XRC Labs Opens Applications for Accelerator Program

Lisa Lockwood
·2 min read

XRC Labs, a New York City-based accelerator and venture fund focused on the retail technology and consumer goods sectors, has opened applications for the 12th cohort of its accelerator program.

The participating start-ups will receive $135,000 in investment with access to XRC Labs’ partners, which include TJX Cos. Inc., Mastercard, CVS Health, The Estée Lauder Cos. and GS1 US. They will also be able to network with over 330 mentors, including retailers and consultancies, and given strategic support in sustainable growth strategies, further fundraising, PR and marketing. The program operates on a rolling basis.

More from WWD

To date, XRC Labs has invested in 70 active companies from pre-seed to Series A in new materials and textiles, supply chain and warehouse technology, in store and e-commerce technology, consumer technology, physical goods and consumer health. Fifty-three percent of portfolio companies have a female founder, and 40 percent have a founder of color.

In late May, select applicants will be notified of XRC Labs’ interest and requested to present at a biannual Selection Committee in June. From there, up to 10 start-ups will be offered the opportunity to join the XRC Labs ecosystem, and each program lasts about four months.

“The pandemic demonstrated how crucial it is for businesses to create supply chain and e-commerce efficiencies. According to the Gartner 2021 CIO Agenda, 51 percent of CIOs foresee an increase in supply chain speed in 2021, so this is a current investment focus for our next cohort,” said Kirsten Horning, XRC Labs principal. “We look forward to adding founders to our ecosystem who propose products solving real problems and creating meaningful innovations.”

XRC Labs launched in 2015 and continues with founding sponsor Parsons School of Design at The New School.

FOR RELATED STORIES:

XRC Labs Names Inaugural Fellowship Winners

XRC Labs Opens Applications for 11th Cohort

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next

Latest Stories

  • Prepare for bitcoin to fall after the long-awaited halving, JPMorgan says

    "We do not expect bitcoin price increases post halving as it has been already priced in," JPMorgan says, adding that they see a downturn ahead.

  • Mayor Lucas responds to Missouri attorney general’s comments on his migrant plan

    Mayor Lucas responds to Missouri attorney general’s comments on his migrant plan

  • 'He mattered because of way he lived': Columbine siblings share moving memories

    For the siblings of those killed at Columbine, it's the photos and the memories they’ll hold in their hearts forever.

  • Ecuador president declares state of emergency over energy crisis

    Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa declared a second state of emergency on Friday over an energy crisis that has already led to rationing in the South American country. Noboa, who took office in November, had declared an energy emergency and instituted power cuts earlier this week, but the cuts will be suspended on Sunday for a referendum he looks set to win on a raft of security measures. His first emergency declaration, in January, sought to tame surging crime by allowing more coordination between the military and police.

  • Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles of Dead Poets Society star in Taylor Swift video

    The 11th studio album from the singer-songwriter became Spotify’s most-streamed album in a single day, the platform said.

  • Labrador town declares state of emergency as officials brace for possible explosion

    HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N.L. — A town in Labrador has declared a state of emergency because a fire has spread to an area containing explosive material. RCMP are warning residents of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the town's Canadian Forces base of an uncontrolled fire in the area. Police say an explosion is expected. Mayor George Andrews says the fire broke out at several buildings on the north side of town. The town is asking all residents in that area, locally known as the Canadian side, to evacua

  • Britain’s Got Talent to return with packed launch featuring two golden buzzers

    Acts from around the world hoping to impress the judges with their unique talent will feature in the explosive launch episode.

  • Taylor Swift's new album is poetry to Kansas City's ears

    Taylor Swift's new album is poetry to Kansas City's ears

  • Tyler Freeman hits a 2-run homer to help power the Guardians past the Athletics 10-2

    CLEVELAND (AP) — Tyler Freeman hit a two-run homer and Steven Kwan and Andrés Giménez each drove in a pair, sending the Cleveland Guardians to a 10-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night. Triston McKenzie (2-2) allowed one run in five innings and struck out a season-high six. The right-hander had just five strikeouts in his first three starts after missing much of last season with a sprained elbow. Josh Naylor added a solo homer and Estevan Florial had a career-best three hits for

  • Top Plays vs. Chicago Bulls

    Top Plays vs. Chicago Bulls, 04/19/2024

  • Newsroom Ready: Killer whale calf rescue on hold after orca feeds on seal meat

    A second planned rescue effort for a killer whale calf stranded in a Vancouver Island lagoon has been put on hold after she ate seal meat tossed to her by First Nations members. The First Nation and Fisheries Department say the feeding means they may be able to lure her out of the lagoon and gives them time to plan a capture. (April 19, 2024)

  • Killer whale calf rescue on hold after orca feeds on seal meat

    A second planned rescue effort for a killer whale calf stranded in a Vancouver Island lagoon has been put on hold after she ate seal meat tossed to her by First Nations members. The First Nation and Fisheries Department say the feeding means they may be able to lure her out of the lagoon and gives them time to plan a capture. (April 19, 2024)

  • The Heat are headed to Boston after ousting the Bulls 112-91 in East play-in finale

    MIAMI (AP) — Tyler Herro scored 24 points and was an assist shy of a triple-double, rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 21 points and the Miami Heat grabbed the last spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, running away from the Chicago Bulls 112-91 in a play-in tournament elimination game Friday night. Kevin Love scored 16 and Bam Adebayo added 13 for Miami, which gets this as a reward: a rematch of the last two East finals against the Boston Celtics. It's Round 1 this time, the Heat set to be huge u

  • USC scraps outside speakers at commencement after canceling Muslim student's speech

    The University of Southern California announced there will be no outside speakers and honorees at this year's main commencement ceremony after canceling its valedictorian speech from a Muslim student who said she was silenced by anti-Palestinian hatred. "Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year's ceremony," the university said in a statement on Friday. USC Provost Andrew Guzman said on Monday the speech of the Muslim valedictorian, biomedical engineering major Asna Tabassum, was canceled.

  • Man accused of stabbing person in chest

    A man is charged with aggravated assault after a stabbing in Lancaster's Penn Square.

  • What a shot by Ayo Dosunmu

    What a shot by Ayo Dosunmu, 04/19/2024

  • DeMar DeRozan dials from long distance

    DeMar DeRozan dials from long distance, 04/19/2024

  • What a shot by Alex Caruso

    What a shot by Alex Caruso, 04/19/2024

  • Nikola Vucevic with a 2 Pt vs. Miami Heat

    Nikola Vucevic (Chicago Bulls) with a 2 Pt vs. Miami Heat, 04/19/2024

  • Jaime Jaquez Jr. slams it home

    Jaime Jaquez Jr. slams it home, 04/19/2024