Liberty Global plc (“Liberty Global”) (NASDAQ: LBTYA, LBTYB, LBTYK, LILA
and LILAK) today announced that it is partnering with renowned
technology accelerator Techstars to launch Virgin Media Accelerator
powered by Techstars, a brand new program to support innovative digital
start-ups.
Virgin Media Accelerator, powered by Techstars (“Virgin Media
Accelerator Program”) is a three-month mentoring program supporting
companies working on innovative ideas relating to the digital world. The
launch of this new program further extends Liberty Global’s support of
digital start-ups and complements the existing programs supported by
Liberty Global in two of its key markets: the “Telenet Kickstart,
powered by Idealabs” accelerator in Belgium and Virgin Media’s “Pitch to
Rich” program in the UK.
Applicants can apply online at www.virginmediabusiness.co.uk/accelerator
before the deadline on January 9, 2016. Ten start-ups will be chosen to
take part in our Virgin Media Accelerator Program, which will involve an
intense, 13-week mentorship and guidance program. This will give the
start-ups access to senior leadership from Liberty Global and Virgin
Media, as well as Techstars’ global network of more than 7,000 founders,
mentors, investors and corporate partners.
Once the 13-week program has been completed, the ten start-ups will take
part in a “Demo Day” in London in June 2016. During the Demo Day, each
start-up will pitch to some of the world’s leading investors for the
chance to raise capital and secure investments in their businesses.
Start-ups involved in a range of digital sectors are encouraged to apply
and could be involved in: (i) the Internet of Things, (ii) telecom
infrastructure, (iii) customer data and experience, (iv) social
enterprise, (v) connected homes, (vi) connected goods and services,
(vii) interactive home experiences, (viii) home health and wellness,
(ix) connectivity for social good and (x) connected business services.
Bruce Dines, Vice President, Liberty Global Ventures, said, “Innovation
and the infinite possibilities offered by a connected world lie at the
very heart of our business, which is why we’re proud to partner with
Techstars to launch the first ever Virgin Media Accelerator Program.
This program offers an opportunity for all kinds of companies - we are
interested in driving innovation, convenience and social well-being
across our consumer and business connected world. We encourage all
interested companies to apply to this program and look forward to
working with the best start-ups in the world to help them bring their
brilliant ideas to life.”
Peter Kelly, Managing Director, Virgin Media Business, said: “With the
support of our parent company, Liberty Global, and our new partner,
Techstars, we’re delighted to support this exciting programme in the UK.
Supporting businesses of all sizes is at the heart of Virgin Media’s
purpose. Virgin Media Accelerator will give the most exciting digital
start-ups a phenomenal opportunity to learn, develop and grow.”
David Cohen, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Techstars, said, “New
technologies enabled by improved networking and connectivity have become
critical in all aspects of our personal and professional lives.
Techstars is excited to partner with Liberty Global and Virgin Media,
two worldwide leaders in this space, to bring a new, connectivity
focused accelerator program to startups worldwide.”
About Liberty Global
Liberty Global is the largest
international cable company with operations in 14 countries. We connect
people to the digital world and enable them to discover and experience
its endless possibilities. Our market-leading products are provided
through next-generation networks and innovative technology platforms
that connected 27 million customers subscribing to 56 million
television, broadband internet and telephony services at June 30, 2015.
In addition, we served five million mobile subscribers and offered WiFi
service across six million access points.
Liberty Global’s businesses are currently attributed to two tracking
stock groups: the Liberty Global Group (NASDAQ: LBTYA, LBTYB and LBTYK),
which primarily comprises our European operations, and the LiLAC Group
(NASDAQ: LILA and LILAK, OTC Link: LILAB), which comprises our
operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Liberty Global's consumer brands are Virgin Media, Ziggo, Unitymedia,
Telenet, UPC, VTR and Liberty. Our operations also include Liberty
Global Business Services and Liberty Global Ventures. For more
information, please visit www.libertyglobal.com
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