Metro & Techstar team to open tech Accelerator programme alongside R\GA
Techstars and Metro Cash & Carry are to support tech start-ups as part of a new programme targeting business founders, and will also partner with R\GA as part of the project.
The Techstars Metro Accelerator programme will focus on technology applications within the hospitality sector and will aim to attract tech start-ups which offer services and products that could be adopted by restaurants, snack-bars, cafes, hotels and catering companies.
Olaf Koch, chief executive of Metro Cash & Carry, and chairman of the management board for Metro, described its customers as “entrepreneurs” who were seeking innovation.
“We understand their needs and support them in their efforts to expand their business. It’s only logical, therefore, that we now offer them the first platform connecting high-tech start-ups from around the world with the hospitality sector,” he added.
Applications for start-up teams and global companies to become involved with the programme will be accepted between 27 April – 26 July. 10 successful applicants will subsequently be selected to participate in the three-month programme at the German Tech Entrepreneurship Centre in Berlin.
R/GA will supplement the knowledge of both partners and offer the 10 selected teams multi-channel access to its brand strategy and brand creation services.
Demo Day on 18 January 2016 will see the teams present their companies to the public, potential investors and industry figures.
It is planned that the programme will also take place during 2016 and 2017 as well.