08.02.16

R/GA, Westfield connect to future leaders in digital and physical commerce

The Drum

Messaging bots, sensor data, visual recognition technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly working their way into the modern marketer’s vocabulary.

R/GA Ventures and Westfield Labs in San Francicso, California are staying ahead of the curve with its announcement today of a new program entitled ‘Commerce Connector’ offering participating companies access to resources from R/GA and Westfield Labs as well as input and collaboration from program partners including Macy’s, Shopify Plus, Bank of America Merchant Services, Verizon, and Walmart to create opportunities for growth. As with all R/GA Ventures led programs, the companies will be given access to R/GA’s award-winning business transformation, strategic marketing, branding, design, and technology service, both in San Francisco and across the network. The program will end with a demo event in San Francisco on October 26th.

“The innovative technologies, services, and business models of the companies in the program position them to be leaders in determining the future of retail and commerce,” said Stephen Plumlee, managing director, R/GA Ventures. “We are excited to work with each of the companies to help them build their businesses through access to R/GA’s creative capital and client network as well as through the extensive expertise and networks from Westfield Labs and the other program partners.”

The program encourages applications from growth-stage startups as well as early-stage startups. The program will also emphasize opportunities for business development, pilots, and partnerships with program partners and their networks and companies will also have access to the Westfield Labs team who work in partnership with top global retailers to enhance the consumer experience.