Melodie Jeng
Asos is entering technology with a startup accelerator business while Topshop's newly launched program Top Pitch aims to help startups develop stylish wearables over a four week period.
On the heels of the Met Gala’s tech-themed ball Monday night, TechCrunch reports everyone’s favorite UK fashion e-retailer Asos is entering into the technology world with a startup accelerator business.
The Met Gala Red Carpet Was Out Of This World
For the 8-month-long program, Asos is partnering with Wayra–the startup accelerator leg of international telecommunications company Telefónica.
They’re courting successful startups that can potentially improve Asos’ online shopping experience, whether through site navigation, search, product recommendations, logistics, or similar functions. But, don’t count on buying any Asos fashion tech anytime soon since they’re excluding wearables, 3D printing and fashion design.
Ironically, that’s exactly the kind of budding fashion and tech businesses another Brit-born retailer is looking for.
In Celebration of The 2016 Met Gala: The Most Stylish Wearable Tech
Topshop’s newly launched program Top Pitch–with business innovation and startup fund L Marks–aims to help startups develop stylish wearables over a four week period. After an application process, the winning company’s product will be funded, developed, and potentially sold in Topshop stores.
Although the fashion tech and wearables game is still largely a gray area industry, improving online shopping or designing smart accessories with a laser focus on customer experience can hardly be a bad thing.
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