Verizon Ventures partners with Grand Central Tech to support thriving NYC tech ecosystem

Verizon Ventures today announced a new corporate partnership with flagship startup accelerator Grand Central Tech (GCT) to support New York technology startups, providing valuable opportunities for professional development, mentorship, networking, and by supporting GCT events. David Famolari of Verizon Ventures will join the board of GCT to share his expertise and sector experience as a mentor, contribute to the organization through industry connections, as well as highlight opportunities within Verizon for startups involved with GCT. 

"I am thrilled to join the board at GCT and be more involved with their great work providing startups with not only mentorship and professional development, but also critical infrastructural resources that contribute to startups' future success," said Dave Famolari, Director, Verizon Ventures. "GCT's focus on expert advisors and mentoring is a perfect fit for Verizon Ventures and we look forward to supporting GCT's thriving startup community."

A departure from accelerator models that charge rent or equity, GCT provides best-in-class startups with the resources needed to build and scale their business through a yearlong program that offers a year of free space with no equity taken. Verizon Ventures joins GCT's list of corporate partners, which includes Microsoft, Google, Intuit, IBM, Goldman Sachs Group, JPMorgan Chase, L'Oreal USA, and PepsiCo Americas Beverages. As part of this relationship, Dave Famolari, Director, Verizon Ventures will serve on GCT's Strategic Advisory Board.

"Verizon Ventures has been a leader in providing promising startups with the tools they need to thrive. With a shared focus on mentorship, professional development, and networking, Verizon Ventures is a welcome addition to our roster of corporate partners," said Charles Bonello, GCT Co-founder and Managing Director.