Grupo Boticário, through its corporate venture capital arm GB Ventures, has opened applications for the Startup Acceleration Program. This initiative is designed to foster innovation by supporting and collaborating with startups that have solutions applicable to the beauty and retail markets. The program aims to identify businesses with significant growth potential and facilitate their integration into the company's extensive ecosystem. Applications for the upcoming cohort are being accepted from January 19 to February 11.
Program Overview and Benefits
• Duration: The program runs for five months, from May to September.
• Cost Structure: Participation is entirely free of charge and the program is equity-free.
• Personalized Journey: Each selected startup undergoes a business diagnosis to create a customized journey of mentorships and connections tailored to its specific needs and challenges.
• Ecosystem Access: Participants gain access to Grupo Boticário's complete ecosystem, offering opportunities to test and validate solutions across various channels and new markets.
• Expert Guidance: The curriculum includes mentorships, lectures, and workshops with group executives and specialists, providing deep insights into the beauty and retail industries.
• Dedicated Support: Throughout the program, entrepreneurs receive dedicated and continuous guidance from an acceleration manager.
• Networking Opportunities: The program facilitates valuable networking with executives, industry specialists, and fellow entrepreneurs.
• Travel and Accommodation: Financial support for travel and lodging is provided for up to two founders per startup to attend the in-person opening event in São José dos Pinhais, PR (valid for national travel).
Ideal Candidate Profile
• Business Stage: The program is designed for startups that are in the operation or traction phase and have active, paying customers.
• Focus Areas: The search is for technology-based startups with proven, scalable solutions that address challenges within the beauty and retail sectors.
• Key Verticals: Applications are encouraged from companies operating in the following four segments:
• Beautytech: Startups developing technology for digital beauty experiences and brand connectivity.
• Brands: Companies that develop and market physical beauty and wellness products or offer related services directly to consumers.
• Retailtech: Technology-driven startups with solutions for the physical and online retail sectors.
• Fintech: Startups offering financial solutions connected to retail, such as credit, collections, data analytics, and payment systems.
Application and Selection Process
• Application Period: The submission window is open from January 19 to February 11.
• Selection Criteria: Startups are evaluated on the founders' track record and dedication, business maturity, the solution's innovation and problem-fit, market knowledge, scalability potential, and synergy with Grupo Boticário. Founder diversity is considered a differential in the selection process.
• Cohort Size: Between 8 and 10 startups will be selected to participate in the program.
• Selection Timeline: Applicants will receive an update regarding the interview phase by early March. The final cohort of selected startups will be publicly announced at the end of April.
• Application Modifications: Once submitted, an application cannot be edited. If changes are necessary, a new, complete application must be submitted, as only the most recent entry will be considered for evaluation.
Program Logistics and Commitment
• Time Commitment: Participants are expected to dedicate an average of three hours per week to scheduled activities such as mentor sessions, checkpoints, and workshops. Additional time may be required for implementing feedback and adjustments within their companies.
• Program Format: The acceleration is conducted primarily in a remote format, allowing startups to participate from any location.
• In-Person Events: The program includes two mandatory in-person events: an opening event in São José dos Pinhais, PR, in May, and a closing event in São Paulo, SP, in September or October.
• Exclusivity: To ensure full dedication, participating startups cannot concurrently take part in acceleration programs offered by direct competitors of Grupo Boticário.
This acceleration program is a key component of Grupo Boticário's broader strategy to invest in the innovation ecosystem, which includes a R$100 million Corporate Venture Capital fund aimed at seed and Series A stage companies. The initiative seeks to build lasting, collaborative relationships that drive the future of the beauty and retail industries. Following the program, entrepreneurs remain connected to the group's ecosystem through the GB Ventures business front. For further details, interested parties should consult the official program channels.