Estee Lauder and Plug and Play Seek to Power the Next Generation of Beauty

SUNNYVALE, CA, March 10, 2021 -- Plug and Play, the world’s largest global innovation platform, announced today its newest partnership with Estee Lauder. The partnership will focus on identifying and supporting emerging brands and new business models that are shaping the future of Beauty and transforming consumer connection and experience. 

“We are thrilled to be joining the Plug and Play ecosystem and having the opportunity to work with innovative and forward-thinking startups,” said Shana Randhava, Head of New Incubation Ventures. “We are inspired by our consumers – who are redefining what they want from a prestige beauty experience – and we are inspired by new disruptive brands and business models that emerging in response. We fundamentally believe that the rapidly changing brand, product, media and distribution landscape requires us to rethink what the brands of tomorrow will be globally. Through our partnership with Plug and Play, we hope to foster long-term relationships and collaborations that will inspire and propel the growth of innovative new brands, future business models and disruptive capabilities.”

Estee Lauder will bring a new angle to the Plug and Play network by bringing deep Beauty expertise and a brand-building and brand-scaling track record that is unparalleled. Startups participating in this new program will have access to both Plug and Play’s and Estee Lauder’s vast networks. Startups can expect to receive brand recognition, mentorship from Estee Lauder executives, and funding opportunities if accepted.

“This is an awesome opportunity for Plug and Play to get involved with the Beauty industry and learn from such a prominent brand,” Michael Olmstead, Chief Revenue Officer at Plug and Play. “It is so exciting to welcome Estee Lauder to our Plug and Play family and see how we can work with them to foster new relationships and innovation opportunities. 

This program is perfect for early-stage innovators who are looking to reinvent Beauty culture, transform direct to consumer ecosystems, develop new and innovative products and experiences, and push the relationship between customers and brands still further.

Applications for this program will open on March 1, 2021 through May 31, 2021. Learn more and apply today: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/estee-lauder-plugandplay/

About Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Companies (“ELC”) is the global leader in prestige beauty — delighting consumers with transformative products and experiences, inspiring them to express their individual beauty. ELC is the only company focused solely on prestige makeup, skin care, fragrance and hair care with a diverse portfolio of 25+ brands sold in approximately 150 countries and territories. Infused throughout our organization is a passion for creativity and innovation — a desire to push the boundaries and invent the unexpected.

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play is a global innovation platform. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we have built accelerator programs, corporate innovation services, and an in-house VC to make technological advancement progress faster than ever before. Since inception in 2006, our programs have expanded worldwide to include a presence in over 30 locations globally, giving startups the necessary resources to succeed in Silicon Valley and beyond. With over 30,000 startups and 500 official corporate partners, we have created the ultimate startup ecosystem in many industries. Companies in our community have raised over $9 billion in funding, with successful portfolio exits including Danger, Dropbox, Lending Club and PayPal. For more information, visit https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/