MassChallenge

MassChallenge is a non-equity startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK. Founded in 2009, it focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting high-potential startups across various industries globally. MassChallenge provides expert mentorship, a tailored curriculum, and access to corporate partners without taking any equity from the startups. Its programs, including specialized initiatives like MassChallenge FinTech and MassChallenge HealthTech, aim to facilitate partnerships between startups and established companies to drive innovation and growth. To date, MassChallenge has helped over 1,200 alumni raise more than $2 billion in funding and create over 65,000 jobs, demonstrating its significant impact on the global innovation ecosystem.

Cait Brumme

Acting CEO

Cait Brumme

Managing Partner

Siobhan Dullea

CEO

Matt Lashmar

Managing Director

Camila Lecaros

Managing Director

Yonit Serkin

Managing Director

Devon Sherman

Founding Director, Head of MassChallenge FinTech

Michelle Williams

Vice President and Head of Texas Strategy

Past deals in Durables and Apparel

Davenport SAF-T Systems

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Davenport SAF-T Systems is dedicated to enhancing the safety and independence of older adults through innovative technology. The company has developed a lightweight safety garment designed to prevent injuries while walking. This garment, which takes the form of a vest, is equipped with sensors that can detect an unrecoverable fall in progress. In response, a system of airbags activates within less than half a second, providing immediate protection to vulnerable areas of the body, such as the head, neck, shoulders, elbows, and hips. By focusing on injury prevention, Davenport SAF-T Systems aims to improve the quality of life for seniors and reduce the risks associated with falls.

Wave Company

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Wave Company is a diversified smart apparel company driving the future of tech-enabled recovery and movement. Our first patent-protected product, WaveWear is changing the way athletes recover and prevent injury through compression and kinesiology. We are now leveraging our proprietary conductive silicone technology Elecsil to measure all aspects of human movement and power immersive experience and elite training. We create innovative sportswear and smart wear that help human movement. We also create and sell the core advanced material technology that makes it special. Proprietary bio-silicone material technology combined with fabric is also sold in the form of finished products to various industries such as sportswear, healthcare and smart wear. Wave Company can sell finished clothes like Under Armor , or can sell or license the material technology like GORE-TEX. For more information, visit https://wavewear.cc

NERAMCO

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
NERAMCO develops smart polyethylene fibers and fabrics, SVETEX, for the textile industry. SVETEX materials have superior functionality and can be used as a sustainable/recyclable material that reduces water consumption and pollutants. The company develops apparel for children with skin disorders, and temperature-reducing underwear for menopausal women (for comfort) and all men (for improved fertility).

Uwila Warrior

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Uwila Warrior is a women's underwear company that focuses on providing luxurious and comfortable undergarments. Specializing in silk and seamless designs, the brand offers a range of products including silk underwear, lace styles, thongs, and hipsters. Constructed from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics, their products are designed to keep women cool and dry throughout the day. Uwila Warrior aims to deliver colorful and beautiful underwear that caters to the diverse needs of women in various moments of their lives, combining functionality with elegance.

Locker Lifestyle

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Manufacturer of wearable lockers designed to keep belongings safe while traveling or working out in a gym. The company's wearable lockers include wrist wallets, pocket headbands, and ankle lockers for keeping all essential belongings such as cash, keys, ID, and phone in a convenient place, it comes up with a fabric that is sweat-wicking and machine-washable, enabling individuals to secure belongings while having safety, stress reduction and convenience.

HanaBi

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
HanaBi wants to offer these customers a ready-to-go solution to penetrate the in-wash fabric solid scent booster market, and to their consumers better product to fulfill their long-lasting fragrance expectations.

Orange Fiber

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Orange Fiber S.R.L. is an Italian company established in 2014 and headquartered in Catania. It specializes in manufacturing sustainable fabrics derived from by-products of citrus juice, which would otherwise go to waste. The company transforms these by-products into a silk-like cellulose yarn, allowing for the creation of soft, lightweight materials that can be blended with other textiles. By repurposing hundreds of thousands of tons of citrus waste, Orange Fiber not only promotes environmental sustainability but also aligns with the Italian tradition of producing high-quality fabrics suitable for the fashion industry.

Moxie Apparel

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Medical Apparel

Mens GoldBoxx

Grant in 2019
Developer of an online designer clothing retail platform designed to provide clothing to big and tall-built men. The company's online retail platform focuses on providing fashionable XXL clothes, enabling men to stop wasting time shopping and get custom clothing delivered right to their doorstep

Artisans List

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Artisans List is uniquely focused on building and serving the affluent community united by old home lifestyles and sustainable, traditional living. Our foundation of lifestyle content attracts users to our commerce offerings and experiential tools to drive loyalty and fosters engagement.

Dimpora

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Dimpora AG, based in Zürich, Switzerland, specializes in the design and manufacture of eco-friendly waterproof membranes for the outdoor textile industry. The company produces functional membranes that are primarily composed of polyurethane and utilize a unique template removal method to achieve breathability while maintaining water resistance. Dimpora's innovative technology allows for the direct application of membranes onto various 3D surfaces, enabling fast sweat transport and complete protection from rain. Committed to sustainability, Dimpora aims to develop next-generation high-performance membranes that enhance outdoor experiences without compromising environmental integrity. The company focuses on creating products that not only perform well but also prioritize the use of recyclable materials, aligning with its vision of promoting responsible enjoyment of nature.

Radian Jeans

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Operator of a jeans brand intended to provide comfort and style to women's wardrobes. The company's jeans have deep subtle pockets to carry everyday essential items, like phones, keys, wallets, and more featuring technical fabric with performance features and also offers shoes, providing women with access to hand-crafted jeans, helping women to enhance their everyday lifestyle.

Impact Everything

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Operator of the monetary contribution intended to solve a current world issue. The company offers a range of apparel, accessories, and home appliances through its online portal, enabling customers to choose from a wide range of products and thereby contribute to every purchase they make.

Hangio

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Operator of a luxury clothing care company intended to optimize the everyday closet experience. The company's hangers are flexible, and durable and come with a hanger facility, and do not cause stretching, wrinkling, bumps and creasing, enabling customers to accommodate clothes of different collar types and make a positive impact on the fashion industry.

Unsize

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Unsize helps shoppers confidently find clothing that fits online.

ThermoBionics

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Manufacturer of wearable cooling apparel intended to offer cooling technology that cuts weight and increases cooling power. The company's proprietary, patent-pending technology synthetically manages the body's thermoregulatory function, enabling customers to reduce sweat and ensure moisture evaporation regardless of outdoor temperature and humidity.

THE 1854 CYCLING

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Manufacturer of bicycle and cycling apparel intended to provide an eco-friendly way of traveling. The company manufactures a type of electric and cargo cycle and also provides other accessories required while cycling, enabling customers to buy bicycles that keep them healthy and fit.

DetraPel

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
DetraPel, Inc. produces hydrophobic liquid repellent spray to protect objects from spills and stains. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Social Fabric

Grant in 2017
Social Fabric operates as a sustainable textile center with a focus on promoting ecological and socially responsible practices in the textile industry. The organization emphasizes a circular economy, innovative technologies, and decentralized manufacturing to provide customers with meaningful and customized garments. Additionally, Social Fabric is committed to work integration for refugees in Switzerland, creating opportunities for individuals while ensuring that the production of textiles remains sustainable. Through its community-based approach, the organization aims to foster greater awareness and usage of textiles and clothing that have a minimal ecological and social footprint.

Wunder Co.

Grant in 2017
Wunder is a reusable underwear for women with urinary incontinence, an issue impacting quality of life of women of all ages, but especially the 65+ population. Sales of adult incontinence products are forecasted to increase to $2.7 billion by 2020, but current solutions are unreliable and wasteful.

ADIFF

Grant in 2017
ADIFF, L.L.C., founded in 2016 and based in Brooklyn, New York, is a humanitarian fashion start-up that designs and manufactures innovative outerwear, including jackets, t-shirts, and hats. The company specializes in multipurpose and transformable products that are both functional and aesthetically appealing, catering to the unique needs of refugees. Its diverse range of jackets includes tent jackets, backpack jackets, and inflatable floatation jackets, which are designed for durability and adaptability in various environments. ADIFF operates on a donation-driven business model, where a portion of the profits from sales is allocated to support humanitarian initiatives, particularly aiding those displaced by crises. By addressing global issues through thoughtful design and large-scale donations, ADIFF aims to create awareness and provide essential items to those in need while also offering consumers exclusive and innovative products.

Connect One Threads

Grant in 2016
Conscious apparel for the world citizen.
Castellano Ethnic Origins offers handbags, backpacks & friendship bracelets handmade by indigenous women in Colombia.

Induo

Seed Round in 2016
INDUO is a textile company that sells innovative fabrics for apparel brands. INDUO® fabric is resistant to stains and perspiration, while preserving the same touch and comfort than any other high-end cotton.

Mighty Well

Convertible Note in 2016
Mighty Well, Inc. is a manufacturer focused on providing adaptive wear solutions for individuals living with chronic conditions and those using medical devices. Founded in 2016 and based in Newport, Rhode Island, the company specializes in innovative products, including PICC line covers such as the PICCPerfect, along with a range of apparel like baseball hats and t-shirts. By utilizing sportswear fabric technology, Mighty Well creates functional and stylish products that allow patients to manage their medical needs without compromising their lifestyle. The company also fosters a supportive digital community for patients and caregivers, promoting empowerment and resilience through shared experiences. Products are sold online and through hospitals and medical centers, catering specifically to the needs of consumers facing health challenges.

Mighty Well

Non Equity Assistance in 2016
Mighty Well, Inc. is a manufacturer focused on providing adaptive wear solutions for individuals living with chronic conditions and those using medical devices. Founded in 2016 and based in Newport, Rhode Island, the company specializes in innovative products, including PICC line covers such as the PICCPerfect, along with a range of apparel like baseball hats and t-shirts. By utilizing sportswear fabric technology, Mighty Well creates functional and stylish products that allow patients to manage their medical needs without compromising their lifestyle. The company also fosters a supportive digital community for patients and caregivers, promoting empowerment and resilience through shared experiences. Products are sold online and through hospitals and medical centers, catering specifically to the needs of consumers facing health challenges.

Induo

Non Equity Assistance in 2016
INDUO is a textile company that sells innovative fabrics for apparel brands. INDUO® fabric is resistant to stains and perspiration, while preserving the same touch and comfort than any other high-end cotton.

Estrenón

Grant in 2015
Estrenón pioneers the "reuse clothing movement" in Latin America through dignifying stores that empower the people to improve their lives. Estrenón pioneers the "reuse clothing movement" in Latin America through dignifying stores that empower the people to improve their lives. In LATAM, lack of affordable access to decent clothing perpetuates social inequality. Poor appearance limits educational, professional, and personal development opportunities. Estrenón, a for-profit social enterprise, disrupts poverty’s cycle of low self-esteem and exclusion by pioneering the reuse clothing movement in LATAM through a replicable model for buying and selling pre-owned clothing. Their retail stores create dignified & empowering experiences for families to begin improving their lives

Haute-Elan

Non Equity Assistance in 2015
Haute Elan Limited, founded in 2013 and based in London, operates apparel stores and a marketplace platform that caters to modest fashion consumers. The company offers a diverse range of products, including hijabs, abayas, tote bags, designer clothing, accessories, gifts, and jubbas. With a focus on showcasing both emerging and established designers from around the world, Haute Elan features around 200 designers on its platform. The company targets the substantial £2 trillion Muslim consumer market, providing a customer-oriented shopping experience that integrates technology. Additionally, Haute Elan fosters community engagement through events such as the Modest Fashion Awards and London Modest Fashion Week, emphasizing its commitment to the modest fashion movement.

ReFleece

Grant in 2014
ReFleece is a business focused on sustainable upcycling, transforming damaged clothing and scraps from reputable brands into modern accessories such as iPad sleeves and laptop bags. Founded in 2012 by a former designer and science teacher, ReFleece aims to combat the culture of disposability by showcasing that upcycling can be both scalable and profitable. By collaborating with trusted clothing companies, ReFleece breathes new life into items that would otherwise contribute to waste, thereby demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility and innovative design.

Thinx

Grant in 2013
Thinx Inc. manufactures and sells period-proof underwear for women. It also helps girls in developing countries by providing washable and reusable cloth pads. The company sells its products online. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in New York, New York.

Beantown Bedding

Grant in 2013
Beantown Bedding’s Laundry-Free Linens® offer an easy and eco-friendly alternative to laundering. Soft, 100% biobased, and made from plants, the sheets may be used for weeks and discarded or composted instead of laundering, saving time, water and energy. Beantown’s innovative bedding was designed as a time-saver for millennials who have better places to be than the laundry room. The unique solution has also had appeal beyond the dorm room. University housing and conference centers, Airbnbs and hospitality businesses across the country now enjoy the operational and environmental benefits of going laundry-free, as well as the chance to differentiate themselves with clean new linens for every guest. In 2015, the company won the bid to supply the Special Olympics World Games, hosted in Los Angeles. The Boston-based company’s creative play on convenience, hygiene and sustainability has received frequent national media attention, with features on The Today Show and The View, and earned prestigious selection as an Emmy Awards celebrity gift bag item, 2016 Babson Breakaway Challenge Finalist, 2014 INDA Visionary Award finalist and 2013 MassChallenge alum. Its Give a Sheet program is dedicated to making a social impact through support of Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses, and through K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, providing Laundry-Free Linens® to US troops serving abroad.

Lallitara

Grant in 2013
Lallitara is an environmentally conscious apparel brand that specializes in creating stylish and unique products from vintage sari fabrics. By upcycling these traditional Indian textiles, the brand offers a range of eco-friendly clothing and accessories that allow customers to express their individuality. Lallitara not only focuses on fashion but also prioritizes social responsibility; each purchase contributes to providing fair wages for individuals in India's informal recycling community. The company supports domestic manufacturing, aligning with the 'Made in America' movement. Through its online shopping platform, Lallitara enables customers to find and select one-of-a-kind items while promoting sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry.

Dressformer

Grant in 2013
Dressformer is a B2B/B2C platform technology allowing the user to virtually try on clothing pre-purchase and receive personal or professional feedback. The virtual fitting rooms are based on photorealistic 3D avatar & 3D models created from 2 photos of the garment providing accuracy within 1 cm precision. Dressformer's goal is to overcome the online fitting problem and therefore boosting sales & alleviate returns and associated financial burden. The consumer side problem that Dressformer solves is the ability to make confident purchases knowing the clothes will fit almost perfectly. It also answers the following questions for the consumer: 1. What size to choose? 2. Is the cloth suitable? 3. Social and professional approval?

Sword & Plough

Grant in 2013
Sword & Plough is a socially conscious brand founded in 2012 by sisters Emily and Betsy Nunez, who were inspired by their military upbringing. The company focuses on recycling military surplus materials, transforming them into stylish bags and accessories. Sword & Plough aims to employ veterans, reduce waste, and foster a greater understanding and appreciation for veterans among civilians. By merging fashion with a meaningful mission, the brand appeals to socially aware consumers looking for products that reflect their values. The company's commitment to supporting veterans and promoting sustainability distinguishes it in the marketplace.

99degrees Custom

Grant in 2013
99C manufactures build-to-order apparel for the growing me-commerce market and serves as an economic mobility bridge for the local workforce in Lawrence and Lowell. It provides quick-turn performance activewear production, advanced concept incubation, and wearable technology integration for global and emerging brands.

Bow & Drape

Grant in 2012
Bow & Drape Inc. is an online retailer that specializes in custom-designed apparel and accessories for women, including bridal clothing and products for pets. Established in 2012 and based in New York, the company allows customers to create unique clothing by selecting from a variety of flattering silhouettes, colors, and trims. Each item is made to order in the USA, ensuring a personalized fit and style, and is shipped directly to the customer's doorstep within two weeks. Bow & Drape operates as a subsidiary of Brand Value Growth LLC and was formerly known as Zoora LLC.

Ministry of Supply

Seed Round in 2012
Ministry of Supply, Inc. is a Boston-based company that specializes in designing and manufacturing business apparel, specifically focusing on performance professional clothing for the workday. Founded in 2010, the company aims to address the everyday challenges posed by traditional clothing through the use of innovative materials and purposeful design. Ministry of Supply offers a range of products, including performance dress shirts and pants, which are sold primarily online.

Blank Label

Grant in 2011
Blank Label Group, Inc. specializes in custom-made men's clothing, primarily offering tailored dress and sports shirts. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company operates an online portal where customers can place orders for personalized garments. Each piece is crafted to the client's specifications, ensuring a fit guarantee and delivery within as little as seven days. Blank Label's offerings include a variety of fabrics, from classic white shirts to indigo chambrays and four-season wool suits. The company has garnered positive reviews from major publications such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, highlighting its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. In addition to its online presence, Blank Label also features a retail pattern room located in downtown Boston.

Casa Couture

Grant in 2011
Casa Couture is a company offering a brand of shoes for women. It is mainly focused on the combination of fashion and comfort in footwear especially for expecting mothers and married women. Casa Couture was established in 2011 by Claudia Espinola. It has been recognized by WWD, The Bump, and ABC News.

LiveProud Group

Grant in 2010
LiveProud is a collection of sportswear brands focused on creating high quality, innovative performance clothing, all from eco-friendly and recycled materials sourced in North America. Our steadfast commitment means energy conservation, CO2 emissions reduction, & diminishing landfill/litter through our production process, everyday. While our work is focused on providing this great apparel, we work to protect the environment and save fragile natural eco-systems and their inhabitants. At LiveProud we stand ready for the challenge, and dream of our goals – continued stewardship of environmental protection, conservation, and an eco-friendly lifestyle. By purveying the finest clothing to those who understand the “green” lifestyle most of all, we’re poised to really make a difference – and hope you’ll join us in making the world a better place.

Peach

Grant in 2010
Peach Innovations, Inc. specializes in producing and selling women's apparel and lingerie, including tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, bras, panties, sleepwear, and accessories. The company operates an online marketplace that features a diverse range of products designed for various aspects of women's lives, including athletic, work, and casual settings. Peach aims to enhance women's daily experiences through its contemporary fashion offerings and an engaging shopping experience facilitated by a network of stylists. Founded in 2000 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Peach Innovations, Inc. is committed to empowering women both personally and professionally. The company was previously known as Peach Underneath, Inc. before rebranding in 2018.

Peach

Seed Round in 2010
Peach Innovations, Inc. specializes in producing and selling women's apparel and lingerie, including tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, bras, panties, sleepwear, and accessories. The company operates an online marketplace that features a diverse range of products designed for various aspects of women's lives, including athletic, work, and casual settings. Peach aims to enhance women's daily experiences through its contemporary fashion offerings and an engaging shopping experience facilitated by a network of stylists. Founded in 2000 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Peach Innovations, Inc. is committed to empowering women both personally and professionally. The company was previously known as Peach Underneath, Inc. before rebranding in 2018.
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