Target +Techstars Retail Accelerator Welcomes Its Second Class

Executive Summary

The Target + Techstars retail accelerator program is welcoming its second batch of startups to Target’s headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. After receiving applications from more than 3,000 retail-specific tech startups from across the globe, Target selected 10 finalists to participate in this year’s 13-week program. Deborah Weinswig, Managing Director of FGRT, was in Minneapolis for the program launch and will serve as a mentor to the accelerator participants.

• This year, the participating startups offer solutions that range from online advertising to clothing alterations to meal kit delivery. The startups are Air Tailor, Bybe, Find Me a Shoe, Kokko, Local Crate, Savitude, Shopturn, SpotCrowd, StoryXpress and Upsie.
• While on-site at Target’s headquarters, the startups will have access to more than 120 mentors who have signed up to advise this year’s group, 50 of whom are Target executives at the VP level or above. Target CEO Brian Cornell will personally provide mentorship to the group. Other mentors include business executives from major retailers such as Best Buy and Disney.
• This year, the participating startups are more diverse than last year. The group includes two companies from India and one from Belgium. In addition, 70% of applicants to this year’s program have a female or a racially diverse founder.
• The accelerator program will conclude with a Demo Day in October at which the startups will present their work to an audience of Target team members and the greater tech community.