William Hill launches scheme to help start-ups

iam Hill has announced a start-up accelerator aimed at developing technological innovations for the gaming industry.

The operator has dubbed the scheme “WHLabs” – formed through a partnership with investment fund L Marks.

The scheme will offer up to eight technology start-ups a place on the twelve-week accelerator programme running from September to December 2015.

Each start-up will be supported with an initial investment of £25,000 and will be given office space for the duration of the programme in either William Hill’s digital innovation hub in Shoreditch, East London or in its Tel Aviv office.

The start-ups will be granted access to William Hill APIs, as well as mentorship from William Hill leaders and third-party entrepreneurs.

They will also be vying to win up to £150,000 in further investment.

Crispin Nieboer, director of corporate development and innovation at William Hill’s Shoreditch office said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for start-ups to access funding, office space and mentoring to refine their products.”

Managing director of William Hill’s online business Andy Lee added: “William Hill is at the leading edge of digital betting and we’re excited to work with the most innovative start-ups to identify and then help build the next big opportunities in gambling.”

Applications opened on Tuesday 24 June for start-ups at any stage of development.