Simon reveals winners of first-ever retail start-up competition

New York – Retail real estate giant Simon has announced the winners of its inaugural 'Simon Launch,” a retail startup competition aimed at uncovering, investing in, and accelerating top startups in the retail industry.



The winning startups, which were selected from more than 300 applications, are:



• LimeSpot Solutions, a personalization engine for ecommerce that utilizes the power of advanced machine learning, social network profiles/history, and behavioral analysis.



• Rank & Style, a provider of unbiased, data-driven 'Top 10’ lists of the best fashion and beauty products.



• SKU IQ, technology that syncs real-time inventory across in-store point-of-sale systems, warehouse management systems, and e-commerce platforms and marketplaces.



The three companies have received a co-investment from Simon’s venture capital arm, Simon Venture Group, and Plug and Play, a global investor and technology accelerator. They also have been accepted into Plug and Play's Retail Accelerator Program in Silicon Valley.



"The high levels of interest and participation in this competition illustrate the excitement around next-generation retail technologies," said J. Skyler Fernandes, managing director of Simon Venture Group. "We are particularly excited to be working with our 'Simon Launch' winners and are committed to helping them grow and become even more successful."



A second competition is underway with applications being accepted through July 5, 2015. Winners of the second Simon Launch will receive an investment from Simon Venture Group and Plug and Play Ventures, be accepted into Plug and Play's Retail Accelerator program in Silicon Valley, receive free office space for a year at a Simon property, mentorship from Simon Plug and Play, and other industry experts, and be eligible for follow-on investments.



Simon Venture Group currently has 18 portfolio companies, including Deliv, a same-day and on-demand delivery platform for retail; ShopKick, a geo-targeted offers and rewards app; and Le Tote, an online clothing rental platform.