The shortlist:
• Beemgee: Software designed to structure and visualise narrative content
• Booktype – Omnibook: Online platform where authors can write books together
• Brainyoo: Learning software & Mobile App
• Papego: Continue reading printed books on smartphones or tablets
• Polynaut: Search results in web shops as clusters and mind maps
• SatoshiPay: Online payment system for digital content
The CONTENTshift jury chose the six startup finalists from out of the 18 candidates on its longer list. The shortlist contains business models drawn from the areas of nano-payments, E-Learning, collaborative writing, E-Reading, storytelling and E-Commerce. A total of 45 founders originally applied to participate in the programme.
“Our shortlist showcases the enormous spectrum covered by new companies emerging in the book and content industry. Each one is a unique driver of innovation for the entire industry. Our members have already shown a keen interest in the featured business models. A passion for innovation and a curiosity for new idea are now bringing startups and existing industry players closer together”, noted Alexander Skipis, Managing Director of the Börsenvereins des Deutschen Buchhandels (German Publishers and Booksellers Association) and Spokesman of the Börsenvereinsgruppe (Börsenverein Group).
Over the course of the next seven weeks, each finalist will receive a comprehensive package of services. In addition to custom-made coaching sessions, one member of the jury will act as a mentor to each startup throughout the remaining phase. The startups will also undergo intensive training designed to increase their skills in giving pitches and presenting ideas. At the Frankfurt Book Fair, the finalists will live together in a shared flat and enjoy a curated Book Fair programme schedule. The startups will also work collaboratively on their business models in a lab-type atmosphere as part of a joint workshop weekend in which the jury members will also participate as coaches.
The prize for the Content Startup of the Year will be awarded on 20 October 2016 at the Frankfurt Book Fair. The winner will receive €10,000 in funding and a free one-year membership in the Börsenverein startup club.