New Target Website Provides Place For Startup Tech Companies To Pitch Ideas
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
Retailer will use portal to find new tech platforms and enhance customer experiences across channels.
Target is serious about finding new tech startups that can provide new platforms that will serve to enhance customer experiences across channels. As part of that commitment, the retailer has launched a new website to appeal to startups, inviting them to pitch technology concepts for consideration for possible pilot programs, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
The site launch comes on the heels of its three-month-long TechStars Retail Accelerator program, which selected 10 startups to work closely with the retailer to develop their technology concepts.
Target also has developed an Internet of Things team in California that has met with more than 400 connected home startups in the last year hoping to have their products featured in Target's experimental "Open House" store in San Francisco.
The new website states, “Target is looking for startups offering retail relevant capabilities with an interest in piloting their offerings at Target. Currently, we are particularly interested in technology platforms that could enhance our guests’ retail experiences.”
"Innovate with one of the most powerful brands in retail," the website says describing what it calls the "Pitch to Pilot" program. "Target is collaborating with disruptors in the retail industry to drive innovation."
The first innovation project was a success, with six of the eleven start-ups entering partnerships with Target as a result, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. These collaborations will allow Target to improve its store efficiency and customer experiences in various ways. Hong-Kong based Inspectorio aims to improve third-party inspections of retailers’ supply chains; Los Angeles-based Branch Messenger developed a mobile app that enables store employees to more easily swap shifts; wearable safety devices from Revolar to be sold in-store; ItsByU DIY flower kits to be offered on Target’s bridal registry; and MakerBloks distributing its STEM-focused toys through Target.
Clearly, Target has its eye on the ball when it comes to leveraging new technology for the future of the retail giant. When asked if Target might consider investing in or acquiring tech startups, Casey Carl, Target’s chief innovation officer, replied, “I think it’s a possibility for sure. But nothing to share right now.”
Target will host at least 2 more 14-week Techstars summer programs. More than 550 start-ups from 45 countries applied to participate in the first retail-focused accelerator this summer.