Retail For the Future
An Acceleration Program
for startups and corporates
to innovate the retail sector
dpixel and RetailHub, together with Gruppo Sella, building on their respective backgrounds and roles in the Italian retail sector and in the startup ecosystem, have come together to create a european accelerator which, through a dedicated path and a network of partner corporates, supports the development of the model, the go-to-market activity and the subsequent growth.
The new challenge
of Open Innovation
The opportunities presented by open innovation have been the subject of extensive conversation over the past few years. As a form of dialogue and collaboration between established companies and emerging startups, it has helped to create disruptive innovations through the application of novel technologies.
It is increasingly critical for the Italian retail sector to look to innovative startups for solutions to myriad challenges, payments, data analytics, omnichannel marketing, user experience, and other examples of continuous innovation, in order to remain competitive, particularly during times of crisis.
The collaboration between retailers and startups plays a key role in bringing novel technologies into the sector, thanks to the power of open innovation.
A crucial part of that collaboration is the work of actors who can convene and support conversations and meetings between corporates and startups. They provide tools and systems to help startups develop projects which meet the needs of companies for innovation in their operations, products, client relations, and business models.
Partner Corporates Advantages
JOIN TO THE PROGRAM
Technologies and Solutions
The initiative is shaped on the needs of the participating corporates and, without limitation, operates on the technologies and solutions listed below.
Emerging technologies..
Intelligenza Artificiale
Deep and Machine Learning
Analytics Tools
Cloud Computing
IoT
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Blockchain
..for revolutionary solutions
In-Store Retail Tech
E-Commerce
Loyalty & Rewards Tech
Supply Chain & Logistic Tech
Smart Payment & Fraud Prevention
Acceleration program: the structure
Throughout the program, partner companies are involved to know, according to their interest and availability, the participating startups.
I Step
I StepScouting & Selection
We are looking for the best european startups that respond to the needs of partner corporates
II Step
Business Acceleration
4 weeks program with the selected team to delelop the strategy end the go to market program
III + IV Steps
Technical Acceleration + Match Making
6 weeks, only for the 5 best startup, to better prepare them for integrations with partner corporates
The benefits of our accelerator
A partnership of excellence
dpixel is an innovation company with over 10 years experience financing innovative entrepreneurs, specialized in supporting the development of new startups and innovation processes within companies and institutions.
As a certified incubator dpixel works hand in hand with startups through finance and training designed to foster startups from proof of concept to market quickly while building connections with major businesses looking to undertake open innovation processes (Inaz, Allianz, Erg, Auchan, IWBank, …).
During the programs, dpixel, beyond serving as an organizer, places extensive expertise and a network of leaders in the ecosystem to identify and accompany startups as they develop solutions for the retail sector and for their partner companies.
Gruppo Sella has worked in open innovation and investment in the startup ecosystem for more than 20 years. It is part of Italian and international venture capital funds with over €40m invested (Primo Space Fund, Barcamper Ventures, United Venture One, 360 Capital One SCA, Digital Investment SCA, Programma 101, Panakes Fund…).
Today, through a network of subsidiaries, it supports all phases of the startup lifecycle. Seed and early stage startups are supported by programs like those offered by dpixel. Growth phase companies work with Sella Venture Partners SGR and Sella Corporate and Investment Banking, providing strategic advisory alongside investment.
Through their work with startups and innovative projects in the retails sector, Gruppo Sella looks to contribute to the growth of an entrepreneurial ecosystem, where innovation is one of the key drivers of the competitiveness of the sector on the global level.
Retail Hub launched in early 2020 and has already launched several successful projects in collaboration with retailers, corporations, startups, scaleups and unicorns.
It has successfully worked together with major fashion brands to select startups and scaleups to support their work and business processes.
It has initiated key advisory and training projects with retailers in the food sector to accelerate the development of digital culture.
It works with unicorns to support their access to the Italian and European markets and define their go-to-market strategies. Today it works with a portfolio of more that 100 startups and scaleups within Italy and abroad.
Where
16 weeks in contact with innovation
The acceleration path will take place in presence in Bologna in BIG Bo, the innovation platform created by Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Bologna in collaboration with Techgarage association. A workplace and meeting place for innovative startups, talents and companies. An ecosystem where startups can seize opportunities with partner companies and investors.
Are you a corporate and do you want to be part of this program? Contact us for more information!
* the program is aimed at medium-large corporates
* Participation as a partner company is on selection and requires a fee for involvement in the program. Do not hesitate to write to us if you need clarification or insights!