Scale7, the first fashion and design business incubator in Qatar founded by Qatar Development Bank (QDB), in partnership with M7, has launched Qatar’s first accelerator programme for the fashion and design industry.
Held virtually, Scale7’s intensive 10-week acceleration programme will run from April 6 to June 22. The programme is conceptualised to empower promising startups in their ‘scale-up phase’ to accelerate their growth and further develop their products and services within the context of the latest industry dynamics, in line with Scale7’s vision to be a catalyst for reshaping fashion and design technology in the region, and beyond.
Thirteen innovative startups scouted from over 30 applications were shortlisted after a thorough and meticulous selection process. The 13 startups were invited to present their businesses via a virtual selection day, which was judged by a panel from the entrepreneurial ecosystem, along with fashion and design specialists and experts representing QDB and M7. At the final stage, six startups were chosen for the accelerator programme.
The accelerator programme aims to provide specialised mentoring and guidance and deliver business development activities, enabling participating startups to grow locally and expand globally, all while boosting sales and building a robust customer base. The focus of the programme will be on fundraising and international development.
QDB CEO Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa said, “Despite these unprecedented times and the current global challenges, the accelerator programme has been launched to facilitate ambitious entrepreneurs overcome the inevitable challenges of running a startup and to fulfil their ambitions to become independent, successful businesses.
“This programme will offer a suitable innovative environment for promising startups in the fashion and technology sector to explore ways to boost their growth. We are convinced that by joining this programme, our local entrepreneurs will be able to scale higher and compete globally, subsequently paving the way for future Scale7 waves.”
Entrepreneurs taking part in the accelerator programme will receive professional one-on-one mentoring and guidance sessions with industry specialists, as well as partners from world-class professionals and global leaders in fashion technology; co-working space at Scale7; and financial support for their nascent businesses along with excellent networking opportunities.
Scale7’s accelerator programme follows the successful completion of Qatar’s first fashion and technology virtual hackathon, which was held last month. The hackathon offered the ideal platform for entrepreneurs to compete, build, and develop exciting concepts.
Winners were entitled to several benefits aimed at providing a wide range of support to fashion and design entrepreneurs who are interested in fashion technology and to grow, and tap into the opportunities within Qatar, as well as global markets.
Held virtually, Scale7’s intensive 10-week acceleration programme will run from April 6 to June 22. The programme is conceptualised to empower promising startups in their ‘scale-up phase’ to accelerate their growth and further develop their products and services within the context of the latest industry dynamics, in line with Scale7’s vision to be a catalyst for reshaping fashion and design technology in the region, and beyond.
Thirteen innovative startups scouted from over 30 applications were shortlisted after a thorough and meticulous selection process. The 13 startups were invited to present their businesses via a virtual selection day, which was judged by a panel from the entrepreneurial ecosystem, along with fashion and design specialists and experts representing QDB and M7. At the final stage, six startups were chosen for the accelerator programme.
The accelerator programme aims to provide specialised mentoring and guidance and deliver business development activities, enabling participating startups to grow locally and expand globally, all while boosting sales and building a robust customer base. The focus of the programme will be on fundraising and international development.
QDB CEO Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa said, “Despite these unprecedented times and the current global challenges, the accelerator programme has been launched to facilitate ambitious entrepreneurs overcome the inevitable challenges of running a startup and to fulfil their ambitions to become independent, successful businesses.
“This programme will offer a suitable innovative environment for promising startups in the fashion and technology sector to explore ways to boost their growth. We are convinced that by joining this programme, our local entrepreneurs will be able to scale higher and compete globally, subsequently paving the way for future Scale7 waves.”
Entrepreneurs taking part in the accelerator programme will receive professional one-on-one mentoring and guidance sessions with industry specialists, as well as partners from world-class professionals and global leaders in fashion technology; co-working space at Scale7; and financial support for their nascent businesses along with excellent networking opportunities.
Scale7’s accelerator programme follows the successful completion of Qatar’s first fashion and technology virtual hackathon, which was held last month. The hackathon offered the ideal platform for entrepreneurs to compete, build, and develop exciting concepts.
Winners were entitled to several benefits aimed at providing a wide range of support to fashion and design entrepreneurs who are interested in fashion technology and to grow, and tap into the opportunities within Qatar, as well as global markets.
