Bobuy – Task.

BoBuy – Task

1. Make a list of 8 Accelerator programs for women around the world that you think can fits to BoBuy (based on what you saw on the website and after downloading the app).

2. Rate the programs (the first will be the best one) and explain why you chose the first one as the best.

1. Startupbootcamp – Commerce Accelerator Program (Amsterdam)

• E-commerce Accelerator Program
• Runs 19 programs around the world – in key locations
• Programmes are mainly mentorship-driven
• Main partners: Amazon, Intel, Aibus, Cisco, Mercedes-Benz, MasterCard and so on
• Accelerating gender equality – Women in Tech

I chose Startupbootcamp as my top choice as I would consider them to be offering top accelerator programmes that would be fit for BoBuy. They have received a lot of recognition. For instance, they were awarded the “Best Accelerator 2014” during the European Tech Start-Up Awards. Startupbootcamp is also “Europe’s Biggest Start-up Accelerator” according to Forbes.

And also, Startupbootcamp seems to be offering the most popular commerce accelerator program. They aim to support young companies that are developing innovative solutions in the fields of Retail & Commerce.

2. Y Combinator Program

• A global brand
• Co-founded by Jessica Livingston
• Supported female-founded companies like HomeJoy
• Hosted a Female Founders Conference
• Program focus:  developing product, achieving product/market fit and scaling the start-up into a business with high growth

Y Combinator’s program would be a second choice as they are considered to be a top accelerator program (Platinum Plus tier by Forbes). Since 2005, they have funded over 1,900 start-ups with more than 4,000 founders. Some popular companies such as Airbnb, Dropbox, Weebly, Quora, Checkr, Wepay, reddit and so on.

They have also created a project called “Leap” which is online community for women in tech to talk about whatever they want. It is a successful initiative that has over 1,500 members – discussing different topics.

3. Plug and Play – Brand & Retail Innovation Platform

• Mission: “to make innovation open to anyone, anywhere”
• Accelerator Programs are industry themed to ensure meaningful connections
• One of the biggest accelerators in the world
• Over 22 locations worldwide (including China)
• Able to offer real value
• Build a brand recognised around the world

They have a Fashion for Good program in Amsterdam that is accelerating positive impact in the fashion industry.

Their Brand & Retail partners include Panasonic, Kohl’s, P&G, ToysRUs, Colgate-Palmolive and so on.

The 100 Most Influential Women in Technology: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/resources/100-most-influential-women-technology/