Startup Opportunity: IAG’s Hangar 51 Accelerator, Up to £500k Available

June 15, 2018 Phillip Hofmann

In an effort to support startups looking for capital and mentorship, The Startup Magazine is supporting International Airlines Group (IAG) in its launch of its third Hangar 51 global innovation programme in collaboration with British Airways, Avios and IAG Cargo. We encourage all startups to consider applying to this rewarding startup accelerator. Corporate accelerators are one of the best ways for startups to access capital, advice, and markets.

The latest Hangar 51 accelerator, run in London, but open to any global startup, is designed in partnership with L Marks. The 10-week programme gives start-ups the opportunity to trial their products at scale and work closely with senior management and experts across the Group. You can test your most promising products and services with the IAG customers.

IAG wants help in any of these six core categories:

Connected service: innovative devices, including wearables and IoT solutions, providing an excellent experience for customers and employees.
Smarter operations: big data analytics, robotic processes and smart contracting to optimise business operations.
New products: creative solutions to enhance the products and services portfolio which can improve the customer journey.
Future cargo logistics: shipping analytics, asset tracking, and measurement and monitoring tools to optimise cargo operations.
Loyalty and rewards: tech solutions and platforms, such as card-linking and alternative payment options, which are easily integrated into Avios, the airlines’ channels and retail partners.
Wildcard: any new disruptive ideas that have the potential to reshape the travel industry.

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Check out the overview video…

Startup Benefits

Hangar 51 provides:

Hangar 51 work space (3 Months)

Located in our company’s Headquarters (London Heathrow or Gatwick), but all global startups welcome.

10 week commercial product pilot with dedicated IAG business sponsor

Work closely with our teams to pilot your solutions within our business.
Access to our subject matter experts.
Trial live data and gain feedback on product insights.
If successful, you will have the opportunity to receive a fast-track commercial agreement worth £100k.

Industry recognition

Opportunity to pitch at Hangar 51 Demo Day.
Attended by Group CEOs and senior executives.
Press invitees.
Showcase in the IAG Digital Lab.

Average £100k investment available from IAG

Up to £500k initial investment depending on company stage.
The offer is subject to meeting IAG’s investment criteria and successful completion of due diligence and a commercial pilot.

Product development input

Access to world class subject matter experts across all IAG operating companies.
Gain vital know-how by accessing real customer data.

World class mentors

Up to 100 hours of dedicated cross team mentorship and support.

Accelerator Successes

Twelve start-ups have joined the Hangar 51 portfolio from previous programmes. They worked with seasoned entrepreneurs and subject matter experts. The teams were on hand to help at the dedicated spaces in IAG offices in London, Madrid and Barcelona. Each start-up had the opportunity to pitch for investment from IAG to scale their business. In partnership with L Marks, Hangar 51 supports startups of all sizes and growth stages to transform the travel industry.

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.

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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.