Plug and Play partners with Galeries Lafayette Group to launch an accelerator dedicated to startups transforming retail and fashion

SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Committed to an ambitious innovation strategy, Galeries Lafayette Group announces the launch of an accelerator dedicated to retail and fashion tech startups in partnership with Plug and Play, a leader in running industry-specific innovation platforms and successful investment in companies like PayPal and Dropbox. The 3-month program aims to develop an integrated platform to assist startups willing to disrupt fashion and retail by creating an ecosystem that includes access to venture capitalists, world-class mentors, and Fortune 500 companies.

The accelerator, "Lafayette – Plug and Play," launches its first program and call for applications between June 1^st and August 22^nd, 2016. A jury of seasoned Silicon Valley technology experts and senior executives from Group Galeries Lafayette and Plug and Play will select 10 finalists. "Lafayette - Plug and Play" will be based out of a dedicated 1,000 sqm office space located in the heart of the 10th district in Paris.

"With this accelerator, Group Galeries Lafayette brings innovation to the next level by creating a collaboration platform with high-potential startups and invent with them the fashion and retail businesses of tomorrow. We are pleased to be working on this ambitious project with Plug and Play, whose expertise is globally recognized and for which we will be the only partner for retail and fashion in France," commented Edoardo Manitto, Group Galeries Lafayette VP Corporate Development and Innovation. 

"In order to thrive in the future, we need to invest in innovation today," says Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play. "This innovation platform will make retail and fashion brands become the leaders in customer experience and the path to purchase for years to come. For those who want to make a difference in these industries, Lafayette – Plug and Play will be their foundation."

"Plug and Play has ran tremendously successful retail-focused accelerator programs in Silicon Valley over the last 3 years and plans to replicate this model in Europe through Lafayette – Plug and Play," says Michael Olmstead, VP Corporate Partnerships at Plug and Play. "We are building the premier destination for startups innovating at the intersection of retail, fashion and technology.

Applications for "Lafayette - Plug and Play" are available on: www.lafayetteplugandplay.com

Press Contact             

Alexandra van Weddingen
VP Corporate Communications - Galeries Lafayette Group
[email protected]
+33 1 45 96 68 44

Allison Romero
Public Relations Manager – Plug and Play
[email protected]
+1 (408)524-1457

About Galeries Lafayette Group
A leading city-centre retailer with proven fashion expertise, Galeries Lafayette Group is a family-run and private group, with 120 years of history in commerce and retail. A key player committed to creation and a major private sector employer in France with 15,000 employees, the Group is actively engaged in promoting the French "Art of Living" and serving as a benchmark of fair trade. With retail sales of Euros 3.8 billion, the Group enjoys international recognition through its iconic brands: Galeries Lafayette, BHV Marais, Royal Quartz, Louis Pion and Didier Guérin. groupegalerieslafayette.com

About Plug and Play
Plug and Play Tech Center is the world's largest global technology accelerator and venture fund. Since 2006, our program has expanded to include entrepreneurs from 24 countries, providing necessary resources to succeed in Silicon Valley. With over 350 startups and 300 corporate partners, we have created the ultimate startup ecosystem. plugandplaytechcenter.com 

SOURCE Plug and Play Tech Center

Related Links

http://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com