John Lewis opens applications for accelerator programme JLAB

The John Lewis Partnership is accepting applications for its JLAB 2017 programme, an annual global start-up accelerator that will kick start a company with funds of 100,000 pounds.

The retail tech accelerator is aimed at companies with disruptive retail tech ideas and run by innovation specialist L Marks. John Lewis launched the programme in 2014 to help talented tech start-ups fast-track their growth by giving them inside access to John Lewis’s resources and the chance to apply for funding in exchange for equity.

The scheme enables John Lewis to tap into emerging innovation in retail, which will see five to ten successful applicants take part in a 12-week programme. In return John Lewis will be at the forefront of shaping the retail experiences of the future.

Selected applicants will receive support from senior-level mentors and free workspace in John Lewis’s head office in London’s Victoria and Waitrose’s head office. Applications for the accelerator open on March 28th.

Photo credit:John Lewis Jlab logo