GLG Share, Gerson Lehrman Group’s membership for high-growth startups, today announced its sponsorship of the NYC Next Idea 2014 Global New Venture Competition. The competition, presented by the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the Columbia University Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, features contestants pitching their business plans – the boldest new ideas for ventures to be launched and operated in New York City. The winning team receives $35,000, office space at the Columbia Business Labs, and a GLG Share Fellowship, among other prizes. The competition concludes April 11 in New York City.

“Our mission is to transform the way the world’s top professionals share expertise and learn. GLG Share supports those entrepreneurs working to transform the way we all do business, communicate, entertain, and move around,” said GLG President and CEO Alexander Saint-Amand. “NYC Next Idea will introduce the next wave of these entrepreneurs to the New York startup community and the New York economy. We’re excited to be a part of it.”

NYC Next Idea contestants are working on New York’s unique urban challenges and opportunities, including issues related to infrastructure, demographics, space, and industries. Now in its fifth year, the competition received nearly 250 new idea entries from 51 countries. Previous winners of the competition have raised significant funding, hired employees, and have grown into vibrant businesses in New York City.

“NYC Next Idea is a great way for GLG Share to give back to the community we came from and continue to thrive in – innovative startups in New York City,” said Prabhdeep Singh, Head of GLG Share. “New startups have a tremendous need for learning, insight, and mentorship, and we look forward to connecting the Next Idea winner with our unparalleled network of 375,000 amazing teachers.”

GLG Share, recently featured in TechCrunch, provides members targeted connections on their most pressing strategic and operational questions – whether they concern market sizing, product design, pricing and sales strategy, operational improvement, or any other matter. GLG Share members leverage that insight to avoid predictable mistakes and to double-down on good ideas that accelerate growth.

The GLG Share Fellowship consists of access to GLG Share, including monthly in-person meetings with GLG professionals; and opportunities for collaboration and feedback from senior GLG leaders, including Saint-Amand and Singh.

GLG was founded in 1998 to serve professionals who needed perspective that couldn’t be found in one-size-fits-all industry reports. GLG began connecting its clients with smart people who had firsthand expertise or operational experience. Today GLG serves the world’s leading investors, entrepreneurs, corporations, consulting firms, nonprofits, and startups. Its teaching members include 375,000 policy specialists, academics, engineers, former C-level managers, and professional leaders. GLG is scaling one-to-one learning, pairing its members thousands of times a week, around the world.

About GLG Share

GLG Share offers select startups unlimited access to the world’s largest membership-based network for professional learning and expertise. GLG Share connects members with advice, feedback, and partnership on crucial strategic, operational, and developmental questions from its network of more than 375,000 leading professionals. GLG Share members are promising and inquisitive founders who view ongoing learning and mentorship as essential to personal and professional growth and success. Membership is limited to the most innovative and disruptive growth companies. To find out more, visit www.GLGShare.com and follow @GLGShare.

About GLG/Gerson Lehrman Group

GLG is transforming the way the world’s top professionals share expertise and learn. GLG curates custom learning experiences among professionals and thought leaders across fields, within a rigorous compliance framework. GLG scales one-to-one learning through conversations, mentorships, small group convening, surveys, and other interactions with its network of more than 375,000 experts. Global, technology-driven, and nimble, GLG is the world’s largest membership for professional learning and expertise. Its 850 employees work in 21 offices in 12 countries. To find out more, visit www.GLG.it and follow @GLG.

About GLG Share

GLG Share offers select startups unlimited access to the world’s largest membership-based network for professional learning and expertise. GLG Share connects members with advice, feedback, and partnership on crucial strategic, operational, and developmental questions from its network of more than 375,000 leading professionals. GLG Share members are promising and inquisitive founders who view ongoing learning and mentorship as essential to personal and professional growth and success. Membership is limited to the most innovative and disruptive growth companies. To find out more, visit www.GLGShare.com and follow @GLGShare.

Contact: press@glg.it