L Brands launches startup accelerator program in India

Mast Global, the tech, manufacturing and logistics arm of L Brands, manufacturer and retailer of popular innerwear label Victoria's Secret, has launched a startup accelerator program called Leading Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (LEAP) for Indian startups in areas of mobility, big data, omni-channel, supply chain, marketing and security.

Mast has decided to tie-up with Kyron founded by Lalit Ahuja, which is a leading accelerator for early-stage technology startups in Bangalore. LEAP will enable Mast Global to explore new technology solutions while enabling entrepreneurs to gain valuable access to domain expertise and learning. LEAP will not consider taking an equity interest in the startup as a part of the engagement. Applications for the first program will be invited this month and a list of shortlisted startups will be announced by August.

Apart from Victoria's Secret, L Brands owns brands like PINK, Bath & Body Works, and La Senza. Founded by Leslie H Wexner in 1963, L Brands started with one store in the Kingsdale Shopping Centre in Columbus in Ohio and operates more than 2,900 company-owned specialty stores in the US, Canada and the UK today. Its brands are also sold in about 600 franchised locations globally.