iLabX by Volvo Financial Services hunts tech startups to drive new thinking
by Startacus Admin
.png "iLabX")
From financing the next generation transport solutions, to offering digital transformation to drive business excellence, Volvo Financial Services are looking for innovative startups for their new US based, 10-week iLabX accelerator program.
iLabX will provide entrepreneurial companies from around the world with the opportunity to work with senior execs from VFS to develop and implement new innovative solutions and technologies that can ultimately benefit customers, dealers, and partners.
Based at the VFS headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA, the partnership programme will enable startups, from fintech through to automation, to trial their products at scale, network with industry experts, receive mentoring from the VFS leadership team and also access funding from VFS and corporate innovation specialists, L Marks.
They are looking for startups that are relevant in four categories:
- Building an Exceptional Customer Journey: Solutions that make it easy for customers to access and purchase Volvo Group vehicles, parts and service, and
financial services as part of their total offer.
- Financing Next Generation Transport Solutions: Platforms and product offerings that allow customers faster and easier vehicle access through ownership or other means, and address new technologies such as automation, electromobility, and connectivity.
- Digital Transformation for Business Excellence: Solutions that provide a level change in business performance through digital transformation.
- Wildcard: Solutions that look at the financial services industry 10-20 years from now, and which could re-engineer long held assumptions in terms of business models, sources of capital, credit and risk evaluation, and capital flows.
Scott Rafkin, President of VFS, commented:
“iLabX is where innovation and implementation come together. We are looking for creative ideas that can help us solve some exciting challenges in our business and continue to meet our customers’ changing demands.
By working collaboratively with other entrepreneurial minded companies, we aim to drive new thinking, explore new technologies and develop breakthrough solutions. Our ambition is to ensure VFS continues to remain highly relevant for our customers well into the future.”
Following the application period, up to 15 finalists in each category will be invited to pitch their ideas to the VFS senior leadership team, with up to 6 tech startups then invited to join the 10-week innovation lab, to further develop their ideas alongside subject matter experts in the commercial transport and financial services industries.
Leading corporate innovation specialist and early-stage investor, L Marks, have a wealth of collaborative experience working with clients such as Arsenal FC, Wincanton, 
Mischon de Reya and International Airlines Group (IAG) to build bridges between large corporates seeking to innovate more quickly, with young companies with disruptive technologies, products and services.
Applications must be submitted through the website www.VFSiLabX.com by December 2, 2018 so do take time to take a look and check out all the details and FAQs to best understand the program and opportunity.
Best of luck to all who apply and make sure not to just park that big idea...
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 Enterprise SU Team at Queen's University Belfast continue to lead the way in fostering entrepreneurship and inspiring innovation...
The lowdown on Clear, the skincare app with a social focus enabling users to track and share their skincare routines.
TripShift is a London-based SaaS startup enabling users to accurately record how much carbon their business or personal journey creates.
.png)
The lowdown on The Joy Club, an online activity club that provides classes, activities and inspiration galore to help people make the most of their retirement.
.jpg)
Carbon marketplace experts JustCarbon urge businesses to consider carbon credits to offset carbon emissions now or to bank them while market prices are low.
 (1).png)
The UK’s fastest-growing plant-based meat brand, THIS™ set to launch Seedrs campaign to support further innovation, bold marketing and international expansion.
New mentorship programme aims to enable Hootsuite employees to shed light on their lived and sector experience and support BYP Network members’ career development.
CropSafe, a platform revolutionizing the future of farming, announce that they have raised over $3M in seed funding and have opened U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles.
Voicy, the online content platform for discovering, creating and sharing sound-clips and sound-effects secures investment to support team expansion and global growth.
.jpg)
Career Masterclass has launched a new website to showcase its offerings, as a strategic partner for businesses wanting to bolster D&I policies.
Published on: 23rd October 2018
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Voicy lands €1.2 million pre-Seed from Global Founders Capital to build the GIPHY for sound 20th May 2022 Voicy, the online content platform for discovering, creating and sharing sound-clips and sound-effects secures investment to support team expansion and global growth.
- Zolar Lands €100 Million Series C On The Back Of Surging Demand For Affordable Green Energy 19th May 2022 Germany's leading digital solar platform, Zolar secures major investment to support roll out of new digital energy products.
- Metro Bank opens call for participants for second Magic Makers programme 17th May 2022 Metro Bank seeks startups and scaleups with a focus on customer experience, community banking, optimisation of systems & data and sustainability for its second innovation lab.
- Storyblok Raises $47M Series B to Make Headless Content Management the New Standard 17th May 2022 Storyblok secures major investment to further accelerate product innovation and growth into the US and Europe.
