News

Simon announces retail startup competition

Simon Launch organizers will select 10 startup finalists to pitch a panel of judges and will then select up to three winners.

September 18, 2014

Retail real estate firm Simon has announced Simon Launch, a retail startup competition aimed at discovering, investing in, and accelerating the top startups in the retail industry. According to the company, Simon will be co-investing in the competition's winners through its recently formed venture capital arm, Simon Venture Group, in collaboration with Plug and Play. Simon will also become an Anchor Member of Plug and Play's Retail Accelerator program.

Simon Launch organizers will select 10 startup finalists to pitch a panel of judges and will then select up to three winners. Winners of the Simon Launch competition will earn a $25,000 co-investment from Simon Venture Group and Plug and Play, free office space for one year at any Simon property across the country, including a location in Silicon Valley, acceptance into Plug and Play's Retail Accelerator Program, consideration for future follow-on investment by Simon Venture Group, strategic and marketing support, and mentorship from industry leaders.

"New technologies and the growth of omni-channel retailing are creating exciting opportunities for innovation,"said J. Skyler Fernandes, Managing Director of Simon Venture Group. "It is important for us to identify and work with companies that will help drive the evolution of the retail industry."

Eligible companies interested in applying for the Simon Launch retail startup competition can qualify from a number of verticals, including in-store retail tech, e-commerce, data analytics, inventory management and logistics, energy, security, real estate tech and more. For a full list, and to submit an application, go to Simon Venture Group's AngelList page. Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2015.