Comcast NBCUniversal has announced 11 startups for its second LIFT Labs Accelerator, which includes companies using facial recognition, AI voice transformation, and interactive sports tech.
The startups were selected from hundreds of applicants focusing on developing the next generation of connectivity, media and entertainment.
Startup applicants were working in four main areas – smart places, immersive and interactive experiences, digital-first customer engagement, and next-gen marketing.
The accelerator programme, part of Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs for Entrepreneurs, provides startups with access to Comcast NBCUniversal’s partners, brands and mentors.
Connectivity, media and entertainment
The companies will work from Comcast NBCUniversal’s global headquarters in Philadelphia at LIFT Labs’ state-of-the-art floor during the 13-week programme, which started on Monday (July 15).
“We are incredibly excited by the passion, drive, and foresight of the founders of these companies,” said Sam Schwartz, Chief Business Development Officer, Comcast.
“The program will provide them with support and access to Comcast NBCUniversal leadership, and help them push their boundaries in new ways to produce more competitive and successful businesses. At the same time, we will learn from some of the best new entrepreneurs in technology.”
The startups will work with mentors from Comcast divisions, including XFINITY, NBC and Telemundo broadcast stations, NBCUniversal cable networks, Universal Studios, Universal Theme Parks, DreamWorks, and Techstars, which powers LIFT Labs Accelerator.
Support from Comcast NBCUniversal mentors
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Class of 2019 – LIFT Labs Accelerator
Diana AI, San Francisco, CA – A conversational business intelligence and analytics tool letting users access and analyse enterprise data using voice or text.
Edisn.ai, Bangalore, India – Providing interactive and personalised sports content to fans using its AI-powered player recognition engine.
GameOn, Brooklyn, NY – Increasing live sports engagement by simplifying complicated stats and odds.
Messy.fm, Los Angeles, CA – A podcasting solution to record, edit and publish unlimited episodes for free.
NICKL, Brooklyn, NY – Allowing users to manage their digital content subscriptions in one place.
Pivan Interactive, Boulder, CO – Powered by computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI), Pivan provides advanced training and analytics for competitive gaming athletes.
Respeecher, Kiev, Ukraine – Uses AI to transform voices, so that one person can speak in the voice of a different person.
Sporttrade, Philadelphia, PA – A sports betting marketplace.
Struct Club, Los Angeles, CA – For music-inspired fitness instructors to use when choreographing and giving classes.
TakeShape, Brooklyn, NY – One-click integrations letting developers combine data from the JAMstack without having to write new code.
The GIST, Toronto, Canada – Sports content, experiences and community for women.
Introducing the 2019 class of the Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by @techstars! Welcome to #Philadelphia Founders! 💡✨ https://t.co/bGAh36Bjs7 pic.twitter.com/XpYoMmd18l
— Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs (@LIFT_Labs) July 15, 2019
Techstars’ KJ Singh will be Managing Director of the 2019 accelerator, after running 10 accelerator programmes at Techstars since 2013.
“We are excited to welcome 11 companies working to transform the connectivity, media, and entertainment space to this year’s program,” said Singh.
“These startups have access to both Techstars’ proven methodology and Comcast NBCUniversal’s significant expertise across the industry.
Smart places, immersive and interactive experiences
“The advantage and opportunity this Techstars and Comcast NBCUniversal partnership provides founders was the reason why I wanted to be a part of this program – it’s not just Techstars – we have an incredible committed partner that is rolling up its sleeves and getting to work to help these companies innovate and grow.”
When the accelerator finishes on October 10, the startups will pitch their businesses to Comcast NBCUniversal, investors, mentors, and members of the tech and startup community.
Image: Comcast NBCUniversal
