000 professionals annually through more than 20 programs a month. Long-standing relationships in Silicon Valley include technology companies such as HP, IBM, Microsoft, Nokia and SAP as well has sponsorship from over 30 venture capital firms, financial institutions, international trade organizations and service providers. For more information, visit www.sdforum.org.
