Some of the most pronounced trends across SXSW Accelerator include emerging technologies in AI, blockchain, and social good, with an anticipated rise of innovation spurred on by the newly introduced category, Hyper-Connected Communities.
The finalists of the 2018 SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event are:
“Augmented and Virtual Reality”: AfterNow, ARwall, CieAR, eyecandylab, wrnch AI
“Enterprise and Smart Data”: Agrarian Labs, Bluefield, DroneSeed, FastVisa, Message.io
“Entertainment and Content”: Antescofo, FanFood, Instreamatic.ai, Sceenic, Vochlea Music
“Health and Wearables”: Aetheris, Cambridge Cancer Genomics, HealthTensor, Nanowear, Nextbiotics
“Hyper-Connected Communities”: Apptronik, Diwala, Eclosion, GoTech, GrubTubs
“Payment and FinTech”: Cushion, FutureFuel.io, Goalsetter, Leaf, Pawame
“Security and Privacy”: Bandura, PolyPort, 14bis Supply Tracking, Secure Code Warrior, Storro B.V.
“Social and Culture”: 70MillionJobs, ICON 3D, Moms Can: Code, Samaritan, Synervoz
“Sports and Performance”: DashTag, KidzToPros, Nix, Tellyo, UPGRADED
“Transportation”: Commutifi, Goin, GoKid, Gridwise, Ushr
This year’s finalists represent the most leading-edge technologies from around the world, chosen through a rigorous selection process which attracted a record setting 600+ applications.
“The dramatic rise in applicants we’ve seen for the 10th anniversary of our Pitch Event is a solid indicator that SXSW Accelerator has truly become a stage for the tech industry’s best and brightest,” said SXSW Accelerator Event Producer Chris Valentine. “The entries showcase innovations at the cutting edge of trends in tech — from augmented and virtual reality simulators to blockchain and fintech disruptors. We are excited to reveal the recipient of the very first ‘Best in Show’ award at the event, and to celebrate the entire cast of thought leaders who entered the competition while offering well-deserved recognition to one truly standout company.”
Of the 403 companies that participated in SXSW Accelerator between 2009 and 2017, more than 70 percent received funding, with combined funding in excess of almost $4.63 billion (does not include undisclosed grants, angel and seed funding). Of these 403 companies, 16 percent have been acquired by the likes of Google, British Telecom, Huffington Post, Apple, Live Nation, OpenTable, Constant Contact, and Harmon.
“Our firm’s participation in SXSW Accelerator allowed us to present our ‘Pinterest-style’ collaborative home search technology to an audience of important players in the tech industry, helping spur further company growth and subsequent funding,” said Rick Orr, CEO of RealSavvy and 2015 Pitch Event alumnus.
The 2018 SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event will feature 25 companies on Saturday, March 10 and 25 companies on Sunday, March 11. On March 11 at 7pm, SXSW will host the SXSW Accelerator Award Ceremony and announce a winner from each category, including the overall “Best in Show” winner. SXSW attendees will have the opportunity to meet all 50 companies at the SXSW Accelerator Demo Day on Monday, March 12.
For a complete list of the 2018 Finalists, including alternates, visit: https://www.sxsw.com/accelerator
