XRC Labs Launches at The New School's Parsons School of Design
First Retail and Consumer Goods Accelerator Program Announces 'First Class'
NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- XRC Labs, New York's first retail and consumer goods accelerator, launches today on the campus of The New School's Parsons School of Design. XRC Labs' accelerator program unites entrepreneurs and investors to create the next generation of innovations in retail. It bridges the gap between what consumers want as great user experience, and what the retail industry currently provides.
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XRC is a 10-week accelerator program that provides startups across stages access to design resources, retail mentorship, and branding expertise that accelerate the growth and impact of these companies. It is one of the first retail and design accelerator programs of its kind available in this space. The program will wrap with a featured demonstration at the National Retail Federation conference, the largest of its kind in the world.
XRC's 'First Class' is a mix of intriguing companies that embody the millennial lifestyle. From a machine learning algorithm that understands the complexities of fashion, to an app that unlocks the on-demand economy for retail, to a 3D knitted collection made from a supply chain 10 years ahead of our time – XRC Labs is piecing together an extraordinary class of game changers, forward thinkers, and leaders who will collectively propel the influential retail industry forward.
"We are excited to launch the first cohort of our program, which features exceptional startup companies in the retail and consumer goods space," says Pano Anthos, Managing Director of XRC Labs. "These markets are massive, hard to crack, and here to stay, which is why it is so important to foster an ecosystem of visionaries who can deliver experiences and innovations that haven't really been done before."
"XRC Labs is helping to bring the next generation of innovation and design to the retail industry, and Parsons is thrilled to be a part of the first cohort class," said Joel Towers, Dean of Parson. "We are seeing technology being used in the design industry more and more -- these new companies will be key in continuing to grow and evolve the industry.
XRC Labs Cohort Class Fall/Spring 2015 includes startup companies in the on-demand, 3D printing, personalization, payment, retail and ecommerce technology and luxury/fashion categories including:
In partnership with The New School's Parsons School of Design, and global management consulting firm Kurt Salmon, XRC Labs brings together an ecosystem of entrepreneurs, brands, designers, and venture capitalists to deliver positive business impact to the retail and consumer goods industry.
About XRC Labs
XRC Labs is an innovation accelerator for the next generation of disruptors in the retail and consumer goods sectors. A joint venture between Founding Sponsor organizations Kurt Salmon and the Parsons School of Design at the New School, we are creating a first of its kind design-centric innovation ecosystem for the retail and consumer goods industries. Providing workspace on the campus of Parsons, access to capital, mentoring, and operational support to emerging companies in the retail and consumer goods industries, XRC Labs runs two 10-week programs each year bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and sponsors to foster rapid innovation and unlock new opportunities in retail. Programs are hosted in Manhattan, the epicenter of retail and consumer goods, on the 5th Avenue campus of Parsons, recently named the #1 art and design school in the US and #2 in the world and a co-founder of XRC Labs.
Founded in 1919, The New School was born out of principles of academic freedom, tolerance, and experimentation. Committed to social engagement, The New School today remains in the vanguard of innovation in higher education, with more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students challenging the status quo in design and the social sciences, liberal arts, management, the arts, and media. The New School welcomes thousands of adult learners annually for continuing education courses and calendar of lectures, screenings, readings, and concerts. Through its online learning portals, research institutes, and international partnerships, The New School maintains a global presence. Learn more at www.newschool.edu.
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SOURCE XRC Labs
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