August 31, 2017

Accenture Brings Innovation Expertise to 2018 New York Fashion Tech Lab

Accenture joins leading retail and other technology partners for fifth annual women-led innovation program

NEW YORK; Aug. 31, 2017 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has signed on as a partner for the 2018 program of the New York Fashion Tech Lab (NYFTL). Founded in 2014 by Springboard Enterprises with the support of major fashion retailers and brands, the NYFTL focuses on women-led emerging tech companies that have developed innovations at the intersection of fashion, retail and technology.

“We are thrilled to play a critical role in helping the New York Fashion Tech Lab unite fashion tech start-ups and retailers,” said Jill Standish, a senior managing director at Accenture who leads the company’s Retail industry practice globally. “With retailers and brands increasingly disrupted by online ‘pureplays,’ I see our role with NYFTL as that of an ‘innovation activator,’ helping to more quickly validate and accelerate new technologies that better serve and connect consumers to the fashion industry.

“Just as important, we are excited that the NYFTL’s focus is on women-led companies, as diversity and gender equality are ones to which Accenture is committed. Combining a focus on diversity and gender equality with technology innovation in the fashion industry is truly a sweet spot for us.”

For five years, NYFTL has excelled in providing a unique environment in which cutting-edge technologies are quickly tested and iterated, giving the lab companies and fashion/retail partners an unparalleled opportunity to pilot emerging solutions in live retail environments.

“The combination of Accenture’s technology and innovation expertise with its commitment to women entrepreneurs and diversity is a perfect fit for the New York Fashion Tech Lab,” said Kay Koplovitz, co-founder of the NYFTL and chairman of Springboard Enterprises. “We look forward to their participation in our 2018 program.”

Jackie Trebilcock, managing director of NYFTL, said, "Our partnership with Accenture further validates the importance of our program, which this year — with Accenture’s expertise — will allow the cohort to more rapidly test and pilot their innovations. Together, the Lab and Accenture are uniquely positioned to provide great value to our coming class and our program alumnae."

For more information on the 2018 NYFTL, visit www.nyftl.com.

About Accenture
Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions – underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network – Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With more than 411,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

About Springboard Enterprises (NYFTL CoFounding & Producing Partner)
Since 2000, Springboard Enterprises (http://www.sb.co) has served as a global resource hub of influencers, investors and innovators engaged in helping women entrepreneurs build transformational businesses. Springboard sources, coaches, showcases and supports women-led growth companies seeking investment of financial and human capital for product development and expansion. The 674 Springboard portfolio companies have raised more than $7.8 billion, created tens of thousands of new jobs, and generate billions of dollars in annual revenues. 84% of Springboard companies are growing as independent or merged entities, including 15 IPOs and many that are the technology engines of publicly traded companies.

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Contact:

Aleks Vujanic
Accenture
+ 44 7500 974 814
aleks.vujanic@accenture.com

John Connolly
Accenture
+ 1 917 452 0837
john.a.connolly@accenture.com

NYFT Lab Contact:
Ryan M. Wallace, Communications
+ 1 917.442.2305
ryan@nyftlab.com