Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Bundesliga broadcasts. Sky is known to the average consumer for all of this and much more. But the Unterföhring-based media group doesn't want to limit itself to just television. Sky is now also investing in startups, namely with its innovation program PLAY.
Please introduce yourselves briefly!
PLAY is Sky Deutschland's new open innovation program. Since October 2016, we've been seeking ideas that will take today's entertainment to a whole new level! Once selected, PLAY participants receive support from our four-person PLAY team, which includes front-end, back-end, app developers, and product designers. They also receive support from an eight-person mentoring team consisting of experienced and renowned founders and entrepreneurs. Among them are Freya Oehle (spottster), Niels Dörje (HolidayInsider, OnPage.org), and Yacine Coco (TalentRocket, Catchys).
“With the current team of mentors, we believe we can provide the right man or woman for almost every idea,”
Katja Kraemer, Head of Open Innovation – Start Up Management, Sky Deutschland.
What do you focus on when working with startups?
This varies from case to case and depends largely on the development stage of the idea and the team. If an idea is at a relatively early stage, it's about defining the focus on which a prototype and MVP (Minimum Viable Product) can be developed. Other teams already have this focus. Here, other topics, such as team building, take center stage. PLAY offers each participant a customized, flexible program and collaboration on equal terms.
To be successful, a startup must…
...alongside the small steps that need to be taken, always keep the big picture in mind, i.e., your long-term vision and strategy. Those who manage this balancing act well and can answer questions in both areas will ultimately also convince potential investors and employees.
Involve the user in a timely manner
Why does a good startup even need a business incubator or accelerator behind it?
We believe that countless fantastic ideas for the future of entertainment exist both within and outside our organization. PLAY provides these ideas with a wonderful platform and a goal-oriented framework to provide innovators and founders with the resources, contacts, support, and expertise they need.
What is the biggest mistake a startup can make?
This one biggest mistake can vary greatly from situation to situation. A startup should always prepare professionally for negotiation situations and have a clear plan for how to present their ideas in a structured manner. Another common stumbling block is the timely involvement of users in product development so that hypotheses can be validated or adjusted accordingly based on test results. At PLAY, we prepare all participants for such situations.
The trend of the year is…
There are some exciting developments happening right now. Virtual reality, mobile entertainment, and edutainment are just a few examples of trends that are currently occupying our attention.
Exciting interplay of tradition and modernity
What characteristics make the Munich startup scene so special?
Munich's startup scene is characterized by a healthy network of initiatives from the Bavarian state government, established companies, creative agencies, universities, and a large number of well-educated employees. Hardly any other city boasts such an exciting interplay of tradition and modernity. This provides valuable breeding ground for new ideas and business models. This close integration is also reflected in the Munich startup conference Bits & Pretzels.
Furthermore, the greater Munich area is an attractive location for startups in the media and entertainment industry. Due to the large number of globally and locally successful brands, Munich offers great potential for startups and for founders who want to attract potential investors to their venture. This sets our location apart from other startup hubs in Germany.
Last but not least: Who do startups approach when they want to talk to you?
Just contact us, the PLAY team, directly. If you can't find us in person at an event, you can find our contact details here.
