We have been communicating with the talented Guisy Cannone of Fashion Technology Accelerator (FTA) for a while now. FTA is an international hub to support the digital transformation of the Fashion and Retail industry. Assisting talented entrepreneurs to grow their fashion tech businesses, Guisy has played a crucial role in the adoption of innovative solutions.
Today, FTA announced a partnership with Hatcher+, a unique, data-driven venture capital company based in Singapore and Miami. Joining a more extensive global network of leading accelerators and investors who have partnered with Hatcher+, FTA plans to use Hatcher’s proven AI-based platform to assist in assessing candidates and tracking performance.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with FTA. They are, in our view, the leading player in the fashion technology start-up space.”
Their acceleration program embraces the simple and straight-forward approach. FTA shared with us that the acceleration process will roll across six months of services, including go-to-market strategy, digital strategy, business development and fundraising; furthermore, €40k will be invested in each company. Services plus investment will be provided in exchange for 10% of equity. They also informed us that an additional €200k is available for follow-on funding on a case-by-case basis and that an advisory board will be involved in the selection process. Every candidate would meet the board to present their business, receiving immediate feedback. The advisory board is comprised of Giuseppe Miroglio, Chairman of Miroglio Group, Tiziana Nunno, Head of Luxury Industry, Google Italy Marco Palmieri, CEO of Milan, Piquadro and Gabriele Tazzari, Director of Research & Development, YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP.
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FTA is currently at the early-stage of using the power of AI and machine learning technology. “We are thrilled to be partnering with FTA. They are, in our view, the leading player in the fashion technology start-up space,” said Wissam Otaky, Partner at Hatcher+. “We look forward to co-investing with FTA in their exciting start-ups.” The first start-up call of 2018 from FTA is now open. FTA is looking for the best technological startups in fashion, retail, luxury and beauty. The accelerator program is covering €40K investment round to boost growth and €60K services: 6 months acceleration program for tailored support. Applications need to submit by 28th February 2018. The selection day will be held on March 14th. Apply here.
Founding editor-in-chief of FashNerd.com, Muchaneta is currently one of the leading influencers writing about the merger of fashion with technology and wearable technology. She has also given talks at Premiere Vision, Munich Fabric Start and Pure London, to name a few. Besides working as a fashion innovation consultant for various fashion companies like LVMH Atelier, Muchaneta has also contributed to Vogue Business, is a senior contributor at The Interline and an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion, UAL.