Drive, the startup accelerator from Belron, invests in two startups from latest programme
by Startacus Admin
Drive is the startup accelerator from Belron, parent company of Autoglass®, which is run in partnership with innovation specialists L Marks, and designed to fast track disruptive young businesses looking for global expansion.
In this second year of the accelerator programme, five tech startups – Blitzz, Locpin, Talking Circles, ThriveMap and ThanksBox - spent 10 weeks working with Belron 
countries; immersing themselves in Belron business operations and trialling their products. On 26 June, each team presented their experiences and proposal for a future relationship with Belron during an exciting Demo Day.
Belron has since announced that it will invest £125,000 in two startups and innovation partner, L Marks will match £103,340 investment, bringing the total startup funding to £228,340.
Those set to receive financial support, in addition to contracts with Belron, are:
ThriveMap - who have a platform that measures how people like to work in order to predict team fit and improve team harmony. ThriveMap will receive £75,000 of investment from Belron and £53,340 from L Marks.
Locpin - who provide a smart addressing solution which provides all the information necessary to ensure you can quickly and efficiently find the right location, first time, every time. Locpin will receive £50,000 of investment from Belron and £50,000 from L Marks.
Talking Circles and Blitzz have been asked to continue to work on their pilots with Belron, on a commercial basis, as conversations about investment continue. ThanksBox is continuing conversations with Carglass® Germany as to the best way to support them
Nick Burton, Head of Digital & Innovative Technology of Belron, said:
“Drive has been really exciting this year, with five brilliant teams joining the programme. I've been really impressed 
with the speed and agility on display as each team got their pilots up and running in four countries, and I really appreciate the hard work and teamwork on display when the teams are in one of our countries, or at Milton Park.”
Stuart Marks, technology entrepreneur and Chairman of L Marks, said:
“Any programme entering its second year will inherit high-expectations from the success of the first programme: In the case of Belron, expectations have been more than met. The teams across all participating countries have been confident, committed and open-minded in their approach to the startups, and we have been pleased to support progress as each has grown in response to the feedback they have been given. Drive with Belron has had another successful year thanks to everyone’s hard work, the contributions of the startups and the support of our team.”
The key focus for Drive with Belron 2017 was to collaborate with disruptive startups who can effectively improve operations of the leading vehicle glass repair and replacement company. In return, startups were given the opportunity to trial their products with a global organisation.
In addition to the startups securing funding and/or paid continuation of their pilots, all five on the accelerator programme developed their business more rapidly than they would have done by operating on their own.
Now read this : Nexus by DIA - Startups Shaping the Future of Supermarket Shopping Wanted
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
The lowdown on Manchester-based startup Sticky and its innovative no-code solution to help businesses turn any physical space into an engagement opportunity.
Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
The group payments solution that's better for businesses and customers alike, thanks to innovative fintech startup Hands In.
The lowdown on FuturePlus, the startup that's on a mission to make sustainability accessible, achievable and affordable for all businesses.
.jpg)
John McLachlan, author and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training & Consultancy examines the differences between action-oriented and reflective leaders and which approach is best.
The fitness app that's not just about physical fitness; GoJoe helps employers to engage, motivate and connect their people across all pillars of wellbeing.
Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.
London-based startup Deep Render tackles the internet’s data and bandwidth challenges via its innovative AI-powered file compression technology.
Published on: 31st July 2017
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Startup Sook Receives Investment from Tobin Capital 24th May 2023 Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
- L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator 23rd May 2023 Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
- United Utilities Innovation Lab launches call-out for innovative ideas for fifth programme 18th May 2023 Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
- OneTech Spins Out from Capital Enterprise to Support Underserved Communities in Tech Across the UK 18th May 2023 Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.
