This is the archived SXSW 2012 schedule. Please see the current schedule here.

Exploring the Top Startup Accelerator Programs

#sxsw #accelerate

It seems like just about every other day a new startup accelerator program is hatched. Is this a phenomenon or just a fade? This panel will explore the global startup accelerator explosion and share the latest quality rankings. The panel will consist of a well rounded group with representatives from the three top ranked U.S. accelerator programs as they look to share some of the secrets to their program success.

Presenters

47463
Aziz Gilani Dir DFJ Mercury

Aziz Gilani has significant experience as an operator, consultant, and investor in technology companies, with a particular focus on software and internet companies. Prior to joining DFJ Mercury, Aziz was a Senior Engagement Leader with Infosys Consulting where he led the Enterprise Asset Management Practice. Prior to Infosys Consulting, Aziz was a Director at ABB Performance Services where he held a variety of roles including Manager of Global Operations Analytics, Global Quality Director and Global CMMS Director. Prior to ABB, Aziz was a Senior Consultant at Cap Gemini Ernst & Young.

Aziz has a BBA from the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business where he was a TILF Scholar, and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management where he was an FC Austin Scholar. Aziz is also a graduate of the Kauffman Fellows Program at the Center for Venture Education.

Outside of DFJ Mercury, Aziz serves in advisory board roles for Excelerate Labs and the Kellogg School of Management’s Seed Accelerator Rankings. He also teaches entrepreneurship for Innovation Norway’s Grunderskolen Program at Rice University. He is currently serving as Executive Chairman at Infochimps in Austin, TX. Aziz is more than a little obsessed with the University of Texas Longhorn football team.

49446
David Cohen Founder & CEO TechStars

Founder and CEO of TechStars

15613
Frank Gruber CEO & Co-Founder TECH Cocktail

CEO and Co-founder of the media company Tech Cocktail focused on tech startup events, news, and entrepreneurial resources.

Also co-founder of Shiny Heart Ventures the creators of thankfulfor.com. Co-producer of DCWEEK.

Gabriella Draney Managing Partner Tech Wildcatters

Our Awesome 2012 Sponsors
Plat_sponsor0