Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) has picked 30 fledgling companies — with business concepts ranging from nail polish to puzzle games to pet health — as part of its latest Target Forward Founders Accelerator cohort.
The Minneapolis-based retailer is aiming its accelerator program to under-resourced founders with access, education and resources, using Target's scale and resources. You can read more about the Target Forward Founders program here.
A full list of the latest group is below:
Beauty
- Los Angeles-based Itadi, an all-natural skincare company
- New York-based Mattias, a men's makeup producer
- Melanin-ish, a skincare company that works to address skin concerns for communities of color
- New York-based Riven, an oral care company offering gluten- and alcohol-free mouthwash
- Washington-based Smitten, which sells hand-painted nail polish strips
- Los Angeles-based The Braid Releaser, which is also the name of its tool that can be used to maintain healthy hair
Baby, games and pets
- New York-based babaLID, which manufactures baby bottles and other products designed for durability
- Canada-based Dandylion, which creates dog-grooming products that focus on skin-health
- Atlanta-based Dope Pieces, which sells puzzles that create intricate artwork upon completion
- Michigan-based EZ Doez It, which sells underwear and pants for toddlers
- Canada-based Milksta, which offers vegan, decaffeinated drinks designed to help postpartum and breastfeeding mothers boost their breastmilk supply
- Houston-based The Adventurous Bartender, which sells novelty gifts about cocktails
LIfestyle
- Washington D.C.-based KnoNap, which sells discreet drug testing tools to detect spiked drinks
- Detroit-based Rove, which sells biodegradable paper soapsheets
- Miami-based Seal, which offers water-resistant shoe covers.
- Seeds of Paper, which sells greeting cards that can be planted and grow into wild flowers.
Food and beverage
- Washington D.C.-based 50Hertz Sichuan Pepper, a seller of hot oils
- Pennsylvania-based A Little More Zest, which sells a variety of rubs and spices
- Maryland-based Alternative Oats, which sells organic, gluten-free and vegan oats
- Chicago-based Carolyn’s Krisps, a women-owned business that sells vegan cookies
- St. Paul-based Heart Soul Heat, which sells spicy honey
- Los Angeles-based Joe’y, which sells a lower-caffeine coffee alternative
- New York-based Mabî, which sells herbal drinks inspired by the Caribbean
- California-based Navina, which offers low-calorie herbal wines
- Atlanta-based Phreshly, which sells canned cocktails
- Texas-based Poks Spices, which sells a variety of West African seasonings
- Ghana-based Sankofa Snacks, which offers plantain chips
- New York-based Sippin Snax Gourmet Bar Snacks, which sells craft peanuts and other snacks
- Chicago-based Sydplayeat, which offers a variety of truffle salts and sauces
- Los Angeles-based The Got Damn Sauce, which sells a variety of barbecue sauces
St. Paul's Heart Soul Heat celebrated its acceptance into the program on Wednesday.
Founded in 2016, Target's Accelerators program has sponsored cohorts relating to beauty products, pet products and retail technology innovations.
Target's program for the third cohort began on May. 24. and ends on July. 14.
