Accelerator, '22
Comcast NBCUniversal is looking to work with the best startups in the world through the LIFT Labs Accelerator.
Our six-week, theme-specific programs accelerate your relationship with our business. Selected startups get unparalleled access to our network of mentors, businesses, and corporate partners to develop potential commercial deals. The program is designed for startups at various stages in their entrepreneurial journeys from pre-seed to enterprise-ready and does not involve an issuance of equity to Comcast in exchange for participation.
This is not a traditional startup accelerator. It is specifically designed for companies looking to partner with major enterprises such as Comcast NBCUniversal.
Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning - particularly the ability to generate new content - have implications across a wide range of industries like entertainment, connectivity, and more. In order to partner with these startups to explore and learn about these opportunities and gain insights on the impact of this emerging trend, LIFT Labs is excited to announce the theme of Generative AI for the first 2023 Accelerator program.
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Jim Cramer meets with the Accelerator Class
of 2019.
Startups Receive
- Dedicated support from the LIFT Labs team who will help you navigate our business and champion your startup to decision-makers during the program and beyond
- Direct access to executives from throughout Comcast NBCUniversal and our global network, with a specific focus on developing long-term relationships and potential partnerships
- Weekly programming led by experts in enterprise sales, marketing, operations, public relations, and fundraising
- $5K stipend to support in-person participation in Philadelphia
(weeks 1, 5 & 6) - Marketing support through events, content creation, and media outreach
- Post-program support includes access to office space at the world-class Comcast Technology Center in Philadelphia (subject to availability) and ongoing participation in our global network of founders and Comcast NBCUniversal executives.
Program outline
Week 1
In-Person at Comcast HQ, Philadelphia
Weeks 2 - 4
Remote
WeekS 5 - 6
In-Person at Comcast HQ, Philadelphia
Employee Voices
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“Great program, people, and companies. It's beyond rewarding to work with founders to watch their dreams become reality.”
Greg Birzes
VP, Software Development & Engineering,
TPX CTX Enterprise Solutions -
“Being part of this process has truly been an invaluable experience. It has been a great exchange because I am learning more about the possibilities of emerging technologies and generating ideas that we could leverage."
Monica Williams
SVP, Digital Products & Operations,
NBCUniversal
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“I found the mentorship a wonderful way to connect with the startup community in a way that's impactful for the company. And meeting colleagues from across ComcastNBCU was a real bonus!”
Michael Wise
CTO, Universal Pictures
“Great program, people, and companies. It's beyond rewarding to work with founders to watch their dreams become reality.”
Greg Birzes
VP, Software Development & Engineering,
Tpx Ctx Enterprise Solutions
“Being part of this process has truly been an invaluable experience. It has been a great exchange because I am learning more about the possibilities of emerging technologies and generating ideas that we could leverage."
Monica Williams
SVP, Digital Products & Operations,
NBCUniversal
“I found the mentorship a wonderful way to connect with the startup community in a way that's impactful for the company. And meeting colleagues from across ComcastNBCU was a real bonus!”
Michael Wise
CTO, Universal Pictures
This program is for tech startups – from pre-seed to those that are more enterprise-ready - with solutions that align with the LIFT Labs Accelerator themes.
Apply now
FAQ
This accelerator program differs from a traditional accelerator in many ways:
- This program is not just for pre-seed companies aiming to raise a seed round. We have a track record of working with startups at different stages to deliver long-term commercial partnerships between our business and theirs.
- Issuance of equity is not required for participation.
- The accelerator program includes a shorter time commitment. (Most accelerators are 10-12 weeks; this program is six weeks).
- Each cohort will only include 6-8 companies allowing for a much more tailored, 1:1 approach, so no one-size-fits-all programming.
No. Comcast NBCUniversal will not take any equity in the company as a condition to participation in this accelerator program, but we will have a right to invest in the company’s next financing round.
No, however we have the ability to make investments in companies coming through the program on a case-by-case basis.
We would prefer that founding team members participate. We understand that commitments come up, so if other senior employees outside the founding team need to fill in for a session or two, that is acceptable.
In addition to the in-person weeks, participants can expect three to five hours/week of scheduled virtual content during Weeks 2-4, in addition to discussions with Comcast NBCUniversal teams to scope out potential partnerships.
Each accelerator program will include six to eight companies.
While the goal is to achieve a pilot or proof of concept (depending on the stage and readiness of the startup), there is no guaranteed engagement at the end of the accelerator program. That said, more than 80% of participating companies to date have secured a pilot or commercial deal with Comcast NBCUniversal, or Sky. And participating companies become part of our portfolio on whose behalf we are constantly identifying new opportunities.