Target is in search of new start-ups—in tech and beauty
A discounter is on the hunt for innovative start-ups for two separate programs.
Hoping to uncover new tech start-up companies, Target is readying for its third Target + Techstars retail accelerator program. The discounter is currently accepting applications from retail-specific tech start-ups ready to relocate to Minneapolis and embed themselves at Target.
This year’s Target + Techstars program will begin July 16, and will feature 10 new retail tech companies. Each start-up will travel to Target’s headquarters in Minneapolis, where the company will host and mentor them over the course of 13 weeks. The program will culminate in an October demo day, when the companies showcase how far they’ve come, according to “A Bullseye View,” a blog on the company’s website.
In the posting, Target revealed it is now actively working with 12 start-ups that participated in its first two Target + Techstars programs. Among these companies are Inspectorio, a startup that set out to reinvent the retail inspection process, and Minnesota-based Local Crate, a company that’s now selling meal kits in select Minnesota Target stores.
Dovetailing with Target + Techstars is another accelerator program, called Target Takeoff. The program, which debuted last year, is focused on supporting emerging businesses that solve problems in areas where the discounter hopes to grow its business. This year’s theme is centered on beauty solutions, a move that could position Target to uncover the latest beauty trends and products, or discover smaller niche brands focused on natural and multicultural products, among other opportunities.
“Given these dynamics, we’ve been working to differentiate our offerings so that guests always have access to a wide variety of one-of-a-kind brands,” the blog said. “That’s why we’re connecting with startups to bring fresh thinking to our approach.”
Target Takeoff will kick off with a week-long retail boot camp at the company’s headquarters in April, which will include continued support via virtual workshops and mentoring. The program concludes in May, when startups will participate in a product showcase with Target leaders, according to the company.
“Innovation is an important part of our growth at Target, and that includes opening our doors to new ideas and concepts that might help us make the shopping experience even better for our guests,” the blog said.
Hoping to uncover new tech start-up companies, Target is readying for its third Target + Techstars retail accelerator program. The discounter is currently accepting applications from retail-specific tech start-ups ready to relocate to Minneapolis and embed themselves at Target.
This year’s Target + Techstars program will begin July 16, and will feature 10 new retail tech companies. Each start-up will travel to Target’s headquarters in Minneapolis, where the company will host and mentor them over the course of 13 weeks. The program will culminate in an October demo day, when the companies showcase how far they’ve come, according to “A Bullseye View,” a blog on the company’s website.
In the posting, Target revealed it is now actively working with 12 start-ups that participated in its first two Target + Techstars programs. Among these companies are Inspectorio, a startup that set out to reinvent the retail inspection process, and Minnesota-based Local Crate, a company that’s now selling meal kits in select Minnesota Target stores.
Dovetailing with Target + Techstars is another accelerator program, called Target Takeoff. The program, which debuted last year, is focused on supporting emerging businesses that solve problems in areas where the discounter hopes to grow its business. This year’s theme is centered on beauty solutions, a move that could position Target to uncover the latest beauty trends and products, or discover smaller niche brands focused on natural and multicultural products, among other opportunities.
“Given these dynamics, we’ve been working to differentiate our offerings so that guests always have access to a wide variety of one-of-a-kind brands,” the blog said. “That’s why we’re connecting with startups to bring fresh thinking to our approach.”
Target Takeoff will kick off with a week-long retail boot camp at the company’s headquarters in April, which will include continued support via virtual workshops and mentoring. The program concludes in May, when startups will participate in a product showcase with Target leaders, according to the company.
“Innovation is an important part of our growth at Target, and that includes opening our doors to new ideas and concepts that might help us make the shopping experience even better for our guests,” the blog said.