Founders of the Future Semi-Finalists Announced
For more, visit the Founders of the Future Challenge page here – and see our interview with last year’s winners, Rank & Style, here.
As FTF: Conference 2015 on June 11 draws nearer, so does the Founders of the Future Challenge, FTF’s annual contest presented with ELLE Magazine to find the next big startup in fashion tech.
After sifting through the many worthy entries for this year’s competition, we’ve narrowed down the search to our top ten semi-finalists. This Friday, we will announce three finalists from this group, who will go on to present their startup live on stage at FTF: Conference before our audience and our panel of esteemed judges, including Anne Slowey, Fashion News Director, ELLE; Steven Alan, CEO, Steven Alan; Scott Dadich, Editor-in-Chief, Wired Magazine; and Ken Seiff, Managing Director, Beanstalk Ventures.
The team deemed to have the most compelling early-stage brand development or business concept will receive the Founders of the Future Prize, presented by FTF founder Karen Harvey and ELLE Editor-in-Chief Robbie Myers, which includes a six week mentoring program, plus $50,000 in seed investment money.
Here, have a look at our ten semi-finalists, one of whom will claim the big prize next month.
GlamST: Designed for women by women, GlamST allows users to try virtual makeup, share makeup tips and tricks, and get to know the latest trends.
Tulip: By working with experience-driven traditional retailers who have a vision of digital commerce, Tulip creates a blended online, mobile and in-store experience for consumers.
Jewelbots: Jewelbots are programmable friendship bracelets for teens and pre-teens that can easily be programmed as a communication tool while teaching coding fundamentals.
Cinematique: A blend of art, commerce and technology, Cinematique is a touchable, shoppable video platform developed by forward-thinking filmmakers, technologists, creative directors and engineers.
Maderight Co.: Dedicated to making the clothing manufacturing process easier, Maderight provides a team of American experts who act as the liaison, with complete transparency, to overseas manufacturing facilities.
The New.Stand: One part media, one part retail, The New.Stand exists in places of transit to excite and delight people during their same old travel routine.
42 Technologies: Big data for retailers made simple; 42 Technologies helps make data understandable and actionable, with a tailored platform capable of doing everything from tracking performance to identifying potential areas for growth.
Negative: Luxurious underwear without the fuss, Negative separates their product from the pack by honing in on what matters: design, sourcing, materials and fit.
Nineteenth Amendment: Nineteenth Amendment supports emerging and independent designers by offering them the chance to bring their collections to market on a direct-to-consumer, pre-sale platform.
Thursday Boot Company: Honest pricing, durability, comfort, style and versatility: Thursday Boot Company strives to have it all with their handmade, modern-classic footwear.
