L’occitane MENA and Chalhoub Group launch retail-tech accelerator

L’Occitane MENA’s first Accelerator Program, powered by Chalhoub Group’s The Greenhouse, is looking to invest in three startups to support the development of retail-tech in line with its goals to enhance its omni-channel journey and personalised experiences, data-driven decision making and regional relevance and Gen-Z attraction.

Designed to address changing consumer behaviours in retail environments, the team is offering these tech-savvy startups the chance to receive USD50,000 each in funding and work alongside the global well-being beauty brand to implement new edge retail-tech solutions in the Middle East and to develop a proof of concept with the goal of signing commercial agreements with the brand down the line.

The L’Occitane MENA team will invest in and partner with startups in the tech, beauty and luxury sectors. Three selected startups, one in each category, will have the opportunity to develop their proof-of-concept over a four-month period at The Greenhouse in Dubai Design District. The startups will also have access to mentorship from The Greenhouse team and senior decision-makers at L’Occitane MENA to accelerate their startup journey.

The Greenhouse team is fully invested in long-term partnerships, along with Chalhoub Group’s investment team, and may make additional investments in the successful startups. Ambitious entrepreneurs looking to unlock the next level in their startup journey can also take advantage of the unrivalled opportunity of an open door to 450 brands through Chalhoub Group, and the potential to sign long-term agreements with L’Occitane and other leaders in luxury.

Startups and entrepreneurs in retail tech, luxury and beauty with a proven track record at the post-product market-fit stage, who believe they fit the criteria, are encouraged to apply for the program before 16 September 2022, with the program launching in October.