Since 2007, Betaworks has been involved in producing innovative internet technology. In fact, some of you might recognize their work in the form of Bitly, Tweetdeck, and the 2012 relaunch of Digg. The company also invests in projects it believes will have a positive impact on tech and the internet. And, as we’re reading about today, it runs 11-week long accelerator Camps focused on helping startup founders build their companies.
So far, there have been three previous camps, all dedicated to a specific area of tech: chat-based, voice-based, and camera-based. This year’s camp –“Livecamp” – focuses on companies that work “on the intersection of live streaming and audience participation”. This includes things like esports.
Five companies have been chosen to participate in Livecamp, which is just kicking off. These companies are:
Bunch – An app that lets users group video chat while playing their favorite mobile games. Content Flow – A Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for cross-channel video live streaming, offering a proprietary player/streaming-engine with a cloud-based cutting engine and interactive widgets. Culture Genesis – A digital media lab (studio) based in Santa Monica, California, that remixes digital technology for authentic urban culture and entertainment. Ghost Commander – A new form of interactive game that combines immersive theater and live streaming in a collaborative competition where online viewers affect in-game action with their choices. Journey Meditation – Live and on-demand guided meditation sessions for high-performance organizations and individuals, to reduce stress and increase focus and productivity.
During Camp, participants will be able to make use of Betaworks’ newly opened Studios – a members-only clubhouse for tech innovators that offers working space, workshops, and exclusive events. On the final day of the program, November 16, participants will be able to present their work to potential investors and partners during a “Demo Day”.
The camp is sponsored by leading members of the livestreaming industry, notably Microsoft’s Mixer platform. For those unfamiliar, Mixer (originally Beam) is the Microsoft owned live streaming platform.
In addition to the residency program, Camp participants will also receive a $200,000 joint-investment from Betaworks Ventures and Japanese-based mobile game developer and publisher Akatsuki Inc. All-in-all, it’s an amazing deal for five lucky companies.
