L’Occitane MENA’s first Accelerator Program, powered by Chalhoub Group’s The Greenhouse, is offering three tech-savvy startups the chance to receive USD50,000 each in funding and work alongside the global well-being beauty brand to implement new edge retail-tech solutions in the Middle East and to develop a proof of concept with the goal of signing commercial agreements with the brand down the line.

Designed to address changing consumer behaviours in retail environments, the L’Occitane MENA team will invest in and partner with startups in the tech, beauty and luxury sectors to support the development of retail-tech in line with L’Occitane MENA’s goals to enhance its omni-channel journey and personalised experiences, data-driven decision making and regional relevance and Gen-Z attraction.

Three selected startups – one in each category – will have the opportunity to develop their proof-of-concept over a four-month period at The Greenhouse in Dubai Design District. The startups will have access to mentorship from The Greenhouse team and senior decision-makers at L’Occitane MENA to accelerate their startup journey, and will also secure USD50,000 each in funding.

The Greenhouse team is fully invested in long-term partnerships, along with Chalhoub Group’s investment team, and may make additional investments in the successful startups. Ambitious entrepreneurs looking to unlock the next level in their startup journey can also take advantage of the unrivalled opportunity of an open door to 450 brands through Chalhoub Group, and the potential to sign long-term agreements with L’Occitane and other leaders in luxury.

Startups and entrepreneurs in retail tech, luxury and beauty with a proven track recordat the post-product market-fit stage, who believe they fit the criteria, are encouraged to apply for the program at www.chalhoubgreenhouse.com/loccitane-accelerator-apply. The deadline for applications is 16 September 2022, with the program launching in October.
For more details visit
www.chalhoubgreenhouse.com/loccitane-accelerator.

ABOUT CHALHOUB GROUP – INSPIRE, EXHILARATE, DELIGHT

With a legacy of 65 years, Chalhoub Group is a leading partner, curator and creator of luxury products and services in the Middle East. An expert in hybrid retail, distribution and marketing services, the Group is the foremost player in the luxury beauty, fashion, and art de vivre categories regionally with a portfolio of 6 own brands and over 300 global brands.

Chalhoub Group embraces an innovation mindset, coupled with a desire to constantly redefine luxury in the region. Chalhoub Group caters to its customers across multiple channels, including 680 experiential retail stores, online and through mobile apps. Headquartered in Dubai, the Group has a strong workforce of more than 14,000 skilled, talented, and passionate people in 7 countries. As a people-centric and responsible employer, Chalhoub Group is ranked third in the Middle East and second in Saudi Arabia as a Great Place to Work®.

Alongside business and people priorities, Chalhoub Group is also a sustainability champion. The Group is a member of the United Nations Global Compact Community and signatory of the Women's Empowerment Principles. Chalhoub Group was awarded its seventh CSR Label from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and has its own incubator space for innovation and entrepreneurship, “The Greenhouse”.

ABOUT THE GREENHOUSE

The Greenhouse is Chalhoub Group’s space for innovation and entrepreneurship to build value for its Startup Studio and Accelerator Programs. The Greenhouse was established in 2018 as part of Chalhoub Group’s commitment to empowering the local startup ecosystem, and focusing on innovation for the group and beyond. Recognised as one of the best corporate accelerators in the region, it has supported 22 startups from 10 countries across six cohorts, developed 27 proof of concepts and signed more than 20 long-term agreements across 12 brands.

ABOUT L’OCCITANE

L’Occitane is a global, natural, and organic ingredient-based cosmetics and well-being products manufacturer and retailer with strong regional roots in Provence, France. With stores all over the world and a growing presence in the Middle East, the brand is committed to developing and retailing high quality products that are rich in natural and organic ingredients of traceable origins and respect for the environment.