Empowering Retail Innovation: The New York Fashion Tech Lab Announces The 2024 Cohort Featuring 6 Women-Led B2B, Retail Tech Startups

The Lab, which was established in 2014 by Springboard Enterprises, continues to be the premier program and community for fashion and retail technology founders with its diverse group of retail and brand partners.

The New York Fashion Tech Lab, a non-profit program for women-led startups in the sectors of fashion & retail, proudly announces the 11th cohort, joined by industry-leading partners to propel this important initiative. Each year a delegation of retailers and brands join forces to support this program by selecting and meeting with the emerging tech companies during the 12-week lab.

The 2024 Lab includes returning partners J.Crew Group, LVMH, Selfridges & Co, The TJX Companies, Inc, and Tapestry, joined by first-year partners lululemon, MCM Worldwide, and Neiman Marcus Group.

On February 29th executives from the 2024 retail and brand partners gathered to see a selection of finalists present. From there, 6 companies were chosen to take part in the 2024 program:

Introducing the 2024 lab companies:

• Curated For You
• Flock
• Fairly Made
• Nectar AI
• Raspberry AI
• Yofi

In the ever-evolving landscape of innovation, each year prompts the question: what are the 'themes' of the lab? The themes start to emerge initially via the application pool and ultimately are revealed once the cohort is selected. The above companies reflect the 2024 themes of: Social Commerce, Personalization, Fraud/Returns Protection, Visual Commerce, AI Design/Merchandising, and Sustainability Impact.

As a catalyst for women-led businesses, NYFTLab has empowered 75 innovative companies over the last decade, including: OBSESS, EON, FINDMINE, BUYWITH, DRESSX, REFLAUNT, SAVE YOUR WARDROBE, and more. Following their involvement in the program, these companies have flourished independently, achieving notable milestones such as forming strategic alliances with top retailers, securing substantial investments, and being subject to noteworthy acquisitions.

The 2024 Lab consists of the following timeline:

• October - December: Open Applications for women-led, b2b startups to apply
• January: Applications are reviewed by the Retail Partner executives
• February: Finalist Session for Retail Partners to meet the finalists and select the cohort
• March: Announcement of cohort and program kick-off
• April - June: 12-week program: Meetings with retail partners + weekly sessions

• workshops + introductions to the lab’s expert network and key strategic partners including Fenwick & West LLP, and Microsoft.

The Lab will again be in residence at Spring Place and the annual Closing Demo Day Experiential event will take place on June 18th at LAVAN.

About New York Fashion Tech Lab

New York Fashion Tech Lab is a community-driven, relationship-building, collaboration, and business development platform. The nonprofit program was co-founded by Springboard Enterprises and key fashion retailers to support women-led companies that have developed innovations at the intersection of fashion, retail, and technology. Learn more at nyftlab.com

About Springboard Enterprises

Springboard Enterprises is a US-based venture catalyst and 501(c)3 organization with a mission to accelerate the growth of entrepreneurial companies led by women through access to essential resources and a global community of experts. Springboard is the leading network of influencers, investors, and innovators dedicated to building high-growth, women-led companies. Since 2000, 890+ Springboard portfolio companies have created more than $39.1B in value, executed over 225 exits to strategic acquirers, and achieved 27 IPOs. Learn more at springboardenterprises.org.