John Lewis launches startup programme JLAB 2016

John Lewis on Monday launched the third series of its JLAB 2016 programme. In a partnership with Innovation Partner L Marks, the programme is a startup accelerator designed to fast track the growth of startup companies in its retail space.

Each year, John Lewis invites five startups to join the high street retailer on a 12 week journey that will help take their businesses to the next level and allows them to foster deep relationships with the UK’s leading omni-channel retailer. At the same time these budding companies give John Lewis a fresh eye to help the retailer improve its operations.

Selected companies will have access to John Lewis' commercial, retail, online and IT directors, as well as the possibility to collect public feedback via the use of customer panels. Six months’ free office space will also be made available to one company, as voted for by John Lewis Partners.

John Lewis said the scheme aspires to produce a product or service that will help shape the retail experience for customers of the future.

As a bonus, startups will also have the opportunity to access finance, and can apply for funding of up to 100,000 pounds in exchange for a negotiable stake in their company.

One of the key categories for JLAB 2016 is 'Effortless Shopping', where partners bring digital inspiration to John Lewis shops and help the company to understand its customers’ in store behaviour.