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Eleven Tech Founders Unveil Startups Following Comcast NBCUniversal Lift Labs Accelerator, Powered by Techstars

Demo Day for the Philadelphia-based accelerator focused on connectivity, media, and entertainment marks the conclusion of the program; Eight Startups Land Partnerships with Comcast NBCUniversal Companies

PHILADELPHIA — (BUSINESS WIRE) — October 11, 2019 — Eleven tech startups from around the world that are building innovative connectivity, media, and entertainment technologies pitched their companies to hundreds of investors, mentors, and Philadelphia’s tech and startup community on Thursday during Demo Day, which marked the finale of the second class of the Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by Techstars.

The 13-week accelerator featured 11 companies that worked with more than 75 mentors across Comcast NBCUniversal, including the Xfinity technology, product and experience teams, NBC and Telemundo broadcast stations, NBC Sports, NBCUniversal cable networks, Universal Studios, Universal Theme Parks, DreamWorks Animation, Comcast Business, Comcast Ventures, and Strategic Development. For the first time this year, Sky also had mentors in the program. Comcast NBCUniversal mentors joined an esteemed Techstars community of mentors with deep industry, investment, and entrepreneurship experience.

During Demo Day, eight of the 11 companies announced that they either completed or are working on proofs of concepts or pilot projects with Comcast NBCUniversal as a result the accelerator. Additionally, one company, NICKL, decided to relocate to make Philadelphia its new headquarters.

Throughout the accelerator, the diverse set of founders – of which more than half are women or people of color – benefitted from talks with other successful entrepreneurs, media training, pitch practice in front of producers from CNBC, and hundreds of business development meetings.

“It has been such a fantastic experience for all of the Comcast NBCUniversal mentors to work side-by-side with these dynamic companies to help them grow and launch their businesses,” said Sam Schwartz, Chief Business Development Officer, Comcast Cable. “The Founders of these promising startups have an incredible passion and drive, and we are so excited to see what’s next for them.”

"Today marks the culmination of the 11th program I've run at Techstars,” said KJ Singh, Managing Director, Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by Techstars. “Having invested in over 100 companies during my tenure and run more programs than anyone else at Techstars, past or present, this is without a doubt the class I am most excited about. These 11 companies were able to achieve so much more because of their access to mentorship from both the broader Techstars network and the decision-makers within every business unit at Comcast NBCUniversal and Sky."

The startups that participated in Demo Day, and some of their notable accomplishments during the accelerator, include:

Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by Techstars will begin accepting applications for its third class in January 2020. Founders from around the world who are serious about developing the next generation of connectivity, media, and entertainment companies are encouraged to apply for the accelerator, which will begin in July 2020 in Philadelphia.

This accelerator is one part of Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs for Entrepreneurs, a collection of programs that give talented entrepreneurs access to Comcast NBCUniversal's renowned network of partners, brands, and mentors to foster rapid breakthroughs in connectivity, media, and entertainment. LIFT Labs offers business development opportunities, expert talks, mentorship with industry leaders from Comcast NBCUniversal and its partners, plus events and educational resources designed to help entrepreneurs grow, launch and amplify their businesses. For more information on the many ways startups can engage with Comcast NBCUniversal, visit www.ComcastNBCULIFT.com or follow LIFT Labs on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About Techstars

Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. Techstars founders connect with other entrepreneurs, experts, mentors, alumni, investors, community leaders, and corporations to grow their companies. Techstars operates three divisions: Techstars Startup Programs, Techstars Mentorship-Driven Accelerator Programs, and Techstars Corporate Innovation Partnerships. Techstars accelerator portfolio includes more than 1,900 companies with a market cap of $23 billion. www.techstars.com


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Katie Lubenow
Comcast Corporation
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Ali Donnermeyer
Techstars
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