Esports innovation platform Level 256 has announced that applications to join the platform’s fifth cohort have officially opened.
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Similar to Level 256’s previous cohorts, the fifth edition will look to develop the next generation of esports entrepreneurs. Successful applicants will gain help and support from the platform’s partners – which include Caisse des Dépôts, Groupe FDJ, AUDITOIRE, GL events, City of Paris, Métropole du Grand Paris, BPI France and Sporsora.
According to the release, Level 256 looks to act as a ‘catalyst for innovation’ within the esports ecosystem.
The application process is expected to run until March 15th. Following the deadline, Level 256 and its partners will select candidates to go into oral exams, which consist of pitching the project in front of a jury. The Jury consists of representatives from Level 256, the platform’s partners and experts within the esports and innovation sector (business angels, VC, financers).
Finally, those selected at the end of these oral presentations will be able to join Level 256 according to the support formula chosen. This means its ‘seed’ formula for young projects or ‘take-off’ formula for already structured projects.
Level 256 has announced that the number of projects selected each year is not fixed and that individuals can apply on the platform’s website. Along with information regarding the application process, the platform also detailed certain themes that shareholders may have an interest in.
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The selected themes include corporate social responsibility, new technologies, player & spectator experiences, practise development, as well as audiences and broadcasting.
Some of Level 256’s previous alumni include french esports organisations GameWard and MCES, free esports betting solution Gamify and esports platform Glory4Gamers. Esports production companies Gozulting and One Trick Production, as well as management firm WSC Group, are among the platform’s current start-ups.
Last year, Level 256 teamed up with Esports Insider for its esports startup competition ‘The Clutch’ during the ESI Digital Summer.
Esports Insider says: It’s great to see applications open for Level 256’s fifth cohort. Providing entrepreneurs and startups with greater incentives and funding opportunities will only benefit the esports ecosystem. It’ll be interesting to see which projects get selected and how they can impact the esports ecosystem in the future.