Since the official announcement of the Sixers Innovation Lab Crafted by Kimball in April, we have received an overwhelming response from start-ups interested in participating in this personalized program and securing a spot to work in the Innovation Lab.
Currently over 60 applications have been received to date and the lab isn’t officially scheduled to be up and running until March.
“Kimball Office will be implementing a state-of-the-art, smart workplace inside the Innovation Lab. The speed and adaptability of a startup business requires a shift in paradigm of how a smart workspace should serve the needs of the people who occupy the space. The selected companies will have a chance to experience the emerging, smart workplace of the future,” stated Mike Wagner, President of Kimball Office.
By associating with world class partners and being a founding member of the lab, Kimball Office will use this space as a sandbox to gather data and gain insight into an ultimate workplace environment.
The exclusive furniture partnership with ShareDesk, a global leader in agile workplace technology and on-demand workspaces, is a critical element in this smart workplace strategy, the company said in a press release.
The Innovation lab will be a proving ground to help build out a smart eco-system that truly optimizes effectiveness in today’s high energy workplace. The Sixers Innovation Lab Crafted by Kimball will house the newest products from Kimball Office that incorporate leading edge technology to merge design, craft and technology into functional solutions.
The lab is focused on rapidly growing, early-stage companies and will provide speed and flexibility, individualized, industry-leading consulting and the opportunity for direct investment to participants. In addition to receiving office space in the Innovation Lab, selected companies have access to industry experts, executives and financiers; third-party branding, marketing and legal services; free meals and housing in the Philadelphia area; and the opportunity to pitch industry-leading investors and venture capital firms.
Some of the Innovation Lab Advisors include The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, StubHub, DraftKings, Rothman Institute, First Round Capital, Maven Creative and more.
The Sixers have recently hired former AND1 CEO and renowned sports industry entrepreneur Seth Berger as the Managing Director of the Innovation Lab. Seth will manage the Sixers Innovation Lab Crafted by Kimball, overseeing recruitment, assessment, development and investment in participating start-ups.
“Seth brings an unmatched entrepreneurial perspective, passion and seasoned business acumen to our organization,” said Philadelphia 76ers CEO Scott O’Neil.
In addition, the first participant of the Innovation Lab has been named. Founded in 2015 by San Francisco native Dylan Elder, Monster Roster is a daily fantasy sports lineup recommender that combines a unique process and powerful algorithm to help fantasy sports users build superior lineups with proven results.