SEAT Accelerator by Conector: The First Batch

Last week we followed the theme of Automobile Barcelona and took a closer look at the urban transport tech industry in Barcelona. Today we continue this trend by giving you an insight on SEAT Accelerator by Conector and their latest automobile startup graduates.

Many Barcinno readers will probably have noticed that SEAT has been quite active in the Catalan startup and tech ecosystem lately: they were strongly represented at MWC17 and 4YFN this year, set up a R&D lab in Pier 01 and indicated plans of testing an electric car sharing platform in the city. Besides these movements, one of their biggest actions was definitely the foundation of an accelerator program together with Conector last year.

The program is focused on tech startups related to the automobile, mobility or logistic industry and aims at supporting them in their development, growth and expansion plans. During five months the participating startups get access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology, receive training through several workshops and are given continuous feedback and advice from leading mentors from Conector and directors from SEAT. Additionally, the startups are also introduced into a strong network of exclusive investors and industry experts. Summing everything up, the participants benefit from services worth over €100.000.

Now that the first batch of SEAT Accelerator by Conector has been completed, it’s a good time to shine the light on the five startups that were selected for the program and just graduated on Demo Day last week:

Boonder
Boonder is a startup from Barcelona that developed a technology that establishes a direct and reliable connection between independent devices within autonomous cars.

GOI
GOI is a logistic startup launched in Madrid last year. It is a platform that connects professional transporters and moving companies with users who want to send shipments or make small removals.

Innroute
Innroute is a transport and logistic startup from Barcelona. The firm has developed a next-generation software for the management of logistic providers.

Open Car
Open Car is a Barcelona-based tech startup that operates in the automotive industry and sharing economy. It developed a software that allows autonomous cars to be shared while they are not being used by their owners.

KiwiCar (by 500markets)
KiwiCar is another tech startup from Catalonia. It provides a digital marketplace where individuals can sell used cars in a secure, confidential and easy manner.

The first batch was a great success for everybody involved. Luca de Meo, president of SEAT, highlighted that all the selected startups have helped enormously in providing SEAT with a new perspective on the needs of clients. He also added that he is convinced that they will continue to find synergies and contribute to transformation process of the automobile industry.

On the other hand, the startups that completed the accelerator are also looking at a bright future. Elisabeth Martínez, cofounder and CEO of Conector pointed out that the contribution of the SEAT executives in the startups mentoring boards has been very beneficial for all the entrepreneurs. Of course, after pitching their matured business models to the most important investors, VCs and business angels in the country at Demo Day last week, the startups are hopeful of closing their first investment round in the near future.

Stay tuned and receive weekly updates as we follow the development of the first batch of SEAT Accelerator by Conector.