Early-stage Paradox
It is very difficult for any early-stage business in the technology sector to amass all of the important business and technology expertise they require before their business reaches critical mass. Paradoxically, obtaining that expertise is often instrumental in the struggle to gain critical mass. CoreObjects has typically provided the necessary technology expertise, but providing the business expertise is always a challenging process. Often, one or two key advisors, consultants, or board members, if brought in early, can make the difference.
The observation of this paradox was the genesis of the CoreObjects Entrepreneurs and Executives network (CE2). After seven years, we have developed a network of senior executives, entrepreneurs, and consultants with a broad set of skills and relationships in key vertical, functional, and horizontal industries. As each of these contacts has their own extensive network in their own area of expertise, it has become a "network of networks" for us. By the end of 2002, we realized that formalizing and publicizing this network could have a significant positive impact on our portfolio companies and be a valuable source of networking for our contacts. This is what the CE2 is about: providing a network of networks for every one of our portfolio companies, thereby giving them instant access to the right expertise to get their business to the next level.