September 8, 2020 — The startups were chosen from hundreds of applicants from over 40 countries. They are poised to revolutionize strategic areas of focus, including future of work, immersive and interactive experiences, and personalization.
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 program, which kicks off today and lasts 13 weeks, will be held virtually. The founders will participate in this immersive program from cities across the globe, including New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Dallas, and London, UK.
The companies will be mentored by 100+ industry leaders from Comcast NBCUniversal and the global Techstars network; participating in workshops on fundraising, working with corporations, and communicating through the media; and meet experienced founders who will share their insights in building and selling highly successful startups. Each company will have the opportunity to work at Comcast NBCUniversal’s global headquarters in Philadelphia in 2021 for additional mentorship and business development opportunities.
“The entire Comcast NBCUniversal family is excited to learn from this diverse group of talented entrepreneurs, and help elevate their companies in new ways,” said Sam Schwartz, Chief Business Development Officer, Comcast. “Entrepreneurial passion is more important than ever. Curiosity and different thinking can help society and businesses emerge to what’s next — and we’re ready to start working with these companies focused on areas that are important to our company and customers.”
At the conclusion of the program, the companies will participate in a virtual Demo Day on December 3, 2020 and present their businesses before some of the world’s best venture capitalists, startup founders, business executives, and media.
Techstars’ veteran, KJ Singh, will serve as the Managing Director of the 2020 accelerator. He has managed 12 accelerator programs at Techstars since 2013, and invested in over 100 companies that have gone on to raise over $300 million from top-tier angel investors and VCs. KJ, working alongside the Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs team, led by Danielle Cohn, Vice President, Startup Engagement and Luke Butler, Sr. Director, Startup Engagement/LIFT Labs, will advise the selected startups on product/market fit, business development, and fundraising strategies that lead to results.
