Accelerator focused on connectivity, media, and
entertainment opens applications for second class in
Philadelphia
Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by
Techstars, is now accepting applications for its second class.
Founders from around the world developing the next generation of
connectivity, media, and entertainment companies are encouraged to
apply now through April 7 for this year’s program. The class will
begin on July 15, 2019.
The accelerator is part of Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs for
Entrepreneurs, a collection of programs that give talented
entrepreneurs access to Comcast NBCUniversal's renowned network of
partners, brands, and mentors to foster rapid breakthroughs in
connectivity, media, and entertainment.
Comcast NBCUniversal and Techstars will select up to 12 startups
to participate in this immersive 13-week program and position the
companies for possible partnerships with Comcast NBCUniversal’s
partners and brands. The startups will work directly with mentors
and product experts from across Comcast NBCUniversal’s businesses,
including the XFINITY technology, product and experience teams; the
NBC and Telemundo broadcast stations; NBCUniversal cable networks;
Universal Studios; Universal Theme Parks; DreamWorks; Comcast
Business; Comcast Ventures; Strategic Development; as well as
mentors from Techstars’ expansive network.
“After an incredibly successful inaugural class that resulted in
many learnings, pilots, proofs of concepts, and deals, we are
thrilled to offer this opportunity to a new group of entrepreneurs
and host them in Philadelphia this summer,” said Sam Schwartz,
Chief Business Development Officer, Comcast Cable.
“Entrepreneurialism is an important part of our heritage, and we’re
excited to continue working side-by-side with startups to push the
boundaries of innovation.”
Accepted applicants will partner with mentors and teams at the
new Comcast Technology Center in Philadelphia. They will also
participate in custom workshops, training sessions, and business
meetings unique to the company and its LIFT Labs program. The
accelerator will culminate with a “Demo Day” in October, where the
companies will pitch their businesses to hundreds of investors,
mentors, Comcast NBCUniversal leaders, and members of the tech and
startup community. In addition, each company will have access to
work space at LIFT Labs in Philadelphia until June 2020.
The program seeks startups utilizing innovative technologies
including, but not limited to, advanced connectivity; Internet of
Things; artificial intelligence; machine learning; blockchain;
voice control; virtual, augmented, and mixed reality; as well as
accessibility tech. Specific focus areas include:
- Smart Places – Empowering people
and businesses to seamlessly connect anywhere faster, efficiently,
and reliably.
- Immersive + Interactive Experiences
– Engaging users through interactive platforms, connected
gaming and other rich entertainment experiences.
- Digital-First Customer Engagement
– Creating and/or enabling personalized customer success
solutions and experiences.
- Next-Gen Marketing – Predicting,
shifting, and analyzing customer behaviors to stand out in a
crowded digital world.
Techstars’ veteran, KJ Singh, will serve as the Managing
Director of the 2019 accelerator. Having run 10 accelerator
programs at Techstars, he will leverage his past experience to help
lead the program’s strategy, as well as recruit, select, and
elevate the second class, working in collaboration with the Comcast
NBCUniversal LIFT Labs team. During the program, he will advise the
companies on product, market fit, growth tactics, fundraising
strategies, and other opportunities to accelerate their
businesses.
“I’ve been intrigued by the Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs
Accelerator and the value it offers startups,” said Singh. “When I
learned there was an opportunity to pair my more than six years of
experience and knowledge of the Techstars approach with Comcast
NBCUniversal’s significant expertise in the connectivity, media,
and entertainment space, I knew that we would be an unstoppable
team.”
The inaugural class of the Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs
Accelerator, powered by Techstars, included alive5, eyecandylab,
Orai, Pium, Polycade, Portl Media, Tally Interactive, Thinker
Tinker, Trapica, and WiARframe.
“Through the LIFT Labs accelerator, we had the ability to reach
mentors who have an unmatched breadth of experience, who helped
build some of the world’s most groundbreaking companies. Being able
to have access to these people in a raw, unfiltered way was a
game-changer,” said Glenn Gutierrez Co-Founder & Chief
Operating Officer, alive5.
The program culminated in Demo Day on Oct. 11, 2018 in
Philadelphia, where it was announced that 70 percent of the
companies secured partnerships with Comcast NBCUniversal businesses
during their time in the accelerator.
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 in 1999, and in 2010,
Comcast Ventures was formed and has since grown into one of the
most active corporate venture arms in the country. LIFT Labs offers
programmed talks, mentor sessions with Comcast NBCUniversal
employees and partners, plus events and other educational resources
designed to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses.
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 video, high-speed internet, 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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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190107005141/en/
Katie LubenowComcast
Corporation215-286-5691Katie_Lubenow@Comcast.com
Joanie
KinbladeTechstars303-562-6230joanie.kindblade@techstars.com
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