The programme goes beyond a traditional accelerator and offers disruptive companies ten weeks of co-working alongside IAG. They received personalised mentoring and access to a vast network of industry contacts and experts from across the Group. Successful applicants also showcased their achievements at a Demo Day before an audience comprised of the Group’s senior management team and investors. This gave them the opportunity to receive potential investment from IAG’s multimillion-pound digital fund to scale their business.
Following successful participation in IAG’s global accelerator programme Hangar 51, IAG invested in US-based startup Volantio.
Accelerator Timeline
- 5th August 2018 – APPLICATIONS CLOSE
- 6th September 2018 – PITCH DAY
- Pitch Day is your start-up’s chance to pitch to IAG’s senior leadership team and over 100 representatives from the business with a chance to win a place at the accelerator. You can tell us more about your start-up and show the panel why we should select you.
- 24th September 2018 – PROGRAMME STARTS
- The 10-week, intensive collaboration starts here. At this point in time we will set out some key objectives for us to work towards during the course of the programme. You will receive mentorship from senior leadership and external experts to help you towards these goals.
- 14th December 2018 – DEMO DAY
- Demo Day is where you’ll show us what your start-up has achieved over the 10 weeks and present your proposal for future engagement with IAG.
Sponsor Comments
Dupsy Abiola, IAG’s head of global innovation, said: “IAG is passionate about cultivating and supporting the next generation of travel technology companies. As one of the world’s largest airline groups, disruptive startups can benefit from our size, scale and expertise to help drive faster product innovation. Hangar 51 is now in its third year and our last accelerators saw us receive 800 applications worldwide which led to investment in three startups. We’re excited about continuing our unique approach by bringing the startups to the heart of our business and harnessing their potential to transform the future of travel.”
Daniel Saunders, Chief Executive of L Marks commented: “We are excited to launch the third iteration of Hangar 51, continuing our close partnership with IAG. There is a wealth of early-stage companies developing transformative technologies which IAG will embrace as part of Hangar 51. Through this programme, British Airways, Avios and IAG Cargo, will enhance their operations and deliver even better services to their customers. I look forward to seeing which startups that will join the programme and witness their growth through working with one of the world’s largest airline groups.
