Asos teams up with Re:Tech to connect with Israeli tech start-ups

Asos has teamed up Israeli innovation hub Re:Tech to help connect retail and e-commerce technology start-ups in the country.

Re:Tech is set to curate and manage a series of structured development labs over the next year, and will host dedicated events where Asos representative can meet start-ups offering solutions to specific business challenges.

"Israel is renowned for its cutting-edge tech start-ups, many of which are developing solutions across retail, fashion and e-commerce," said Cliff Cohen, Chief Information Officer at Asos in a statement. "With Re:Tech’s help, we’ll be able to plug into this thinking to solve challenges and potentially foster long-term partnerships, expanding on the work we’re already doing in the country."

The partnership is set to launch with a two-day event in Tel-Aviv on June 19, which will include an open session for start-ups to pitch their products to Asos on the second day. Re:Tech is encouraging start-ups across the country to apply if they are focused on solving key challenges for online retailers, such as enhancing the customer experience, or have a team specialised in deep technologies or a disruptive product which has been proved to work in the online retail space.

"The Re:Tech partnership programme is a great opportunity for the Israeli tech community to showcase its talent and expertise to a world-leading retail brand such as Asos, and understand its everyday challenges and opportunities," said Alla Foht, Partner & Chief Business Development Officer, Re:Tech. "We would actively encourage any interested parties to get in touch and get involved."

The first structured lab is set to follow later in the year, which will guide start-ups through a series of development stages, including mentorship, proof of concept and demo days.