THE FASHION ACCELERATOR CONTEST

This year marks the inaugural launch of our annual contest, dedicated to discovering big creative talent and innovative startups in the European fashion industry. Among the applicants, only ten exceptional finalists will be selected to present their brand and business models on the first day of the Europe Fashion Summit. These finalists will have the rare opportunity to pitch their ideas to a prestigious panel of judges, including CEOs, Fashion Directors, Buyers, Established Designers, and Consultants—some of the most influential figures in fashion today.

Throughout the Europe Fashion Summit, finalists will engage in pitch sessions where the jury will evaluate each presentation based on specific criteria. The winner will be announced on the final day of the summit. The prizes extend beyond financial rewards, offering invaluable opportunities such as trunk shows with top retailers, personalized mentorship sessions, and, most importantly, increased visibility within the fashion industry.

• Guillermo García Muchacho – Co-Founder Cokrea & EFS
• María Montalvo – ISEM Fashion Business School
• Aaron Gil – Aflame Concept
• Javier Fernández Poyo – Innovation Expert – Ex Desigual & Decathlon

Beyond the thrill of winning, the prizes and benefits are designed to propel the winning startup to new heights in the fashion industry. Explore the exciting prizes and benefits awaiting the ultimate victor

• Mentorship session with Cokrea in Business, Brand & Strategy, and Marketing (value of service €10,000).
• Two complementary office spaces at the Coklub offices in the heart of Salamanca for 3 months.
• Networking opportunities with potential investors during EFS.
• 1-year free subscription to exclusive content and news from EFS. 
• Opportunity to be considered a potential speaker for the 2025 edition of Europe Fashion Summit.
• Media exposure and coverage through various communication platforms. 
• Brand representation and communication for the winning brand by AFLAME Concept Agency.
• One-year showcase in the AFLAME Concept showroom which includes:

1. 1. Reception of stylists, influencers, and collaborators for garment loans, enhancing brand visibility and positioning through projects, editorials, and events.
   2. Management of collections, garment loans, and monthly clipping reports summarizing all brand activities.
   3. Coordination with key media, magazines, and blogs.
   4. Drafting and sending at least two press releases monthly, along with weekly updates to media and AFLAMEconcept’s database.
   5. Participation in PRESS DAY events, showcasing collections to stylists, editors, media teams, influencers, and key fashion figures.
   6. Selection of garments for the showroom.

• One seat in the Summer Programme at ISEM Fashion Business School which consists of:

1. 1. The Fashion & Creativity Management Program is an intensive summer course aimed at young individuals who wish to enter the fashion industry and gain an initial insight into the sector from a business perspective.
   2. Classes, workshops, and company visits, that will help participants learn about the specific aspects of fashion companies, their particularities, challenges, and the key factors in how the industry operates.
   3. Modules offered include Fashion Design, History of Fashion, Fashion Industry, Marketing and Communication, Sales Channels, Fashion Ecosystem, Luxury, and Sustainability and Innovation. 

To participate in the Fashion Accelerator Contest, your startup must meet specific requirements that ensure readiness and potential for growth. These criteria are designed to identify startups that have a solid foundation and the capacity to benefit most from the opportunities provided by the contest.

• Must Have
  • Headquarters must be located in Europe.
  • Must have launched a product or service in the fashion industry with at least 1 year of recurring metrics.
  • Company should be at least 3 years old.
  • Must be up-to-date with tax obligations.
• Nice to Have
  • Startups have already received a round of financing.

During the contest, the jury will assess each finalist based on a set of comprehensive evaluation criteria. While contestants may compete in various categories, there will ultimately be only one winner.This streamlined approach aims to simplify the process for participants and ensure a focused competition. These criteria are designed to measure various aspects of the startup’s business model, innovation, market potential, and overall impact, ensuring a fair and thorough assessment of each participant’s potential for success in the fashion industry.

• Innovation and creativity.
• Market potential and scalability.
• Business model and financial viability.
• Team experience and commitment.
• Sustainability and social impact.
• Presentation and pitching skills.

• Application period from June 1st, 2024 to August 25th, 2024.
• Participants must purchase an Online Ticket to the EFS event.
• Participants must complete an online form providing personal details, brand information and business rights.
• Applications to be submitted via website.
• Our expert panel will review each one to assess eligibility and alignment with contest criteria and select the top 10 finalists.
• The 10 finalists will be announced and invited to pitch their brand and business models to our jury.
• The winner will be announced towards the end of the EFS event.
• The top 10 finalists will receive a complimentary EFS ticket to attend all events and conferences.

• Finalists can use any type of audiovisual presentation to present their pitch
• It must be a maximum of 15 minutes.
• The presentation should include:
  1. Introduction.
     • Company overview & mission statement
  2. Problem Statement
     • Define the problem your brand addresses in the fashion industry
  3. Solution
     • Explain what makes your product/service unique and innovative
     • Describe the benefits and value your product/service provides to your target audience
  4. Market Opportunity
     • Provide data on the market size, growth potential and relevant industry trends
  5. Financials
     • Provide an overview of your current financial situation, including revenue, expenses, and profitability.
     • Highlight key milestones and achievements to date (sales figures, user metrics, funding rounds etc.)
     • Discuss the scalability of your business model and growth strategy
     • Share financial projections for the next 1-3 years, including expected growth and key financial goals.
  6. Team
     • Introduction, experience and expertise
  7. Closing
     • Conclude with a compelling call to action and how you’ll make the most out of this competition’s prize
• Finalists must share their presentation to the EFS team by September 10