Comcast NBC Hosts Demo Day for LIFT Labs Accelerator Program, Powered by Techstars

Comcast NBCUniversal hosted its 2019 Demo Day on October 10th, in celebration of their second annual LIFT Labs Accelerator program. Powered by Techstars, the event provided an opportunity for representatives from the program’s spotlighted companies to pitch their businesses to pioneers within Philadelphia’s investment, technology, and startup communities. 

Beating out hundreds of applicants from 46 countries, the 2019 class of the LIFT Labs Accelerator program featured 11 startup companies from all corners of the media and entertainment spectrum, including: Diana AI, edisn.ai, GameOn, Messy.fm, NICKL, Pivan Interactive, Respeecher, Sporttrade, Struct Club, TakeShape and The GIST.  Beginning in July, the startups relocated to Philadelphia and received guidance from 150 mentors from Comcast, NBCUniversal, Sky and Techstars over the course of 13 weeks. During this time, they attended hundreds of business meetings, heard from other successful entrepreneurs and received media training. Using this platform, the startups turned the experts’ advice into razor sharp pitches after many hours of tinkering with their business plans. 

The program reached its pinnacle on Demo Day. Taking turns, the founders each took center stage at the Ralph J. Roberts Forum inside the Comcast Technology Center, where they had the chance to share their progress with Philadelphia and the world. Eight of the 11 startups announced that they had either completed or are working on proofs of concepts or pilot projects with Comcast NBCUniversal as a result of their success in the program, according to Comcast LIFT Labs. In addition to this, NICKL decided to permanently relocate to Philadelphia. After the presentations, audience members had the opportunity to network with each of the startups to find out more about their journey over the course of the program and to discuss future collaborations. 

The LIFT Labs Accelerator program will begin accepting applications for its third class in January 2020, and encourage founders interested in leading the next global generation of connectivity, media and entertainment companies to apply. Learn more at https://lift.comcast.com/.

Article written by Amelia Winger on behalf of Global Philadelphia Association