WHLabs- Global Gaming and Gambling Technology Accelerator

by Startacus Admin

William Hill is one of the country's biggest names in the gambling and gaming industry, and now they are opening up their experience, expertise, and market position to exciting and innovative technology startups.

In association with corporate innovation specialists ‘L Marks’ (the ones who brought you the John Lewis Retail accelerator ‘JLAB’) the folks at William Hill have recently announced their pioneering new gambling and gaming accelerator.  

The Aptly named WHLab will see 8 of the world's brightest industry startups take part in a twelve week accelerator programme in their offices in London, or Tel Aviv.

The idea behind WHLab is the identification and development of innovative technologies that will cater to customer needs within the gambling and gaming industry.  

This is the accelerator’s inaugural year, so it's the perfect time to get in on the act!

What's up for grabs?

Startups that are selected to take part in the accelerator will get;

• A £25,000 initial investment
• Access to APIs
• Mentorship from industry experts to help deliver your product
• Input, advice and experience from successful entrepreneurs
• Dedicated office space in Tel Aviv, Israel or Shoreditch, London UK
• The chance to secure a contract with William Hill and follow-on funding of up to £150,000
• The opportunity to visit William Hill’s international offices during an exchange week between the London and Tel Aviv Labs

Who should apply?

What we rather like about WHLab is that it isn’t geographically specific - you can apply, irrespective of where in the world you are - from Brighton to Burma!  It’s also available to innovative technologies at any stage of development, with founders who share in the accelerator’s commitment to excellence and ambitious growth.

What are the application categories?

Just as you would imagine in an industry as diverse and varied as this, WHLabs have divided the application process into 6 different entry categories, each of which are inspired by the core business priorities of William Hill.  These categories are;

• Thrill of the ride - technologies which enhance the level of entertainment that customers get from gaming and gambling products
• Omni Channel - Innovations that can help William Hill to harness and unify its online and offline operations, in a way that offers an improved service to customers wherever they choose to engage with the company
• Technical efficiencies - This covers a number of areas including; ways and means of improving transactional services, and making the most of Big Data opportunities created by the business’ operations
• Player Funnel - Technologies and innovations that will help to maximise customer conversion / retention rates
• New Products - Especially those which will make use of high-growth emerging technologies, and those which will help give the company an edge over their competitors

And finally...

• Surprise them! -  Anything and everything that demonstrates real innovation in the industry!

Andy Lee, MD of William Hill Online said “Our industry is ripe for further disruption, and through our WHLabs Accelerator we will nurture the next generation of technology start-ups, while helping ensure we remain on the cutting-edge of omni-channel change”

Stuart Marks, technology entrepreneur, and chairman of L Marks said: 'I'm delighted to be working with William Hill on WHLabs. We have crafted something unique in the betting and gaming sector, which will give businesses access to an environment where they can develop their ideas, and access the thriving tech-entrepreneur communities in Shoreditch and Tel Aviv. I'm certain that we will find new and exciting technology that will strengthen William Hill’s leadership in global betting and gaming.'

How can you apply?

Applications for the accelerator programme can be completed online, but you’d best get your skates on, the deadline is 26th July!  Definitely worth a punt we’d say.  Check out the video below for a bit more detail!

Best of luck to all and fingers crossed for some great new gaming and gambling tech innovations!  

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Published on: 8th July 2015