Plug and Play's Mobility Innovation Platform Launched

Silicon Valley's newest innovation platform is aiming to bridge the gap between startups and innovative corporations

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Aug 25, 2016, 04:26 ET

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In association with founding partners Mercedes-Benz, RATP Group, Michelin and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Plug and Play has launched another innovation platform, Plug and Play Mobility. Spinning off of the Internet of Things platform, Plug and Play Mobility brings together investors, corporations, and startups in the autonomous driving, shared economy, security, and electrification space.

Phillip Vincent, Director of the Mobility Innovation Platform, says "As more and more automotive OEMs, suppliers, and transportation companies are setting up their innovation outposts in Silicon Valley, we are seeing the creation of a new hub for the mobility industry. We are launching our mobility platform with 15 partners and our mission is to become the epicenter for the future of mobility."

Plug and Play IoT has successfully accelerated 91 companies in the past 2 years. As the number of corporate sponsors grow, Plug and Play IoT has spun out three other innovation platforms; Plug and Play Health with Johnson and Johnson in Fall 2015, Plug and Play Insurance with Munich Re in Spring 2016, and now Plug and Play Mobility with Mercedes-Benz. Mobility related startups we've worked with in the past include Smartcar, Carvi, Mojio, Parking Panda, Swiftly, and more!

"Mobility means way more than four wheels on the road - what we've proven with the visionary self-driving concept F 015 and global car sharing solutions like car2go. But we do not rest. We expect innovative even surprising and bold ideas from the startups. Fresh impulses of top talents will open up new ways for creating the mobility of the future," Arwed Niestroj, CEO & President, Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America Inc.

The Mobility Innovation Platform revolves around a 12-week program designed for early and growth-stage startups. Through tailored deal flow, themed workshops, and face-to-face interaction, Plug and Play Mobility enables corporations to engage with startups that may complement their respective suite of offerings or create new potential revenue streams. Startups accepted into the program gain access to weekly mentor sessions with industry thought leaders, opportunities for potential pilot projects, and potential funding from Plug and Play Ventures. The program culminates at the quarterly demo day or EXPO where all program startups pitch to a room of 500 investors and corporations. The first Mobility batch will run from September 15 to December 15. Check out our website here for more information. Interested in getting involved? Please contact Mobility Community Manager, Tessa Imbrie at [email protected].

About Plug and Play Tech Center
Plug and Play Tech Center is the world's largest global technology accelerator and venture fund. Since inception in 2006, our program has expanded worldwide to include entrepreneurs from 24 countries, providing necessary resources to succeed in Silicon Valley. With over 400 startups and 100 corporate partners, we have created the ultimate startup ecosystem. Plug and Play provides active investments with 180 leading Silicon Valley VCs, and more than 365 networking events per year. Companies in our community have raised over $3.5 billion in funding, with successful portfolio exits including Danger, Dropbox, Lending Club, PayPal, SoundHound, and Zoosk. For more information, visit: http://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com

Media Contact

Allison Romero
Plug and Play Tech Center
(408)524-1457
[email protected]

SOURCE Plug and Play