Adam Schink has been promoted to head of startup scouting at BT Group, a UK-listed phone operator formerly known as British Telecommunications.
New York City-based Schink had previously been senior manager having moved over from the UK in late 2020 where he had been principal representative in BT Ventures for sourcing new investment opportunities globally.
In June 2020 BT partnered with venture capital firm Plug and Play to “explore breakthrough innovations through engagement with startups/scale-ups in the UK and further afield”.
Its Green Tech Innovation Platform looked for technologies from UK-based companies that could support BT and its public sector customers transition to net zero around environmental monitoring and traffic optimisation sensors, energy and water management in social housing and other public sector buildings, and remote working tech to reduce travel, such as using video, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented or virtual reality to carry out remote pre-diagnosis, triage and repairs by health and other public sector workers.
The partnership was Plug and Play’s entry to the UK market and under Kieran Borrett the VC has subsequently partnered with car maker Jaguar Land Rover and deepened its relationship with BT.
Last month, Meg Blight, startup partnerships director at BT Group, said: ”Plug and Play’s international innovation platform gives BT a key route to connect with the best startups worldwide. Our partnerships and investments in this space are already accelerating the digital revolution at BT. We are delighted to grow our relationship further with Plug and Play as they establish themselves in the vibrant UK tech scene.”
Photo of Schink from LinkedIn
