ASOS partners with Re:Tech to connect with Israeli technology start-ups

Online fashion giant ASOS has partnered with Israeli innovation hub Re:Tech to enable it to tap into innovative retail and e-commerce technology start-ups in the country, which is known for its pioneering tech scene.

Over the coming year, Re:Tech will "curate and manage" a series of structured development labs and dedicated events where ASOS representatives will meet with start-ups offering solutions to specific business challenges put forward by the etailer.

The partnership will launch with a two-day event in Tel-Aviv on 19 June, including an open session for start-ups to pitch their products to ASOS on the second day. Re:Tech is calling for interested start-ups in the country to apply if they:

• Are focused on solving key challenges for online retailers, such as enhancing user experience, optimizing conversion and saving costs;
• Have a strong team specialised in deep technologies;
• Have a disruptive product that has already been proven to work in the online retail space.

The first structured lab will follow later in the year and guide start-ups through a series of development stages, including mentorship, proof of concept and demo days.

Cliff Cohen, Chief Information Officer at ASOS, said: “Israel is renowned for its cutting-edge tech start-ups, many of which are developing solutions across retail, fashion and e-commerce. With Re:Tech’s help, we’ll be able to plug into this thinking to solve challenges and potentially foster long-term partnerships, expanding on the work we’re already doing in the country.”

Alla Foht, Partner & Chief Business Development Officer, Re:Tech, added: “The Re:Tech partnership programme is a great opportunity for the Israeli tech community to showcase its talent and expertise to a world-leading retail brand such as ASOS, and understand its everyday challenges and opportunities. We would actively encourage any interested parties to get in touch and get involved.”

Interested start-ups can apply at http://re-tech.io/retech-labs-application/ or contact Re:Tech at [email protected] for further information.

Fellow British e-commerce business Farfetch recently announced its tech accelerator, the Dream Assembly, in partnership with Burberry and venture capital firm 500 start-ups. The 12-week programme for high potential start-ups will be run from Farfetch’s Lisbon, Portugal offices with trips to London to see Burberry and San Francisco where 500 Startups is based. As part of the programme, start-ups will be offered mentoring, networking opportunities and access to early stage funding. Applications close on 10 June.