DISNEY’S NEWEST CROP OF STARTUPS.

Joanna McFarland knows how to tailor her pitch to her audience.

The chief executive officer of Los Angeles-based HopSkipDrive — a kind of Uber for kids — told attendees at Walt Disney Co.’s annual showcase of young companies in its business accelerator program last week that getting children to football practice is a huge challenge for parents. If the kids make it to practice, she explained, they’re more likely follow the sport and watch it on networks like Disney’s ESPN.

“Chances are better they’ll develop a lifelong love of the game,” McFarland said.

Disney’s accelerator program, now in its fifth year, has always been about finding young businesses that can help the company’s greater empire. Past graduates include LittleBits, creator of a bestselling Star Wars droid-making kit.

This year’s crop of companies, which Disney invests in as well as mentors, leans heavily on businesses that may influence the future of media and entertainment viewing — although the connection wasn’t always immediately obvious.

Jessica Matthews, the founder of Uncharted Power, said her company’s plans for distributed, self-generated electricity in developing countries ultimately will help people all over the world watch more videos.

“I’m talking about taking the technology available today to power the media and entertainment of tomorrow,” she said.