Collaborative AI
Accelerator, '23
Comcast NBCUniversal is looking to work with the best startups in the world through the LIFT Labs Accelerator.
Our five-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 partnerships. 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.
“We’ve never felt alone. It’s always been very clear LIFT Labs is on our side and there to navigate, the broader company and help us put our best foot forward.”
Jim Cramer meets with the Accelerator Class.
STARTUPS RECEIVE
Participants receive dedicated support from the LIFT Labs team, helping you navigate our business and championing your startup to decision-makers during the program and beyond. Benefits of participating in the program include:
- Direct access to executives from throughout Comcast NBCUniversal and its subsidiaries, with a specific focus on developing long-term relationships and potential partnerships
- Connection to a world-class network of Enterprise executives outside of Comcast NBCUniversal
- Unparalleled learnings on how to collaborate with large-scale organizations
- Opportunity to work with Comcast business units on a commercial pilot
- Subject matter expert sessions to scale your company
- Travel/Accommodation Stipend
- Media Training and PR Support
PROGRAM OUTLINE
During this five-week period, our goal is to connect you with the most relevant teams at Comcast NBCUniversal, enabling you to demonstrate the value of your solution quickly. The LIFT Labs team will support you every step of the way, including post-program.
WEEK 1
Virtual
- Introductory meetings with teams interested in learning more about your solution and open to the idea of a proof of concept.
WEEK 2
In-Person at Comcast HQ, Phl
- Proof of concept scoping sessions with relevant teams facilitated by the LIFT Labs team
- Welcome Reception with Comcast NBCUniversal executives with the opportunity to demo solutions and share your insights.
WEEKS 3 - 4
Virtual
- Work on initial proof of concept.
- 1:1 Sessions with business leaders across Comcast NBCUniversal.
WEEK 5
In-Person at Comcast HQ, Phl
- 1:1 Sessions with business leaders across Comcast NBCUniversal.
- Proof of concept insights sharing session with relevant teams to demonstrate initial progress and scope out next steps.
Program Schedule
ACCELERATOR ALUMNI VOICES
“The exposure that we have to executives and leaders within Comcast, NBCUniversal has been unparalleled.”
Cody Coleman
Co-founder & CEO
Coactive
“What makes the program particularly awesome is the exposure to every facet of the Comcast NBCUniversal family.”
Ben Colman
Co-founder & CEO
Reality Defender
“LIFT Labs has been critical in helping us to scale our platform to be enterprise-ready.”
Chun Jiang
Co-founder & CEO
Monterey AI
“This is the most immersive enterprise accelerator program we could have ever hoped for. They helped us navigate the complexities of the organization. Best of all? This is just the beginning of being part of the Comcast family.”
Andrei Papancea
CEO & CPO
NLX
“The exposure that we have to executives and leaders within Comcast, NBCUniversal has been unparalleled.”
Cody Coleman
Co-founder & CEO
Coactive
“What makes the program particularly awesome is the exposure to every facet of the Comcast NBCUniversal family.”
Ben Colman
Co-founder & CEO
Reality Defender
“LIFT Labs has been critical in helping us to scale our platform to be enterprise-ready.”
Chun Jiang
Co-founder & CEO
Monterey AI
“This is the most immersive enterprise accelerator program we could have ever hoped for. They helped us navigate the complexities of the organization. Best of all? This is just the beginning of being part of the Comcast family.”
Andrei Papancea
CEO & CPO
NLX
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.
- The focus on the program is developing partnerships with enterprises rather than broader programming related to building a company.
No. Comcast NBCUniversal will not take any equity in the company as a condition to participate 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 two in-person weeks, participants can expect three to five hours/week of scheduled virtual content during remote weeks, 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 84% of participating companies to date have secured a pilot or commercial deal with Comcast, NBCUniversal, or Sky, including 100% of the companies in the 2023 Generative AI Accelerator.
Post-program, we continue to support the companies in our portfolio in executing their partnerships and by identifying new opportunities for them with our business.