Walmart’s incubation arm, Store Nº8, and Ebay have both launched new accelerator programs aimed at supporting startups developing technologies designed to help shape the future of digital commerce.
Store Nº8 Accelerator Aims to ‘Unlock’ Decentralized Commerce
Store Nº8 has teamed up with Web3 investor and accelerator Outlier Ventures to launch the Store Nº8 dCommerce Base Camp accelerator program. The program will select a cohort of startups that are focused on building in Web3 to create solutions that improve the global retail and commerce experience.
“Decentralized commerce has the potential to unlock new value in the global commerce ecosystem, so we are excited to partner with Outlier Ventures to support and engage with entrepreneurs building at the forefront of this technology on their path to scale,” said Thomas Kang, VP at Store Nº8 in a statement.
The chosen teams will focus on building across areas that include decentralized infrastructure, data and growth solutions, immersive experiences and the metaverse, and the intersection of AI and blockchain technology. The program will provide funding to each of the selected founders as well as access to subject matter expertise and mentorship from the Outlier Ventures and Store Nº8 teams and network, on subjects including building and refining a product roadmap, community building, token economy and launches, fundraising and pitching, governance and more.
“We think dCommerce represents a huge opportunity to unbundle ecommerce into its constituent parts, and into a more decentralized and composable stack of protocols to create a more efficient, equitable and improved experience for retailers and consumers from CRM to last-mile delivery,” said Jamie Burke, CEO and Founder of Outlier Ventures in a statement.
Applications for the Store Nº8 dCommerce Base Camp are now open, and the 12-week program will begin in mid-August 2023.
Ebay Accelerator to Focus on Startups ‘Shaping the Future of Ecommerce’
Ebay has partnered with pre-seed investor Techstars to launch an accelerator program that will support startups working on technologies to shape the future of ecommerce, including but not limited to AI, Web3, privacy, security and infrastructure.
In order to make the program accessible to a diverse range of startups, regardless of circumstances or location, the 13-week Techstars Future of Ecommerce powered by eBay accelerator will be offered both in-person in San Francisco and remotely.
“Ebay’s purpose is to connect people and build communities to create economic opportunity for all,” said Beatriz Reyero, Global VP of Corporate Strategy and Investments at Ebay in statement. “We’re excited to collaborate with Techstars to support and empower innovative startups that are leveraging groundbreaking technologies to redefine the ecommerce landscape.”
Selected startups will receive an investment of up to $120,000, in the form of a $20,000 equity investment for 6% of common shares, as well as an optional $100,000 convertible note. Participants will also receive access to mentors, thought leaders and investors from both Techstars and Ebay. Applications are being accepted through July 5, 2023, and the program will begin in October 2023.
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