American Airlines, in bankruptcy, launches investment fund for startups and incubators
Photo Caption: Jason Oshiokpekhai, American's point person driving its relationship with the startup community.
Skift Take
"We're trying to create a conversation with our next best customer." That's AA's rationale, which if done well, could be a smart move long term.
As American Airlines emerges from "the dark ages," it is launching what at first glance may be bit of a head-scratcher: an investment fund for startups and incubators, in an effort to get closer to high-growth, emerging businesses that use AA a lot, as it tries to reinvent itself through and post bankruptcy.
Jason Oshiokpekhai, American's manager of business development and strategic partnerships, delivered the news about the project, known internally as Blue Ocean, at 2013 CES International on January 10, but it went unnoticed until now.
The panel discussion, with representatives of Microsoft and Dell, on "Corporates & Startups," didn't receive much publicity, although a YouTube video of the event was posted January 15.
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