INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Software for Business
Powerful new networking community launched for European software CEOs
Boardwave , a high-powered community for European software leaders at all stages of development , has launched to help foster a generation of businesses capable of competing on a global scale .
The networking organisation aims to support founders and CEOs in European software to build successful organisations , from first-time CEOs and founders of start-ups to highly experienced leaders of global companies .
The organisation was founded by Phill Robinson , an experienced Chairman , CEO and Non-Executive Board Member in the software industry , he was also previously CMO at SalesForce , before returning from Silicon Valley to become CEO / Chair of multiple software companies . He is supported by an unparalleled group of software leaders , investors and sponsors from across Europe .
“ People used to talk about access to capital as a barrier to building a successful software business in Europe and that is no longer the case ,” said Robinson , “ However , up until now we Europeans haven ’ t had the opportunity to share our knowledge and wisdom with others in our community , the way leaders in Silicon Valley have done for many years . We have lots of experience right here in Europe to help each other solve difficult issues as we scale our companies , but it remains fragmented throughout the continent .”
By creating a community , Boardwave brings together the experience of this incredible group of leaders , to make it easy for other members to tap into it and get help and advice when they need it most . Boardwave connects leaders to peers who have ‘ walked in their shoes ’. Unlike many networks that focus heavily on the earlier stages , it has been set up to support its members from start-up through to eventual exit .
It does this through individualised , bespoke support in the form of mentorship on specific challenges leaders are facing at different stages of growth . The depth of Boardwave ’ s membership – which includes leaders of Fortune 500 companies and those pursuing IPOs as well as mature growth company CEOs and founders at a start-up or scaleup level – means leaders can access impartial , deep sector expertise at their fingertips via Boardwave ’ s online platform . The service is combined with a wide range of issues-driven events and unique networking opportunities which pull a geographically distanced and often fragmented industry together .
Boardwave is a not-for-profit organisation and membership is free . Boardwave generates income via sponsorship , from investors and other suppliers to the software sector , pledging an annual corporate subscription fee to participate . These fees provide the income to support the annual programme of events and supporting costs . Any income that is surplus at the end of the year is donated to charity . Boardwave ’ s chosen charity partner is Cure Parkinsons . p
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