Düsseldorf wholesaler Metro wants to address more "adult" start-ups in the future. A cooperation with US retail chain Target aims to help with this goal, in the form of an accelerator for late-phase start-ups. Metro already has a few start-up programs that want to digitize commerce, including an accelerator for gastrotech start-ups and one for new companies. Target also supports new entrepreneurs via its own platforms.
The partnership should benefit not only new companies, but of course the two retailers themselves as well: "We are looking for business models in retail for the entire value chain - from the backend, across all areas, to the customer," explains the program director in charge, Sylvia Dudek.
Applications for the Metro Target Retail Accelerator can be done until February 2019. The program itself should start in May.
Most start-ups from Metro's recent accelerator rounds are still waiting for their big break, rarely getting any follow-up funding. So for the Düsseldorf retailer, this program could be a way to supplement its image as an investor.
Source: Gruenderszene.de