tech

Disney Selects 11 Tech and Media Firms for 1st Startup Accelerator

by John Frost
July 8, 2014July 7, 2014

The Walt Disney Company has finally selected the 11 startup companies that will participate in the first Disney Accelerator, a special mentorship and investment program. The program consists of a fifteen-week immersive program which gives companies access to mentorship from top Disney executives, up to $120,000 in investment capital to develop their companies as well as special access to resources from across The Walt Disney Company.

The selected companies represent a diverse cross-section of technology-driven media and entertainment from many different geographies. Some are focused on play, a few of marketing, and a few just want to make your life easier.

“With Disney Accelerator we are now bringing the creativity and imagination of Disney to early stage startups in a way we have never done before,” said Kevin A. Mayer, executive vice president, Corporate Strategy and Business Development, The Walt Disney Company. “We are thrilled by the response we’ve received and the high caliber of applicants to the program and we look forward to sharing our knowledge with this excellent group of creative entrepreneurs and really making a difference with these start-up companies.”

To kick off the program, participating companies will meet with various mentors including Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger, and leaders from Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, ABC, ESPN and Walt Disney Imagineering, as well as other entertainment industry leaders, investors, and Techstars’ extensive network of technology mentors.

Selected companies will develop mentorship relationships based on expertise, interest and background. Participating companies will meet with mentors regularly and work together to build and expand business plans, product launches, marketing campaigns, and formulate long-term strategies. The program culminates with a Demo Day in October, where each team will present their company to industry leaders, Disney executives, and the entrepreneurial community.

The list of 11 companies selected to participate in the Disney Accelerator program are below the jump:

Passholder Badge on Gowalla

by John Frost
February 5, 2011

I am a definite believer of the coming gamification of most of our every day social, business, and commercial interactions. You might be surprised to know that forces at Disney are believers in gamification too. Or you might not, considering Disney Imagineers use a lot… Read More »Passholder Badge on Gowalla

Augmented Reality and Disney

by John Frost
October 22, 2010

The Next-Gen project currently being worked on for Walt Disney World is rumored to feature a mobile device that will over lay a new experience on top of the existing theme park. This is a form of Augmented Reality and it’s a growing field for… Read More »Augmented Reality and Disney

Verizon’s Mobile Magic App soon available to rent in park.

by John Frost
August 12, 2010

Engadget has video from a recent in park test of the Verizon Mobile Magic application on the HTC Hero. That’s big news because it means the app is available on the android system, which opens it up to a lot more phones. Additionally, it looks… Read More »Verizon’s Mobile Magic App soon available to rent in park.

Disney adds Kid Friendly Netbooks to electronics offerings

by John Frost
June 17, 2009

When I was a kid I had a Disney branded record player and I thought I was the king of my block. Today’s kids can have their own Mickey Mouse or Princess themed mini-laptop (aka, Netbook) and rule the world. I’m just a little jealous.

Disney Consumer Products division has partnered with Asus, which makes the popular Eee PC netbook, to develop the Disney Netpal. The goal was to create something thats fun, web-safe, and easy to use. It should be available as soon as July for around $350.