The Foundry is an advanced training, research and development organization based in Pau, France. A new European headquarters in Paris and an advanced training center in Pau, France have recently been established to develop retraining programs, promote technology research and launch new ventures as part of a major job creation initiative that the Foundry is undertaking on behalf of its client, SigEx, Inc., pioneer of the new Enhanced Communications industry. SigEx has mandated the Foundry to oversee an initiative to re-train and re-deploy three thousand communications professionals over the next three years to participate in this emerging industry. The new Enhanced Communications industry will require a minimum critical mass of newly trained engineers to deliver and install enhanced telecommunications products and services on a global basis.
This job creation initiative is driven in part by current circumstances in the telecommunications industry and opportunities to improve upon available services. After exceptional growth for several years, the telecom industry is facing a major downturn amid drops in equipment purchase, massive layoffs, dried-up venture capital investments and the failure of the incubator model. As a consequence, the industry needs to reinvent itself to create the high-value services and products of the Enhanced Communications industry.
About SigEx Ventures
SigEx Ventures, Inc. is a private investment fund focused exclusively on the emerging Enhanced Communications industry. Using funds raised from individual (angel) investors, SigEx Ventures funds projects for the Foundry’s development programs. Thus, SigEx Ventures, in conjunction with the Foundry, enables fully-funded, viable structures for business R&D to address alpha-beta development projects for strategic customers that include global telecommunications carriers, network equipment manufacturers, information technology companies, and digital content providers. The projects developed by the Foundry are all pre-funded by the SigEx Ventures investments fund for a period of 12 to 18 months. The most successful of these may become sustainable ventures.
About the Foundry
The Foundry is a revolutionary training, research and development center that uses proven methodologies and management techniques to create successful companies based on advanced technology innovations. Much more than a think tank where great ideas are tested and challenged, the Foundry provides the structure and guidance to assist its project companies with tasks such as recruiting and training staff; obtaining financing, research grants, and patents; and professional services.
The Foundry development programs provide fully funded viable structures for business R&D, drawing lessons from years of experience. Through the Foundry’s training program, CEO Christopher Cantell and President & COO Frédéric Artru unveil a new practical orientation for those serious about launching a new career in Enhanced Communications. The Foundry develops and launches successful new project-companies, while providing enough freedom to allow for innovation and enough structure to control risk. For more information: http://www.sigex.com/pdf/EU_Foundry.pdf
About the Founders
Christopher M. Cantell and Frédéric Artru have proven, throughout their careers, their ability to attract talented teams, technologies and capital around fundamental ideas. They have constantly shown their willingness to adapt to changes in their environment and most importantly their capacity to succeed. Chris and Frédéric have demonstrated expertise in the technology, marketing and financial subjects they are implementing, and their diverse experiences have allowed them to test, develop, evaluate and validate their methodologies and techniques. For more information: http://www.sigex.com/pdf/FR_Fondateurs.pdf
By Diana Zotescu
