Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/05/2010 -- The economy is down, the recovery is slow and historically start-ups have been essential in generating new growth and creating jobs. Business networking is a key way via which these companies find opportunities and identify new resources, but in the current climate, budgets for activities like conferences and tradeshows are tight; businesses need to find effective alternatives. Enter VAI Global (www.vaiglobal.com), a cost-effective, efficient and highly relevant business networking solution for members of the entrepreneurial start-up and high growth communities.

The subscription-based network connects entrepreneurs, investors, service providers, university innovators, corporations and economic development organizations across a diverse range of industries. Dr. Don Oparah, Founder & CEO of VAI Global and former director of a University of California technology incubator said, "Our goal is to empower members of the entrepreneurial community to discover and connect with people, funding and opportunities in a way that is both highly intuitive as well as time and cost efficient."

VAI Global leverages the technology platform provided by its strategic partner, introNetworks, to offer a unique set of features that will serve as a differentiator from other business focused social media sites. The Innovation Community utilizes a sophisticated, highly visual matching engine that allows members to search for, discover and grow new business relationships. In the opinion of Mark Sylvester, CEO of introNetworks, "The VAI Global Innovation Community is definitely one of the most promising and ambitious implementations of our technology platform to date."

The company’s growing number of partnerships with high caliber organizations ensures that both the relevancy and quality of new connections discovered through the network remains high. Bob Aholt, Director of the Pasadena Angels investor network said, "We are excited at the potential this platform brings to connect the Pasadena Angels with entrepreneurs and expect our partnership with VAI Global to form a key part of our ongoing marketing strategy."

In addition to offering efficient business networking on a local or regional basis, the community also allows members to reach beyond traditional business boundaries and tap into opportunities and resources further afield. According to Greg Horowitt, Managing Director of T2 Venture Capital, Executive Director of Global Connect at UC San Diego and Kauffman Fellow, "Innovation is now a truly global phenomenon and innovation networks like this will play an increasingly crucial role in accelerating the process."

VAI Global is currently offering a one-month free trial and is also hosting online launch events on topics including venture capital, energy, biotechnology and social media.

If you would like more information about VAI Global or to schedule an interview with Dr. Don Oparah, please call 310-694-2423 or email press@vaiglobal.com.