Pre-loved, re-commerce, and rental are key themes associated with the six-strong cohort of finalists selected by eBay UK and the British Fashion Council for its latest Circular Fashion Innovators Fund.
The chosen half a dozen will receive funding to help develop their technology and services, as well as the opportunity to embark on a six-week mentoring programme featuring one-on-one sessions with business leaders from ebay and partners. The mentoring is offered by organisations such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and environmental charity Hubbub.
Who are the six Circular Fashion Innovators Fund finalists?
Ultimate winner:
Swoperz, a subscription-based preloved kids’ clothing community that says it is run by kids and managed by grown-ups.
The others:
- Give Your Best, a circular platform which accepts clothing donations from consumers and brands clothes online, before offering them to vulnerable people in the UK such as refugees or trafficking victims. It allows these consumers to shop clothes online for free.
- Supercycle, a company enabling merchants to offer rental membership, manage inventory and returns, and sell via Shopify.
- Finds World, a social marketplace allowing people to use videos to buy and sell second-hand, vintage, and handmade fashion.
- Thrifthood, an online retailer of second-hand childrenswear. Any items not resold are donated to families in need.
- Loanhood, which describes itself as a fashion rental marketplace with a B2B solution for small to medium-sized enterprises.
The businesses each receive £25,000 grants to help support their growth.
Jemma Tadd, head of fashion at eBay UK, said: “We are dedicated to empowering the UK’s most innovative thinkers who are pioneering solutions for fashion waste and driving a circular fashion economy.
“I am immensely proud of this initiative and can’t wait to see this year’s Circular Fashion Innovator’s Fund winners grow with our support. Together, we are truly reimagining the future of fashion.”
[Image credit: eBay]
