The fashion industry is undergoing a major transformation, fueled by technology and a growing push for sustainability. Leading the charge is the New York Fashion Tech Lab (NYFTLab), an accelerator program dedicated to supporting women-led startups that are reshaping fashion and retail through innovation. Now in its 12th year, NYFTLab has once again identified a select group of cutting-edge companies set to drive the industry forward.
Championing Women in Fashion Tech
Since its founding in 2014 by Springboard Enterprises, NYFTLab has played a pivotal role in helping female-founded startups gain access to mentorship, industry expertise, and business opportunities. With the support of more than 40 major fashion and retail brands, the program has empowered startups to scale and make a lasting impact.
“Every year, the selected startups address some of the biggest challenges in fashion retail,” says Jackie Trebilcock, Managing Director of NYFTLab. “The 2025 cohort is no exception. These companies aren’t just following trends; they’re bringing real solutions that enhance efficiency, deepen customer engagement, and drive sustainability.”
This year, NYFTLab has partnered with top brands and retailers, including AEO Inc., Gap Inc., J.Crew Group, lululemon, Saks Global, The TJX Companies, Inc., and Tapestry, reinforcing its industry-wide influence.
Introducing the 2025 NYFTLab Startups
Six innovative startups have been selected for the Lab’s 12-week accelerator program, which offers them exclusive mentorship, high-level networking, and direct connections with leading retailers. Here’s a look at the companies making waves in fashion tech:
- Slip (Founder: Tash Grossman) – A digital receipt solution designed to create a seamless post-purchase experience across all sales channels.
- LiquiDonate (Founder: Disney Petit) – A platform that enables retailers to donate unsellable inventory to nonprofits while improving logistical efficiency and reporting.
- Vody (Founder: Stephanie Horbaczewski) – AI-driven technology that translates inventory data into consumer-friendly descriptions, increasing conversion rates without complex integrations.
- Athena Studio (Founder: Heidi Van Dyck) – A workflow management system that provides real-time tracking of product development across teams and systems.
- Spangle AI (Co-founders: Karen Moon & Yufeng Gou) – AI-powered landing pages that optimize in real time to improve conversion rates and maximize revenue.
- KSI Vision (Co-founder: Sofia Lemes) – A system using AI-driven in-store analytics to deliver real-time customer insights via existing security camera footage.
These startups represent a global mix of talent, with founders from cities like London, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, New York, San Francisco, and Uruguay, bringing fresh perspectives to the Lab.
Building on a Strong Track Record
NYFTLab has consistently helped alumni achieve remarkable success, securing funding and forming strategic partnerships. Notably, Obsess, a 2017 Lab graduate, was recently acquired by Infinite Reality, a leader in AI-powered immersive media and eCommerce. Meanwhile, Raspberry AI, a 2024 Lab participant, raised $24 million in a Series A funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz.
Reflecting on the program’s impact, Cheryl Liu, CEO of Raspberry AI, shared, “NYFTLab connected us with major retail partners almost instantly—something that would have taken us months to achieve on our own. The mentorship and industry insights were invaluable.”
Manvitha Mallela, CEO of Flock AI, a 2024 Lab participant, added, “The Lab provided the perfect blend of technology expertise and fashion industry knowledge. The connections we made and the insights we gained continue to drive our growth.”
What’s Next for Fashion Tech?
As the 2025 NYFTLab cohort embarks on this journey, these startups are poised to make a significant impact on fashion retail. With access to invaluable resources, industry leaders, and game-changing technologies, they are well-positioned to push the industry into the future.
For early-stage fashion tech startups, NYFTLab remains a critical launchpad, bridging the gap between groundbreaking innovation and real-world retail applications. With this year’s cohort ready to make waves, all eyes are on these visionary entrepreneurs as they shape the next era of fashion and sustainability.