SVForum and Silicon Valley Academy of Startup Entrepreneurs (SVASE) Unite Forces to Form a Powerhouse of Events, Education and Networking

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SVForum, www.svforum.org, Silicon Valley’s leading not-for-profit organization fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership within the Silicon Valley ecosystem of individuals and businesses participating in emerging technologies, announced today that the Silicon Valley Academy of Startup Entrepreneurs (SVASE) and its members will be joining SVForum. The combined group is now the largest not-for-profit organization for technologists and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. Chris Gill, CEO of SVForum, and former CEO of SVASE, stated: “Bringing the two organizations together under the SVForum banner will create unparalleled resources for our members and our sponsors.”

“Bringing the two organizations together under the SVForum banner will create unparalleled resources for our members and our sponsors.”

This union of two of the Valley’s most vibrant and respected organizations means that SVForum will now be able to serve an even stronger role in driving innovation and community. SVForum (formerly SDForum) serves the entire footprint of the technology, venture capital and startup industries, including clean tech, software, Internet, life sciences and mobile.

According to Chris Gill: “We have now completed the integration of SVASE members into SVForum, which now boasts a membership of 2,400 professionals and over 200 annual events. This will result in SVForum being a leading source of inspiration, insights and connections to Silicon Valley’s technology and entrepreneurial communities.”

SVForum programs will continue to include the highly-regarded Special Interest Groups (SIGs), which explore significant emerging tech trends while providing great opportunities for peer networking; quarterly Investors’ Forums; and the prominent Annual Visionary Awards where such leaders as Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn), T.J. Rodgers (Cypress Semiconductor), Bill Gates (Microsoft), and John Chambers (Cisco) have been honored. SVASE adds signature weekly VC Breakfasts for startup founders, the intensive Startup Academy 12-week course and the high-profile global product launch competition, Launch: Silicon Valley. No other organization provides the wealth of services, events and continuing education for entrepreneurs.

Deborah Magid, SVForum Incoming Chairperson and IBM executive, said, “SVForum has always been an important part of the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem. The combination of SVForum and SVASE positions SVForum to enter 2012 to deliver an even greater service to our community across industries. With the significant support of leading Silicon Valley companies, including Accenture, Citrix, Genentech, HP, IBM, Microsoft, DLA Piper, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Nokia and SAP, SVForum will play an increasingly important role.”

SVASE Board of Director, Laura Pickering stated: “This is the perfect time for SVASE to join forces with SVForum. Our shared mission to foster innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership, together with our entrepreneur and volunteer-led programs, are vital to driving innovation in Silicon Valley.”

About SVForum:

Established in 1983, SVForum is a leading Silicon Valley not-for-profit organization fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership within the Silicon Valley ecosystem of individuals and businesses participating in emerging technologies. SVForum explores the latest insights on emerging technology trends facilitating the exchange of unbiased knowledge, insights, and best practices through events, specialized services, and online resources. SVForum holds more than 200 events each year and reaches a community in excess of over 15,000 technology professionals and entrepreneurs.

SVForum sponsors and providers include global leaders Accenture, Citrix, Deloitte, DLA Piper, Genentech, HP, IBM, Microsoft, Nokia, SAP, and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, as well as leading venture capital, law and accounting firms, and global trade organizations.

For further information, visit the SVForum website at www.svforum.org.