Target will be kicking off its second annual Target + Techstars retail accelerator program this summer with 10 new startups on board. During the 13-week program, the companies’ founders will have access to a range of mentors who will provide feedback, answer questions and offer advice to help them grow and develop their startups.
More than 120 mentors have signed on to help advise the startups in the program, including Target CEO Brian Cornell, Chief Merchandising Officer Mark Tritton and Chief Human Resources Officer Stephanie Lundquist.
This year’s group includes:
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- Air Tailor, a provider of clothing alterations via text message;
- Bybe, a provider of digital alcohol rebates for retailers;
- Kokko, a color matching technology provider for e-Commerce and mobile applications;
- Local Crate, a meal delivery service that offers local ingredients;
- Servitude, a technology that makes clothing recommendations based on body shape and proportion;
- Shopturn, an on-demand return service;
- Spotcrowd, an online security platform;
- StoryXpress, a video ad creator;
- Upsie, a mobile app that offers extended warranties on products; and
- Find Me a Shoe, a footwear recommendation app startup from Target’s India Accelerator Program.
Several companies that participated in last year’s program now have products on Target shelves, including safety wearable device company Revolar. DIY flower arrangement startup It’sBYU will begin selling a Made-It-Myself Wreath Kit in 200 Target stores by September.
The accelerator program is run in collaboration with Techstars and will finish off with a Demo Day in October where the startups will have a chance to show off their work to an audience of Target team members and the greater tech community.
“Target’s long history of creativity and invention is rooted in our ability to spot breakthrough ideas that can make Target better for guests,” said Pam Tomczik, VP of Corporate Development in a statement. “The goal of the Target + Techstars retail accelerator is to uncover, validate and scale those ideas by helping startups bring new products and experiences to retail.”
