Perry Ellis launches pitch-style competition to identify next fashion tech startup

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Jan 26, 2018

Perry Ellis International (PEI) is launching Pitch to Pery, an angel investor-backed program designed to source the next innovative startup that will revolutionize the fashion, e-commerce and retail industries.

Areas being specifically targeted are pitches for companies or products that can help drive brand awareness, increase e-commerce sales, enhance consumer in-store experience, and help introduce new Internet of Things (IoT) products to PEI.

"Our vision is to continue embracing our entrepreneurial spirit, foster our ability to adapt to change and integrate technology into our business strategy,” explained Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO and President of PEI.

PEI announced that strong applicants will be companies that have demonstrated proof of concepts, bring established client bases and have already secured preliminary funding. The contest will narrow down applicants to ten finalists at the end of February.

Finalists will receive private pitch coaching from LAB Ventures, which is the venture builder associated with Miami's coworking space and incubator The LAB Miaimi. Ultimately they will pitch their ideas in person to PEI executives in March with the chance to win a long term contract with the company.

PEI's partners in the pilot program include The LAB Miami and angel-investor network, AGP Miami.

PEI's brands include Perry Ellis, An Original Penguin by Munsingwear, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Cubavera, Callaway and Peony & Me.