Tag: Launchpad

  • Amazon targets SMEs with Launchpad

    Amazon targets SMEs with Launchpad

    Amazon has brought its small business-focused Launchpad initiative to Australia.

    Launching on Tuesday, the program aims to help startups and entrepreneurs sell in a wider market. Over 150 local and international brands are already on board.

    As part of the program, brands will be featured on customized product pages, receive marketing support and gain access to Amazon’s fulfillment services including unlimited deliveries through Amazon Prime.

    “Australian investors and entrepreneurs are responsible for some of the most innovative consumer products in the world, from the electric drill right through to Vegemite,” Amazon Australia country manager Rocco Braeuniger said.

    “We know that product creation is only one part of the equation in launching a product and that marketing, logistics and finding an audience can be just as challenging.

    “With Amazon Launchpad, we have a program that will help ease some of these challenges for startups and entrepreneurs alike, allowing them to focus on growing their business and freeing up time for future innovation.”

    Sugar-free drink business Nexba, Beach House Group’s skincare brand Marlowe and sunglasses retailer Soda Shades are some of the local brands participating in the program at launch.

    According to Josh Miller, co-founder of Soda Shades, being featured in the program allows the brand to reach a wider audience.

    The program was initially launched in the US in 2015 and has resulted in thousands of products being launched across several categories. It is now available in eight countries: the US, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, India and Australia.

  • Godiva New York City store a launchpad for Global Dominance

    Godiva New York City store a launchpad for Global Dominance

    The Godiva New York City store not only presents the newest store look, it serves as a launching pad for the brand to expand into new product categories, part of the brand’s larger global strategy in achieving a fivefold growth plan in the next six years. By the end of the year, 10 more cafes are slated to open in New York State, and the plan is to launch more than 400 locations in the Americas.

    “This is a very pivotal time for Godiva as we transition to align with the ever-changing consumer behavior,” said Godiva Chocolatier CEO Annie Young-Scrivner. “We have an aggressive growth plan for the next six years, which includes expanding our footprint of 2000 cafes worldwide with a focus on growth in the Americas.”

    Godiva’s cafes have seen international success, with locations currently open in Japan, China, Belgium and the Middle East. In February, the company sold its retail and distribution operations in four markets – Japan, South Korea, Australia and the future rights to develop New Zealand – to private equity company MBK.

    The overall concept has shifted with the Godvia New York City location, featuring a refreshed design and a wide array of new menu items that will shape and be replicated in the course of expansion over the next few years.

    “Godiva’s plan to open more cafes is a smart move from a customer loyalty perspective,” said Clarus Commerce CEO Tom Caporaso, a loyalty program expert with 20 years of experience. “One of the greatest assets that brick and mortar brands like Godiva have is their physical real estate, and adding a refreshed component to the in-store experience will create renewed excitement for both long-standing and new customers.

    “The chocolatier has already established itself as a premier brand for special occasions, but these eateries now also allow it to be a staple in its customers’ everyday lives. This will help create a deeper, more meaningful connection to the brand, and build consumer loyalty over time.”

    The Godiva New York City store not only presents the newest store look, it serves as a launching pad for the brand to expand into new product categories, part of the brand’s larger global strategy in achieving a fivefold growth plan in the next six years. By the end of the year, 10 more cafes are slated to open in New York State, and the plan is to launch more than 400 locations in the Americas.

    “This is a very pivotal time for Godiva as we transition to align with the ever-changing consumer behavior,” said Godiva Chocolatier CEO Annie Young-Scrivner. “We have an aggressive growth plan for the next six years, which includes expanding our footprint of 2000 cafes worldwide with a focus on growth in the Americas.”

    Godiva’s cafes have seen international success, with locations currently open in Japan, China, Belgium and the Middle East. In February, the company sold its retail and distribution operations in four markets – Japan, South Korea, Australia and the future rights to develop New Zealand – to private equity company MBK.

    The overall concept has shifted with the Godvia New York City location, featuring a refreshed design and a wide array of new menu items that will shape and be replicated in the course of expansion over the next few years.

    “Godiva’s plan to open more cafes is a smart move from a customer loyalty perspective,” said Clarus Commerce CEO Tom Caporaso, a loyalty program expert with 20 years of experience. “One of the greatest assets that brick and mortar brands like Godiva have is their physical real estate, and adding a refreshed component to the in-store experience will create renewed excitement for both long-standing and new customers.

    “The chocolatier has already established itself as a premier brand for special occasions, but these eateries now also allow it to be a staple in its customers’ everyday lives. This will help create a deeper, more meaningful connection to the brand, and build consumer loyalty over time.”

  • Startup Launchpad Spring event focuses on blockchain

    Startup Launchpad Spring event focuses on blockchain

    Ahead of the next edition, we sat down with Minesh Pore the head of Startup Launchpad, to talk us through this April’s event at Asia World Expo.

    Mishesh, tell us about yourself

    Thanks StartupsHK. I’m a highly regarded global trade expert with more than 18 years experience leading multinational organisations in corporate transformation, Intra-prenuership, innovation, international business development and strategic planning. I would say I am a well-connected and respected globally for my experience, network and knowledge of the Greater Bay area startup ecosystem, mentoring startup founders, helping startups scale up and expand international.

    What is Startup Launchpad?

    Startup Launchpad is hosted in Hong Kong every April and October. The show focuses on helping hardware and retail solutions startups scale up by meeting buyers, retailers and wholesalers from more than 140 countries. We will also be hosting a one-day conference, with a focus on blockchain as a transparency tool for supply chain. We will have two-day workshops, the focus of which is to educate startup founders on every step from initiating a business plan to working with distributors globally. We will also have pitches from the top 10 startups that will be pitching for more than HK$500,000 in prizes.

    Why should startups attend?

    Startups who want to sell their products and solutions should attend the trade shows. Startup ecosystem players who want to connect with others in blockchain for supply-chain sector and learn what the latest trends are in this arena should attend. All those who have considered launching a startup or who are at any stage of their startup journey, should attend the workshops. Also: come and listen to the pitch-competition winners, who this time come from Hong Kong, China, India, Austria and Spain.

    What are some of the standout events we should look out for?

    The must sees at the show will be:

    • AR/ VR game demos by Ubisoft and Ninebot will be on display, demonstrating the latest in eVehicle technology.
    • 200 Startups from Austria, India, Spain, China, Taiwan, the US, Singapore and Hong Kong wll be showcasing various IOT products, connected devices, eVehicles, health-tech devices, edu tech, AR / VR products and retail solutions.
      • Conference: Future of Retail – SCM Innovation (April 19 in Hall 2 at Asia World Expo). This conference will be talking about potential in automating the complicated supply-chain management, using tech innovations such as blockchain. Insights will be shared by the industry’s top practitioners. Also, we will be discussing the investment outlook in the new retail sector.
    • Workshop: Start. Make. Sell! Workshop Series for Startups. April 20-21 in Hall 2 at Asia World Expo). These workshops are designed for early-stage startups, entrepreneurs or anyone thinking about hardware projects. The workshop will guide participants through the right way to start their business in the Greater Bay area, including finding the right partners, incubation programs and leveraging free trade-zone advantages; tips and advice on prototyping products; and how to validate, market and sell the product.
  • Amazon big shopping to buy Flipkart

    Amazon big shopping to buy Flipkart

    In a bid to knock online marketplace Flipkart from its leadership position in India, eCommerce giant Amazon has injected Rs2010 crore (US$296 million) into its Indian unit.

    Regulatory filings show that the move takes Amazon’s total capital investment in India to more than Rs7000 crore in the past one year.

    “We will invest what it takes to become the customers’ preferred choice in India, and are encouraged that we are India’s largest and fastest-growing eCommerce marketplace,” says an Amazon India spokeswoman.

    A report in The Economic Times says Amazon is estimated to have spent more than Rs1000 crore last month to woo customers with special offers and discounts for the festive season, and is losing about Rs600 crore every month.

    Amazon entered India three years ago, introducing some of its global programs this year including its Prime service, which offers quicker deliveries and early-access deals.

    Last week, it announced Prime Video services for India offering Hollywood and other international movies and TV shows – plus launching nine original Indian shows, making it the largest Indian original line-up on an OTT (over-the-top) platform.

    Earlier this month Amazon announced the launch in India of its global program for start-up products, Launchpad, and in October it launched Global Store, offering products from its US online store that are not available in India.

    Meanwhile, Flipkart’s Sachin Bansal is seeking government help in the battle against Amazon.