Fashion design startups to learn from global mentor

An international equity investment firm has invited Kenyan fashion design startups to send in applications for a 10-week mentorship programme.
Mettâ, a global members’ club for entrepreneurs, said they will select ten fashion designers for its training programme dubbed Fashion Product Lab.

In a statement, Mettâ said the successful interns will then have their products showcased in a runway show slated to take place in December in Nairobi.

“This is the first event in Africa that gives local designers global exposure and provides them access to early stage fashion-focused technology companies. This will see them launch their brands, showcase collections and scale their businesses,” said Fiona Kiruja, the lab’s project lead,
Ms Kiruja said the successful startups will have their ideas transformed into commercial products as well as receive startup capital to scale up their businesses.

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The training programme will see the apprentices receive mentorship from the Association of Fashion Designers in Kenya, Moringa School, Zumi, Umati Capital, Uwakili, Artcaffe, Metta and Nest, a full service early-stage venture capital firm that invests in startups with innovations deemed viable.

“The interns will be connected to relevant fashion technologies, business tools and innovative solutions as well as receive training on early stage fashion businesses,” Metta said adding that all participants will interact with senior business executives, investors, and experienced entrepreneurs.

The statement said local fashion designers known for their African designs will also participate in “insightful” workshops facilitated by experts and industry thought leaders.

At the end of the training, each intern will also be given an opportunity to prepare a proposal and pitch it to a panel of retail executives and investors.