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Vehicle repair giant Belron launches startup accelerator programme

Vehicle glass repair and replacement giant Belron, parent company of Autoglass, has launched a new startup accelerator in conjunction with investor and innovation partner L Marks.

The new initiative, dubbed ‘Drive’, will see the Surrey-headquartered firm invite applications from innovative startups who can improve Belron’s operations.

Along with a 12-week programme, participating companies will be offered deskspace in Belron’s head office at Egham and receive a share of a £200,000 investment fund. One startup will also be chosen at the end of the programme to receive a further £100,000 in follow-on funding.

In particular, Belron and L Marks are looking for startups with innovative ideas in the following areas:

• Knowledge and insight
• Improving service and the customer experience
• Improving productivity and efficiency
• Delivering additional services
• Engagement with field employees.

Following the launch of the programme, Nick Burton, Head of Digital & Innovative Technology at Belron, commented: “We’re thrilled to be launching Drive today. Our team is looking forward to learning how entrepreneurs think and approach problem solving, which will challenge us to think and act differently.

“And by giving these startups unparallelled access to our brands around the world, along with education and investment support, we can help them accelerate their businesses too.”

Stuart Marks, Chairman at L Marks, added: “Drive is a fantastic opportunity for startups to trial their products and tech in a ready-made international market. We are excited to be working with Belron on this project to help them innovate their business and improve their already excellent customer service.”