IIF - Impact Innovation Foundation, Inc
Brian Waterfield is a strategic advisor at the Impact Innovation Foundation, Inc, focusing on social impact start-ups and innovative technologies in various sectors including education, health, and climate. As the chair of the UK Immersive Futures Alliance, Brian supports the growth of the digital metaverse and immersive technologies. With over 25 years of experience, including roles as Director of Brian Waterfield Consultancy, Visiting Professor of Virtual & Mixed Reality at Birmingham City University, and co-founder of ImmerseUK, Brian has significantly contributed to the advancement of virtual and immersive experiences. Previously, as the Virtual Reality & High-end Visualisation Technical Lead at Jaguar Land Rover, Brian pioneered initiatives that established JLR as a leader in virtual reality, culminating in the creation of the Virtual Innovation Centre. Brian holds an MSc in Virtual Reality from The University of Salford and various management and personnel practice certificates from Coventry University.
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IIF - Impact Innovation Foundation, Inc
Startup and investment failure rates are sobering realities in the entrepreneurial world. In 2022, an astounding $590 billion was poured into tech startups alone, but statistics paint a harsh picture. Among tech businesses, a staggering 63% are destined to fail within the first five years, resulting in a colossal loss of $371.7 billion for investors over that period. These statistics align with the broader startup landscape, where the odds are heavily stacked against success. According to Startup Genome, 9 out of 10 startups face failure, with even venture-backed startups having a daunting 7.5 out of 10 failure rate. At IIF, failure is not an option. This unwavering commitment is particularly vital in the domain of social impact startups. When these startups thrive, they usher in positive transformation, alleviate suffering, and advance a more just and sustainable future. By combining a unique blend of experienced leadership, education, mentorship, and funding, IIF empowers startups with the knowledge, skills, and financial support they need to succeed, offering comprehensive educational programs and fellowships that nurture innovation from inception. Unlike traditional accelerators and incubators, the IIF Experience is a unique journey for startups. This tailored, non-cookie cutter support ensures that each venture receives the knowledge, tools, and resources needed for their own long-term success while collecting data through their research teams. The IIF Experience also follows the journey of our startups and our pledge partners interested in investing in them through our global news partner.