Startups working on breakthroughs in
connectivity, media, and entertainment for all abilities are focus
of third program in Philadelphia
Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by
Techstars, announced today it is now accepting applications for its
next program and is seeking startup companies developing the next
generation of connectivity, media, and entertainment technologies
from around the world. Founders are encouraged to apply now through
April 5, 2020 for this year’s program that begins July 13, 2020 at
the Comcast Technology Center in Philadelphia.
The accelerator is part of Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, a
collection of programs that gives talented entrepreneurs access to
Comcast’s, NBCUniversal's, and Sky’s renowned network of partners,
brands, and mentors to foster rapid product innovation
breakthroughs. Since its launch in 2018, 21 companies from around
the world have completed the program, with 15 of them securing
pilots or proofs of concept with Comcast NBCUniversal brands.
Founders have hailed from multiple countries and more than half
were women or people of color.
“The Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator is a unique
program that offers entrepreneurs an exclusive opportunity to
collaborate with mentors from across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky
through a variety of workshops, training sessions, and personalized
business development plans,” said Sam Schwartz, Chief Business
Development Officer. “In just two years, the program has produced
phenomenal alumni companies who have gone on to secure pilot
programs and venture capital funding, while building their
independent businesses. Entrepreneurialism and innovation are
embedded in what we do at Comcast NBCUniversal, and we are excited
to discover this year’s class of founders.”
Specific focus areas for 2020 include:
- Advanced Connectivity - Enhancing peoples’ lives by
managing and securing digital devices and smart places with
broadband speed, coverage, and control.
- Future of Work - Making it easy for people and
businesses to do their best work by connecting and cultivating
talent and improving efficiency, collaboration, and
communication.
- Interactive + Immersive Experiences - Connecting people
everywhere with enhanced entertainment, gaming and digital
experiences.
- Personalized Experiences - Creating unique experiences
for customers with all abilities.
The accelerator is focused on startups utilizing innovative
technologies including, but not limited to, accessibility tech;
enhanced broadband connectivity; artificial intelligence; machine
learning; blockchain; voice control; virtual, augmented, and mixed
reality.
Comcast NBCUniversal and Techstars will select up to 12 startups
to participate in this immersive 13-week program with Demo Day
scheduled for October 1, 2020 in the Ralph J. Roberts Forum at
Comcast Technology Center in Philadelphia. The startups will work
directly with mentors and product experts from across Comcast
NBCUniversal’s businesses, including the XFINITY technology,
products, and services teams; NBC owned stations; cable networks;
Sky; Universal Studios; Universal Theme Parks; DreamWorks
Animation; Illumination; Comcast Business; Strategic Development;
Comcast Spectacor (including esports joint venture T1 Entertainment
& Sports and professional esports team Philadelphia Fusion);
Comcast Ventures; and LIFT Labs, as well as mentors from Techstars’
expansive network. The companies also receive access to workspace
for a year in LIFT Labs PHL in the Comcast Technology Center in
Philadelphia.
Techstars’ KJ Singh will serve as the Managing Director of the
2020 accelerator for the second year, leveraging his extensive
business experience to help lead the program’s strategy, and
recruit, select, and elevate the class, working in collaboration
with the Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs team led by Danielle Cohn,
Vice President, Entrepreneurial Engagement and Head of LIFT Labs.
During the program, he will advise the companies on product and
market fit, growth tactics, fundraising strategies, and other
topics.
“I am super excited about running this year’s Comcast
NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by Techstars. It’s very
clear that this is a special program,” said KJ Singh, Managing
Director, Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by
Techstars. “Founders get access to mentorship from Techstars as
well as Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky at the most senior level.
Applying to this program is a smart choice for founders looking to
get access to key decision makers at a leading Fortune 40
company.”
Sumorwuo Zaza, Founder and CEO of NICKL PASS, and alumni of the
2019 Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by
Techstars, said of his experience: “I encourage anyone who wants to
be more bold, more ambitious and more impactful in what they are
building to apply. You have access to incredible leaders who give
you feedback and advice, which can supercharge you in a meaningful
way.”
Comcast has a long history of supporting startup communities,
and LIFT Labs is just one of the many ways in which entrepreneurs
can gain valuable access and insights to Comcast NBCUniversal.
Comcast launched its first venture arm, Comcast Interactive
Capital, in 1999, which was combined with NBCUniversal’s Peacock
Fund in 2011 to form Comcast Ventures and has since grown into one
of the most active corporate venture arms in the country. For more
information, including access to free resources, visit
www.ComcastNBCULIFT.com or follow @LIFT_Labs on Twitter.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and
technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable,
NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’
largest high-speed internet, video, and phone providers to
residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides
these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and
security and automation services to residential customers under the
Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news,
entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo
broadcast networks, television production operations, television
station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and
Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment
companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content
through its pay television services. It also provides
communications services, including residential high-speed internet,
phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast
network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original
content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit
www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
About Techstars
Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs
succeed. Techstars founders connect with other entrepreneurs,
experts, mentors, alumni, investors, community leaders, and
corporations to grow their companies. Techstars operates three
divisions: Techstars Startup Programs, Techstars Mentorship-Driven
Accelerator Programs, and Techstars Corporate Innovation
Partnerships. Techstars accelerator portfolio includes more than
1,600 companies with a market cap of $16.1 Billion.
www.techstars.com
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Jennifer Sala Comcast Corporation 215-286-8403
Jennifer_Sala@comcast.com
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