JLAB Retail Innovation Accelerator
by Startacus Admin
Great news for all you makers of retail innovation...
JLAB- the startup accelerator by John Lewis- is returning for a third year, and is now on the lookout for ambitious startups that are ready to get onto the fast-track.
At Startacus we have followed the progress of the JLAB programme with interest since its inception 3 years ago, and are glad to see it make a return and bring a spot of colour to the London accelerator circuit.
On with the details!
What is JLAB?
It is is an annual 12-week accelerator programme in which major retailer John Lewis throws open its doors to 5 of the most innovative and promising startups in the retail space, that could potentially help improve the company’s operations.
The programme will give startups the opportunity to take their businesses to the next level as well as build deep relationships with the UK’s leading omni-channel retailer.
What will Startups Get?
The 5 startups that are selected to take part in JLAB will be given access to some nice benefits including:
-
Product validation from both John Lewis and their customers
-
Mentorship from John Lewis senior leadership
-
Investment from the JLAB micro-fund (there is a total fund of £200K and each startup will have access to a maximum of £100K)
-
Expert mentors from the retail space
-
Free office space in John Lewis’ London Headquarters
-
A first-class education programme based on the Disciplined Entrepreneurship Method from MIT
Who is it For?
Innovative retail Startups at any stage of development are especially encouraged to apply for this opportunity.
Specifically JLAB has outlined a few key categories that it is particularly interested in with the upcoming programme:
-
Health & Well-Being - Exciting products or services that might help John Lewis customers to take better care of themselves
-
Simplify My Life- i.e. innovations that might help to simplify the lives of John Lewis Customers
-
Effortless Shopping- New ideas which will help to make the shoppers in store / online
-
Tech for Kids- New products that are aimed at kids
-
Surprise us- This is a wildcard category so you can let your imagination run wild!
Applications close on the 8th of May, just pop over the the JLAB website for more info on the programme, and to make your application.
This feature was created with support from the team at L Marks innovation partners.
Good luck to all, and fingers crossed we can get a member of the Startacus community in there!
If taking your restaurant on the road sounds like the right step for your business, read on for some top tips to do just that.
Women in tech platforms with a key focus on providing empowerment, inspiration & support to female entrepreneurs, innovators & tech workers.
The Unique Value Proposition or the Unique Selling Point (call it what you like) is dead. Here's why...
The FinTech startup that is “on a mission to transform credit control” for small businesses everywhere...
Collaborative workspace & community providers, WeWork, are committing over $20m to empower creators from around the world through a new platform called the Creator Awards.
A summary of some of the key aspects of the new GDPR regulation & how this will affect startups & your business marketing activities.
Ofri Ben-Porat, CEO & co-founder at Pixoneye, writes for Startacus on the measured approach they took when looking at Angel or VC funding.
Augmented Reality is all about to further change thanks to Apple's latest technology...
The startup that's on a mission to make contact lenses more affordable than ever...
Future tech trends that could impact the travel industry going forward.
Published on: 20th April 2016
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- WeWork Creator Awards application deadline approaches 16th Aug 2017 Collaborative workspace & community providers, WeWork, are committing over $20m to empower creators from around the world through a new platform called the Creator Awards.
- UK men’s shaving supplier Cornerstone secures new £3.5m round of investment 6th Aug 2017 UK shaving pioneer Cornerstone secures further £3.5 million investment and adds e-commerce veteran as a board advisor.
- 4% of the world’s startup unicorns are based in the UK 2nd Aug 2017 A new National Investment Fund proposed by the UK's Chancellor, Phillip Hammond, will aim to help UK startups become world-leading unicorns.
- Drive, the startup accelerator from Belron, invests in two startups from latest programme 31st Jul 2017 Belron & innovation partner, L Marks have backed tech innovation with investment and contracts for two startups from it's latest startup accelerator programme, Drive.
