ASOS and the (Fashion) Minority Report launch second round of ScaleUP incubator

ASOS and (Fashion) Minority Report are calling for applications for the second round of the ScaleUP incubator programme, which is designed to help "bridge the gap" between the fashion industry and global majority-owned brands.

Global majority-owned brands continue to face barriers in accessing the fashion market and scaling up their business operations, according to ASOS and (Fashion Minority Report), so the scheme offers a wide range of support, including insight and guidance from leading industry experts, mentorship, wholesale opportunities, the opportunity to pitch for funding to support business growth, and support developing a long-term strategy for market success..

Drawing from learnings from the first ScaleUP programme, this year every brand selected as a finalist will be supported through masterclasses in marketing, finance and wholesale. The overall winning brand will receive an investment of £20,000 and their collection sold on ASOS.com, with a second place winner receiving £10,000 to scale up their brand. 

Last year's incubator attracted 100 applicants with 11 applicants being shortlisted and a cohort of 6 brands receiving expert guidance and mentoring. The two final winners of the first programme were womenswear brands Isabelle Pennington Edmead and Taideux. Taideux has already launched on ASOS.com, while Isabelle Pennington Edmead is set to launch in the spring.

Fashion Minority Report

This year's applications are open here until 3 April. Applicants will be reviewed and shortlisted by a panel of judges including  Daniel Peters, Founder of the (Fashion) Minority Report; Vanessa Spence, EVP, Creative at ASOS; Shazmeen Malik, Partner Brand Director, ASOS and Katie Rawle, Head of Designer Initiatives and Education, British Fashion Council. More judges are to be announced soon.

Daniel Peters, founder of the (Fashion) Minority Report said: “The success of our inaugural programme was truly inspiring and demonstrated the immense talent within global majority-owned fashion brands. We’re so excited to launch our second programme in partnership with ASOS, and to continue providing opportunities to these brands to overcome barriers and thrive in the competitive fashion market.”

Vanessa Spence, EVP, Creative at ASOS, added: “ASOS is committed to creating fairer economic opportunities for global majority creatives and our partnership with the (Fashion) Minority Report on scaleUP is a testament to this. By supporting these talented brands, we aim to ensure an inclusive product offering that resonates with our diverse customer base and reflects the rich tapestry of creativity from around the world."

Daniel Peters

Daniel Peters of (Fashion) Minority Report, a pioneering initiative dedicated to increasing diversity and representation within the fashion industry, was awarded a Hall of Fame trophy a the recent TheIndustry.fashion People, Planet & Purpose Awards, held in London on 27 February, in recognition of his work in this field.