SAP.iO, an Israeli early-stage venture arm for multinational software powerhouse SAP, has announced a partnership with Publicis Sapient for a startup accelerator program based in Tel Aviv. The program, which will last 12 weeks, will focus on advanced marketing and commerce solutions helping new brands improve consumer engagement. Publicis Sapient, part of advertising company Publicis and a SAP client, will work alongside SAP to identify startups across the world to participate in SAP.iO Foundry. The program will take place virtually and start in April 2021 after applications close and the startups are finalized. The deadline for companies to apply is February 26th.
“For startup companies that develop relevant solutions, this is a unique opportunity to grow and go global,” says Lior Weizmann, who leads SAP.iO Foundry in Israel. “In addition to partnering with SAP and Publicis, which is a strategic achievement by itself, the startups that will participate in the program and the joint solutions developed in it will be introduced by SAP and Publicis to their joint clients, which include some of the largest brands in the world. The initial exposure will be to the major consumer product companies, where we identify a strong need to strengthen the relationship with the end consumers.”Oded Lavie, VP of Innovation and Value Creation at Publicis Israel, added: “When we started exploring a collaboration with SAP, we understood that our combined expertise in technology and business, as well as our network of clients across major industries, could be a significant springboard for startups. We are excited to help our mutual clients, which include some of the biggest companies in the world, implement innovative solutions that address concrete business challenges and deliver immediate value.”
