ASOS has partnered with Wayra UK, part of Telefónica Open Future, to set up a new accelerator programme for fashion technology startups.

The first three startups selected for the programme are working on innovations that allow consumers to crowdfund gifts, facilitate smoother parcel delivery and use AI to improve the customer experience are. The accelerator participants will gain access to services including mentoring from experienced professionals and access to an extensive investor network.

The three companies are:

- action.ai, which is building smart conversational interfaces, leveraging the firm’s technology platform
- Wishround, a social payments and group purchasing engine for e-commerce, featuring an e-gifting platform which allows users to crowdfund expensive gifts
- Xpreso, a delivery solutions firm which aims to provide a more convenient delivery experience for customers and increase productivity for delivery companies.
- The startups will be based within Wayra UK’s academy in central London, as well as gain access to ASOS and Telefónica’s local and global networks and customer bases.

Cliff Cohen, chief investment officer at ASOS, commented: “These startups are each on the cutting-edge of fashion tech, and I hope that as a result of this accelerator programme they will not only disrupt existing processes, but also help ASOS in its mission to get the most exciting products to the consumer, in the most effective way.”

Gary Stewart, director of Wayra UK, added: “These companies have the opportunity to follow the ASOS example and build their businesses with the help of world-leading expertise, hopefully developing with time into e-commerce giants themselves. I can’t wait to see their progress.”

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