Andersen Consulting creates global network of 17 dot-com launch centres designed to take eBusinesses to market quickly

Andersen Consulting today announced the creation of a global network of 17 Dot-Com Launch Centres to provide eCommerce start-ups, established dot-coms and spin-offs with the tools and resources necessary to scale rapidly and become viable businesses. The firm said it will take up to $1.2 billion in equity globally over three years from the start-ups as partial compensation for its services and assets, such as intellectual property and knowledge capital.

Building on Andersen Consulting`s proven track record as a leader in eCommerce, the centres will help to reduce dramatically the time it takes an eBusiness to go from start-up, to revenue-producing business, and ultimately to successful initial public offering (IPO).

"The Andersen Consulting Dot-Com Launch Centres are production studios where all the essential components of a successful enterprise can be drawn upon, as needed, and assembled at once," said Mary Tolan, Andersen Consulting`s global managing partner for Growth and Strategy. "We are providing dot-com businesses with the specific resources they require, at the moment they need them, to quickly enter the marketplace. It`s often said that in the eEconomy it`s better to be first than to be right -- with the Andersen Consulting Dot-Com Launch Centres, our clients will be able to be both."

"We are excited about a South African Launch Centre, and based on our `Think Big, Start Smart, Scale Fast` motto we will be adopting a leading edge approach which will shape the local eCommerce market", says Roy Andrews, partner in charge of Andersen Consulting`s eCommerce programme."

"We are exploring funding mechanisms to support eBusiness ventures. We anticipate doing this via AC Ventures and strategic alliances with financial institutions", states Andrews.

"Additionally our approach recognises the need to incubate certain ventures to confirm their viability and get them to market in a 3-6 month timeframe", states Alfie Naidoo, a senior manager heading up the South African Launch Centre. "To this end, we will be launching a end-to-end incubation capability modeled on leading incubators in the US. We plan to leverage our global relationships and knowledge capital extensively in this regard."

"Naidoo also believes it will be imperative for funded start-ups, established dot-coms and spinoffs to access deep management, marketing, finance, administration, fulfillment, customer relationship management and technology expertise and services needed to become enduring, revenue-generating businesses. He anticipates the Launch Centre playing a leading role in providing rapid access to Andersen Consulting`s business partners, assets, delivery capabilities and expanding network of business relationships.

"The benefits of being a global organisation are exceptionally clear", states Andrews. "We get to access a network of global alliances and contacts and can re-use our formidable array of assets where appropriate." The Johannesburg Launch Centre will be integrated into a global network of Andersen Consulting Dot-Com Launch Centres located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dublin, Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Milan, Palo Alto, Paris, Sao Paulo Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, and Tokyo.

"In creating these centres, we are providing our clients with unmatched resources to achieve success in the eCommerce marketplace, and in so doing, we will continue to play a leading role in the new economy," said Joe Forehand, managing partner and CEO of Andersen Consulting. He added, in just the past 24 months, Andersen Consulting has amassed considerable real-world experience through its alliances with and investments in over 175 dot-com businesses.