Introducing shorter, focused, thematic accelerators from Comcast NBCUniversal

LIFT Labs was conceived from the feedback of thousands of founders and ecosystem builders across the world who shared what they needed most from a company like Comcast NBCUniversal. That input helped us create impactful programs that deliver: 80% of startups that participated in our accelerators over the past five years have landed a proof of concept, pilot or commercial deal with Comcast NBCUniversal, and alumni have then gone on to raise more than $100 million in venture capital.

Now in our sixth year, founder feedback continues to shape our why — and how. In recent conversations, we found that founders want one thing above all else: strategic partnerships demonstrating meaningful, sustainable traction with companies like ours.

We heard them loud and clear. That’s why we’re focusing on a new series of shorter, theme-based accelerators dedicated to helping founders fully immerse themselves in their growth opportunities and develop relationships with Comcast NBCUniversal and our broad and growing network of corporate partners. These programs also do not involve an issuance of equity to Comcast in exchange for participation.

What does this look like in practice? First, we’re only accepting six to eight startups in each cohort, giving us the opportunity to develop bespoke programming tailored to each startup’s growth goals. While centered around a vertical or theme, the smaller cohort will be non-competitive. As we’ve seen across our 54-company portfolio, startups come to feel a strong sense of camaraderie during our programs. Their investor network becomes their cohort-mate’s investor network. They can help each other break through barriers, make valuable connections, and act as an empathetic, knowing ear.

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We’re offering a six-week hybrid schedule that allows startups to continue the real work of building their companies every day. Founders will work side by side with teams at Comcast NBCUniversal to test and validate their offerings and business models while receiving valuable feedback.

We’ll also help startups navigate the intricate sales dynamics of large enterprises and offer best practices and support on other critical functions like marketing, operations, media relations and fundraising.

It’s important to note that we are also welcoming early-stage startups into our new accelerator format. We’re excited to help them run bold experiments and test their assumptions. We can offer them insights on customer value propositions, product-market fit and brand messaging — and get them on a path to potentially earn a partnership deal in the future.

Applications recently opened for our first program of 2023 Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator: Generative AI. Startups leveraging generative AI to build next-generation technologies, products and services are encouraged to apply by April 9. The accelerator kicks off week one on May 22 in person at the Comcast Technology Center in Philadelphia. Weeks two through four are virtual, then it’s back to Philly for weeks five and six.

If you are a startup founder and this sounds interesting to you, I encourage you to read more about our accelerator and consider applying. Remember, if you’re not a fit for our gen AI accelerator, you may be a fit for the other theme-based programs we’ll be running throughout the year.

Learn more and apply to LIFT Labs

This is a sponsored guest post from Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs. LIFT Labs is a Technical.ly Ecosystem Builder client.