This session with Laurent Guengant & Kevin Ye will discuss how one creates win-win solutions in corporate and startup collaborations. This conversation will be based on the best practices and lessons learned from GTM partnerships with Hitachi.

Laurent is a leader in operational transformation with 20+ years of experience in business strategy, incubation and acceleration. He has a proven record of successfully incubating new businesses and managing global cross-functional teams and initiatives in large companies. His skills and expertise in business unit management, strategy, business development, solution incubation and management, marketing and finance have led to continuous success in the IoT, digital solutions and services sectors. Laurent is currently serving as Global Vice President for Hitachi Global Social Innovation Business (GSIB) - focusing on the establishment and growth of Hitachi's Corporate Incubation and Acceleration activities. Kevin helps global enterprises more effectively engage the rapidly changing ecosystem within venture. As a Partner in Mach49’s DOI practice, he acts as a trusted advisor for corporates looking to improve their external venturing activities (scouting, partnering, investing, acquiring), guiding them each step of the way to more optimal outcomes. His work and experience span the entire venturing lifecycle, all the way from the design and standup of new venture processes and structures to deal scouting, negotiation, and closing. Kevin’s expertise in corporate venturing started as an early employee at Silicon Foundry, a boutique advisory firm specializing in corporate innovation. While there, he worked with and advised a diverse set of Global2000 corporations to augment their deal sourcing, strategic connectivity, and partnership / investment activities. Toward the end of his tenure he had established himself as the lead venture advisor for a number of enterprises, including the Arizona Commerce Authority, Barrick Gold, DeNA, Southwest Airlines, and UPS Ventures.