Belron searches for start-ups

Belron is looking for start-ups to join its acceleration programme.

Drive, the 10-week global accelerator, which follows a pilot run in 2016, will continue to seek disruptive start-ups who can effectively improve the company’s operations, and want to trial their products with a global organisation.

Run with innovation partner L Marks, the accelerator is looking for start-ups that can help Belron innovate in the following areas: customer conversion; service experience; capability and engagement; supporting insurers; and digital problem solving.

Applications for the accelerator need to be submitted by 29 January 2017. The teams getting through the initial selection process will be invited to pitch for a place in March. The programme will begin in April 2017.

Participating start-ups will be partnered with one of the company’s businesses around the globe and will have the opportunity to trial their product in a ready-made international market, access to expert mentors from senior leadership and experienced entrepreneurs, as well as desk space at the company’s UK premises just outside London.

Additionally, Belron and L Marks will make available a fund of £200k to invest in participating companies.

The 12-week pilot accelerator, which launched in February 2016, saw 75 start-ups apply for the programme with 25 participating in the pitch day in April 2016. Four start-ups – Atta, Sorry as a Service, Smart Calling and TheThings.io – were selected to partner the business.