Comcast NBCUniversal launches SportsTech, an accelerator specializing in sports

The project is proposed as a global accelerator for new sports technology companies that will have the weight of brands such as NBC Sports, Sky Sports and Golf Channel or NASCAR.

Comcast NBCUniversal, one of the largest distributors of sports content in the world, will promote a startup with six sports brands iconic and venture capital experience.

SportsTech will feature an unprecedented partnership of three of Comcast NBCUniversal's sports brands (NBC Sports, Sky Sports y Golf Channel) along with NASCAR and two US Olympic sports organizations, U.S. Ski & Snowboard y USA Swimming.

Comcast Ventures, the venture capital arm of the San Francisco-based company, will complete the partnership. Each partner will serve on an advisory committee that influences SportsTech's innovation priorities, and each will provide startups with direct access to strategic industry relationships, mentorship and partnership opportunities.

Headquartered at The Battery Atlanta/SunTrust Park, home to Comcast Cable's Central Division headquarters, the new accelerator is designed to provide sports technology startups with the resources and relationships to succeed, giving them access to a broad international consortium of advisors, a customized sports technology curriculum trained by industry experts, and investment capital. Partners will have early exposure to emerging sports technology trends and technologies that cross multiple sports, gaining insight into how these technologies can potentially reshape and benefit their businesses.

SportsTech is the third accelerator created by Comcast NBCUniversal in the last three years, joining the LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by TechStars, based at the company's global headquarters at the Comcast Technology Center in Philadelphia, and The Farm, powered by Boomtown, located in Atlanta.

Sam Schwartz, director of business development at Comcast Cable, acknowledges that "we are thrilled to introduce SportsTech to our suite of accelerators to help founders build sports technology and products, refine their business models, tell their stories and benefit from the unique assets and talent of Comcast NBCUniversal. Comcast NBCUniversal has some of the most prominent sports brands and we are excited to partner with founders through SportsTech."

Jenna Kurath, VP of Startup Partner Development, Comcast Cable, comments: "Demand for sports technology around the world has never been greater, yet most sports startups do not have access to the resources they need to succeed nor the ability to develop relationships with the right people within the industry. SportsTech will provide the curriculum and platform for founders to develop their ideas while gaining mentorship from leaders in multiple sports, allowing them to further deploy their technologies to dramatically improve sports experiences for athletes and audiences alike.”

Starting in August 2020, SportsTech will offer a personalized three-month program for up to 10 companies. Initial focus areas will include technologies and products in several key categories: Media and Entertainment; Fan and player engagement; Athlete and Player Performance; Team and coach success; Innovation in sports spaces and events; Fantasy sports and sports betting; eSports; and Sports business.

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