Accelerators and incubators for startups with focus on sustainable fashion: the Parisian cases of La Caserne and Les Ateliers de Paris.

Abstract

The thesis aims to analyze new kinds of accelerators and incubators, that want to promote and help sustainable fashion brands inside a new frame. The focus inevitably shifts towards analog realities: the digital aspect is less important and accelerating the sustainability of a garment becomes the main goal.

The analysis begins by considering accelerators and incubators, and how they work in the specific environment they grow. The focus then shifts to an analysis of the current state of the fashion industry, that consider the main issues of the sector and how social and environment are affected by it. The last chapter finally focus on two Parisian realities: La Caserne and Les Ateliers de Paris. Being, respectively, an accelerator and an incubator, these two are perfect examples of the research this thesis aims to do. They are new environments within which born sustainable brands can grow and develop, maintaining a strong connection to the city in which they are located and often going beyond mere economic gain as their ultimate goal. They have a particular way of brand acceleration that distinguishes itself and must distinguish itself, from the more traditional methods suitable for almost purely digital realities.

The consideration of the above-mentioned realities is not only about their structure and companies, but also about the role of institutions and public awarness.