Luke Butler is the Executive Director of Startup Engagement and the head of the Lift Labs Accelerator with NBC Comcast Universal. He previously served in government in Philadelphia and has been a key figure in fostering the relationship between large corporations like Comcast and the city’s innovation ecosystem. With a background that traverses public and private sectors, Luke Butler carries the entrepreneurial spirit of Comcast, focusing on building businesses for today and the future.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Accelerator Insider, Luke Butler, Executive Director of Startup Engagement and Head of the Lyft Labs Accelerator at Comcast NBCUniversal, discusses the evolution of Comcast as a media technology company and its role in the Philadelphia innovation ecosystem. He shares insights on the importance of public-private partnerships, the DNA of entrepreneurship within Comcast and the value of storytelling and amplification in the startup world. Luke also explains the shift to a theme-based approach in the Lyft Labs accelerator and offers advice for startup founders looking to work with large enterprises.
Key Takeaways:
- Corporate Innovation as a City Growth Engine: Luke Butler highlights the importance of Comcast’s commitment to innovation and how it has bolstered Philadelphia’s status as a tech and innovation hub.
- Permeable Boundaries in Corporate Accelerators: Comcast’s Lift Labs aims to create a permeable boundary within the corporate structure to foster relationships with technology and startup communities.
- Themed Accelerator Programs: Lift Labs has shifted to a theme-based approach to accelerator programs, with a recent focus on AI due to its widespread corporate interest and potential depth of integration.
- Efficiency vs. Revenue Generation: Butler discusses the growing focus on efficiency and cost savings as a compelling value proposition for startups when working with large enterprises.
- Navigating Corporate Engagement: The conversation offers valuable advice for startup founders on how to effectively engage with large corporations and differentiate genuine business interest from casual encouragement.
Accelerator Insider Recording: