Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-seed Incubation Program
1.How much can I achieve in 12 months?
Each startup will have a unique structure according to the needs of their business. You are able to set your goals throughout the program. 12 months may be intense however, we cover many corners of your business through our mentorship and masterclasses to prepare you for the industry, introductions to potential clients & investors as well as the demo day. Your program lead will continue to push you and set targets throughout the program and it is up to you to make the most of your time with us so we can make things happen together.
2. What are the masterclasses?
Please refer to this document here for the full outline of the masterclasses on the program.
3. Who are the instructors of the masterclasses?
We have been privileged to welcome many members of our network to host our masterclasses to tackle the fundamentals of running a fashion tech business. Please refer to this page for the details of our instructors who range from companies such as Pangaia to the psychology & human sciences research agency Fast & Fresh.
4. What do the mentors do?
The mentors have been allocated to the startups according to their expertise and are there to push the startups throughout the program with private 1-2-1 meetings that tackle all of the topics discussed during the masterclasses. You can see the mentors as your specialist accountability partner to keep things moving forward throughout your journey with us. This relationship is also able to be continued beyond the program with the help of our extended network at Beyond Form.
5. Who are the mentors for the program?
Please click here for the details of our current mentors on the program who take time out of their busy schedules to advise our startups on the program in a more informal format than the program leads. They can be contacted directly by you from your perspective as an entrepreneur needing specific for further knowledge/development with the mentor’s professional background to ensure meaningful and productive conversations.
6. How well have the startups from previous cohorts done after their time on program?
Each startup has continued with different endeavours after the program. While some have returned to their home countries to continue what they birthed at our fashion tech innovation lab, others have stayed with us as Community Members whereby we have continued introducing them to our network and provide them with further support on fundraising and exposure.
7. Can I pay the program fees in installments?
In order to secure your place on the program, you are required to pay a deposit of 50% of the total amount of the lab residency. Thereafter, you can pay the remaining 50% balance of the fees before the masterclasses commence. Full payment must be received to be recognised as fully enrolled onto the program.
10. What makes Foundry stand out amongst other startup incubators?
We specialise in fashion with companies such as Gloo, LVMH, Kering and more in our ecosystem. We are also equipped with new technologies such as 3D digital body scanners, 3D printers, our partner TG3D’s DC Suite 3D digital design software. Full resource list is here.
11. Is it compulsory to bring my products into the lab?
Not at all, you have a table dedicated to you and you choose how you wish to work with it. Although, it may be beneficial to bring the products in for your one-to-one meetings if you are on the program or if you would like to showcase them in our demo space.
12. What is the Demo Day?
We have organised a day where you will be able to pitch to potential investors, clients and an audience at the lab at the end of your incubation journey with us. This is your opportunity to network and secure funding to proceed with your startup after the program.
13. Which stage should my startup be at by the end of the program?
The program is designed for early-stage founders. You can enter the program with just an idea and lots of ambition.
14. Is the lab and its programs only for fashion designers?
No, it is not just for fashion designers. We are welcoming anyone who is interested in joining the community whether they have a fashion or non-fashion background. Our mission is to pioneer fashion innovation with all those who enter through our doors (even virtually) therefore, we are looking for entrepreneurs with differing skills that contribute to their technologically driven solution to the industry.
15. How many founders can attend from my team?
Up to 2 founders can attend the 1-2-1 meetings and masterclasses per startup. Note that each founder needs to be registered onto the program.
16. Is it possible to change my residency/program structure whilst on the program?
It is not possible to make this change as the terms and conditions would have been signed at the beginning of the program by both you and us for legal purposes and ensure commitment on both sides for the program. If you ever have any issues, you are free to contact us at any time on foundry@ifaparis.com.
17. Is it possible to quit the program?
We understand that being an entrepreneur can be tough therefore, we encourage entrepreneurs to be committed to their 12-month journey with us. If you need to leave the program at any point we would inquire for the reasons for this and hopefully come to a solution whether that is to continue with you on the program, or, to respect your decision to terminate your participation on the program. Please note that you may still be liable to pay any outstanding amounts as leaving the program prematurely would be a breach of our contract with you.
Startup Program Application Process
18. What makes the perfect application for the program?
We are looking for changemakers in the industry who want to challenge the existing structures of the fashion industry. Our mission is to push fashion innovation to the conventional methods that exist in the fashion industry therefore, your application will stand out if you demonstrate this way of thinking through your idea, your vision for your startup and the problem you have identified and are solving through your business. You could also include: how the user may use your product/service & how you expect to generate money from your startup.
19. Should my idea be fully developed before applying for the startup program?
This is not a requirement. The program is aimed at pre-seed/seed stage startups who may have just an idea of what they are looking to do for their business or who may be developing their MVP. The 1-2-1 mentor meetings and masterclasses are there to chronologically take you through the process of building a business from user research to branding & marketing and everything in between.
20. Can I visit the lab first before joining a program/membership?
Sure, you can visit one of our tours where we can provide you with further information on how to get involved and show you around the space.
21. If I am successful with my application but unable to proceed for any reason, is it possible to join the following cohort?
This is possible however, you would need to reapply for the desired cohort. The questions would likely remain the same therefore, you are free to update your previous answers to ensure that you are successful again for the new application.
General Access
25. What are the opening days and times?
The fashion tech innovation lab is open from 09:00am - 18:00 CET Monday to Friday with the exception of holidays on 25th December - 1st January, and all French national holidays.
26. If I cannot come to Paris right now, how could I still get involved in the Startup Program?
Thanks to our team, we have been able to move our activities online which means that those abroad can work on their businesses with us in the comfort of their own homes. This can be done by joining our program virtually and enjoy the 1-2-1 strategy meetings and masterclasses digitally via Microsoft Teams (whereby we create the login details for our startups as well). All startups are able to access the lab physically at a later date with 6 months still available to them despite whenever they are finally able to join us. Read more about the details here.
27. Is it safe to visit the lab and use the machinery during the COVID19 phase?
Absolutely! We have ensured that measures are adhered to by all those who visit us at the lab and you can read more about that on this page.
28. How do I schedule access to the machinery?
Please email foundry@ifaparis.com with the details to help arrange a slot for the access to the machinery at the lab:
Which machine do you wish to use?
Which day?
How many people will be attending for this appointment?
How long do you think you will need for this slot?
Which materials would you like to bring to work with? (e.g. leather for laser cutting)
Which sizes of these materials are you looking to use and how many? (e.g. our laser cutter can take up to 500mm x 390mm pieces at a time)
Have you been previously trained on the machine you are wanting to use? (If not, it is possible to arrange an induction with us)
A visit to the lab before the appointment may be required to check that the materials intended to be used are appropriate. Find the full resource list here.