Melissa Sassi is a Startup Program Manager at IBM focused on empowering early-stage entrepreneurs to transform their lives through technology and business mentorship.
She is a division-level lead for IBM’s Call for Code initiative which involves preparing for and responding to natural disasters with technical innovation.
Prior to joining IBM, she spent several years in Microsoft's Airband Initiative where she was an impact investor focused on internet and energy access. She is currently, Co-Chair of IEEE's Digital Skills Working group and is a founding member of the Coalition for Digital Intelligence with the World Economic Forum, OECD, IEEE, and the DQ Institute.
She is the Founder & CEO of MentorNations, a youth-led digital literacy movement, which aims to inspire underserved communities via access, skills, and utilization of technology. She holds two master's degrees in supply chain and finance and is working toward her PhD in international business. Her research focus is the digital inclusion of indigenous communities.
Contact Melissa:
Twitter: @mentorafrika
More information on IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator:
https://developer.ibm.com/blogs/ibm-launches-ibm-hyper-protect-accelerator-powered-by-ibm-linuxone/
Contact Avrohom:
Web: https://asktheceo.biz
Twitter: @avrohomg
Instagram: @avrohomg
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS:
[02:26] With the onset of the “gig economy” many people are turning to Entrepreneurship to go for their dreams as well as make an impact in the world. However, as you know, most small businesses fail within their first year of business. What kinds of resources does IBM offer to help startups become viable during their critical first year in business and beyond?
[03:44] IBM Hyper Protect will help FinTech and HealthTech startups with technologies, such as AI and Blockchain.
[04:00] Most small businesses fail during their first year in business. To avoid becoming a statistic, FinTech and HealthTech entrepreneurs turn to accelerators, such as IBM Hyper Protect.
[04:59] IBM is looking for FinTech and HealthTech startups with under $1M in revenue, and less than 5 years old.
[05:08] IBM is offering FinTech and HealthTech startups a business in a box!
[06:30] One of the goals with IBM’s Hyper Protect Accelerator is to focus on solving Sustainable Development Goals, such as eliminating poverty or creating a more balanced economy.
[07:00] What kind of technology does IBM offer startups as part of the IBM Hyper-protect Accelerator?
[07:11] IBM is offering $120k in free Cloud credits per startup!
[09:36] What are some of the unique challenges faced by FinTech and HealthTech startups?
[11:56] Thinking about the IBM Hyper-protect Accelerator, I’m sure there are many businesses that are watching this video right now that are thinking, let’s sign up right away. Others might not be so sure. What do you think is holding them back, and what might you say to these ambivalent Entrepreneurs?
[12:45] For companies dealing with high level of PII (Personally Identifiable Information), IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator is a game-changer.
[14:12] For startups that don’t have access to capital, why pay for a Cloud Solution, when IBM will give it to you for free!
[ 16:17] How can people participate in IBM Hyper-protect, and where can people go to connect with you?
[18:28] Do you have any parting words of wisdom to share with the audience?
