The initiative is designed to foster, and perhaps accelerate, what L’Oréal calls the next generation of “disruptive and innovative technology solutions for businesses.”
Rachel Weiss, vice president of digital innovation and entrepreneurship at L’Oréal USA and chair of the Women in Digital program points out in a statement to the press that “this powerful community of women entrepreneurs that we were proud to start five years ago is now having a measurable impact.”
“Many of the winners we supported in the early years of the program have gone on to develop groundbreaking technologies that enable L’Oréal to connect with our consumers in new ways,” she says.
Historical inevitability
Three finalists will be selected to participate in an annual company event called Inspiration Day. There, more than 500 marketing executives and relevant employees will determine the big winner.
The L’Oréal press release calling for nominations highlights past winners, including Kathryn Minshew, founder and CEO of The Muse; Bettina Hein, founder and CEO of Pixability; and Rachel Tipograph, founder and CEO of MikMak.
The company boasts that six of the entrepreneurs involved in the Women in Digital program previously have piloted projects with L’Oréal, and that the winners have “collectively raised over $300 million in funding.”
Who’s next?
“The success of the women involved in this program is a true testament to our mission,” believes Weiss. “This year, we’re excited to continue growing L’Oréal USA’s leadership in digital innovation and expand our pipeline of diverse female entrepreneurs.”
Nominations (including self-nominations) are welcome here: www.lorealwomenindigital.com. The deadline is July 18.