UNION partners with Comcast, Techstars on startup-supporting program

UNION, the platform providing startup resources which recently spun out of 1776, is set to be used as part of a new program from ComcastNBC Universal and Techstars.

Under the partnership, UNION will be used by LIFT Labs for Entrepreneurs, which is getting off the ground this year.

Our sister site Technical.ly Philly reported that LIFT Labs is slated to start early this year, with the flagship location in Comcast’s new tower in Philadelphia. The multi-city program is backing startups in the media, entertainment and connectivity space. The program begins accepting applications Jan. 8.

“LIFT Labs was informed by 1,500 conversations we had with entrepreneurs around the world. These conversations have shaped the programs we developed and the resources we have made available through LIFT Labs,” Danielle Cohn, Executive Director of Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, said in a statement. “Our partnership with UNION supports LIFT Labs in its mission to connect startups with the resources they need to advance their businesses and elevate to the next level.”

The idea behind introducing UNION is to connect the startups participating in the program with educational resources and mentors, including Comcast leaders and the company’s broader network. It will also help facilitate mentor sessions and manage the calendar of events for the program in Philly. UNION also has a broader network on the platform, as the company states it is used by 75 orgs.

UNION originated inside 1776, and was spun out after the incubator merged with Philly-based Benjamin’s Desk in October.

Initially based at 1776’s Crystal City campus after the merger, the startup moved into a private office at 1776’s DC campus to start 2018.