Following the success of its recently announced FinTech cluster, MaRS today announced the launch of a new retail cluster at its office complex in downtown Toronto.
Called the Retail and Digital Commerce Cluster, this new program will work with high-growth retail and e-commerce startups to help them develop the technologies that will continue to revolutionize the space.
A visual representation of just how varied the retail sector is. #RetailTechTO pic.twitter.com/D8m64dglTv
— BetaKit (@BetaKit) May 13, 2015
As with its effort in the Fintech space, this cluster will provide entrepreneurs with access to strategic partnerships, connections to capital, product feedback, sales opportunities, and business advisory resources.
The initiative is being led by Sue McGill, the cluster’s newly anointed innovation lead, and Robin Whittall, an associate with the innovation hub’s ICT group.
“As one of the world’s most digitally connected countries and home to some of the world’s most coveted brands, we have a real opportunity to position Canada at the forefront of global retail innovation and shape consumer experiences in years to come,” McGill said to BetaKit.
“MaRS new Retail & Digital Commerce vertical will serve as both an acceleration platform to help Canadian startups execute on a global scale and a hub to connect entrepreneurs, investors, brands and retailers who are changing the face of retail through technology.”
.@jen_brika: "retail innovation is about the customer." All the tech should still be around surprising/delighting the customer #RetailTechTO
— BetaKit (@BetaKit) May 13, 2015
To make the cluster possible, MaRS is partnering with The Home Depot, Indigo, Proctor and Gamble and Strategy, a Brunico-owned publication that reports on Canada’s marketing community.
Several startups, including Rubikloud, Turnstyle and Hubba have already joined the cluster.
Entrepreneurs in the retail and e-commerce space can visit MaRS’s website apply to join the cluster.
Key theme of the panel: the 'decentralization of commerce'. Tech empowering companies/brands to ignore trad. retail #retailTechTO
— BetaKit (@BetaKit) May 13, 2015