XRC Labs 2016 Launch

NYC-BASED ACCELERATOR XRC LABS
UNVEILED ITS 2016 COHORT CLASS OF EMERGING COMPANIES

2016 Cohort includes innovators in e-commerce, retail, and 3D printing

(New York, NY June 2, 2016) – XRC Labs, a NYC-based design-led accelerator focused on shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs in the retail and consumer goods sectors, unveiled its newest Cohort Class of emerging companies at The New School’s Parsons School of Design in New York City last night. These 10 developing companies presented product solutions that will meet the needs of today’s retail consumer to an audience of sponsors, educators and retailers.

Pano Anthos, XRC Labs’ Managing Director, says of this year’s Cohort Class, “We are incredibly optimistic about our second Cohort Class. We believe that this new Cohort includes game changers, forward-thinkers and thought leaders who have the potential to propel the retail industry forward in new directions. In our inaugural Cohort, we saw start-ups building marketplaces, SaaS platforms and consumer goods companies all take off following their 10-week accelerator program.”

The 2016 Cohort Class is a dynamic mix of start-ups in the e-commerce, retail, design, interactive tech, 3D printing and smart materials sectors. These companies were selected out of hundreds that applied to XRC Labs.

XRC Labs 2016 Cohort Class includes:

Four Walls: A turnkey home furnishing platform for your rental apartment.

OLAM (On-Line @ Mall): A logistics service that aggregates mall-based purchases for consumer pickup at mall.

Perseus Mirrors: The next generation in interactive, customizable mirrors.

S8: A new technology that will enable brick & mortar retailers to better connect with their customers.

Savvy Society: A technology platform that empowers young girls to design and wear 3D printed fashion.

ShopShops: Provides e-commerce discovery and services, as well as legitimacy and transparency to Chinese consumers and US brands.

Seashells: The first ever round up rewards program where consumers earn bonus rewards for savings that they can redeem for merchandise they want from brand name retailers.

The Crated: A hardware and software platform that enables manufacturers to build textile circuits into standard fabrics without wires or substrate material.

Vala Collection: A full-service mobile pop-up platform that showcases emerging brands.

Wearaway: A B2B wardrobe rental marketplace that brings thousands of apparel and accessories online for the first time for film, television, fashion and commercial productions.

XRC Labs’ founding co-sponsors include The New School’s Parsons School of Design, one of the world’s leading art and design schools, and Kurt Salmon Management Consulting. Additional sponsors include marquee brands and retailers: Best Buy, Michael Kors, The National Retail Federation, Penguin Random House, Reebok, The Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Shoptalk Conference and TJX.

You can follow XRC Labs and the launch of the second Cohort Class on Twitter: @XRCLabs, #launchXRC.

For more information on XRC Labs, or to schedule an interview please contact:

Melanie Scharler Caroline Andoscia
[email protected] [email protected]
917-304-6492 212-475-2122 x 701

About XRC Labs
XRC Labs (@XRCLabs) is an accelerator dedicated to fostering the next generation of disruptors in the retail and consumer goods sectors. A joint venture between founding sponsor organizations Kurt Salmon and The New School’s Parsons School of Design, one of the world’s leading art and design schools, XRC provides workspace, access to capital, mentoring, and operational support to emerging companies in these sectors. XRC Labs runs two 10-week programs each year, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and sponsors to foster rapid innovation and unlock new opportunities in retail. Programs are hosted on the 5th Avenue campus of Parsons in Manhattan, the epicenter of retail, fashion and consumer goods.