TORONTO, April 2, 2018 /CNW/ - The Joe Fresh Centre for Fashion
Innovation, in partnership with Ryerson University, celebrates the completion of cycle three.
Innovators NUMI by Nudy Patooty and Adrenalease have successfully completed the 18-month acceleration program that provides a
structured platform for emerging fashion-inspired companies to develop their businesses.
"Congratulations to our third cohort of graduating companies," said Charles Falzon, Dean of the
Faculty of Communication and Design at Ryerson University. "This year's talented group of fashion
innovators have truly embraced the Joe Fresh Centre's spirit of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship over the past 18
months. I am proud to see them enter this next stage of their businesses and look forward to celebrating their many future
successes."
During the 18-month acceleration program and competition, the startups participated in three pitch demos at the six, twelve
and eighteen-month mark where they were evaluated by Ryerson judges and Joe
Fresh executives. Dean Charles Falzon announced two Cycle 3 Innovators who collectively
received $50,000 in funding as a reward for their achievements. In accordance to the predetermined
contest guidelines and winnings distribution matrix, NUMI by Nudy Patooty received $40,000 and
Adrenalease $10,000.
"I'd like to congratulate Adrenalease and NUMI by Nudy Patooty for their hard work and determination throughout this 18-month
program," said Ian Freedman, President of Joe Fresh. "Both brands
have produced products that address important customer needs, and their founders have turned their smart ideas into scalable
businesses while evolving and embracing change along the way."
"NUMI has completely transformed as a brand, and a company, during our 18 months in the Joe Fresh Centre," states Michelle Shemilt, founder of NUMI by Nudy Patooty. "With the guidance and support of the mentors and advisors
we went through a complete rebrand, which enabled us to better align with our customers, clarify our unique value proposition and
reposition ourselves as a leader in the fashion technology and sustainability space. In addition, as a bootstrapped business, we
were able to grow our revenues over 500% and double our team in large part through leveraging the resources and network of the
JFC."
The goal of The Joe Fresh Centre for Fashion Innovation is to foster a 360-degree approach to mentorship that will best
position emerging entrepreneurs for real world success.
The two Joe Fresh Centre Innovators that graduated include:
NUMI by Nudy
Patooty
NUMI by Nudy Patooty is a transformative undergarment that wicks away sweat before it becomes an embarrassing stain or damages
your clothes. Each NUMI by Nudy Patooty undergarment is proudly made in Canada with high-tech,
moisture-absorbing fabrics that protect your wardrobe and keep you dry and comfortable all day. www.WearNUMI.com
Adrenalease
Adrenalease specializes in scientifically engineered Posture Performance Apparel. Their primary Posture Performance
Shirt has integrated adjustable straps that work like Kinesio-Tape. Through proprioceptive feedback and muscle memory, the straps
provide a gentle reminder to keep your posture in an upright position. Adrenalease Inc. has recently expanded their line with the
introduction of a Posture Tank Top and is slated to release a Posture Sports Bra in 2018. www.Adrenelase.com
About Ryerson University
Ryerson University is Canada's leader in innovative,
career-oriented education. Urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to more than 44,600 students,
including 2,600 master's and PhD students, 3,100 faculty and staff, and nearly 185,000 alumni worldwide. For more information,
visit ryerson.ca.
About The Joe Fresh Centre for Fashion Innovation
The Joe Fresh Centre, located in downtown Toronto, is modeled after Ryerson University's highly successful DMZ, Canada's top-ranked university
incubator, and Ryerson Futures, its affiliated business accelerator. The mission of The Joe Fresh Centre for Fashion Innovation
is to accelerate Canadian start-ups in all fashion-related fields, including design, production, technology and professional
services. This was made possible with a $1 million grant from Joe
Fresh in 2015. For more information, please visit joefreshcentre.com
About Joe Fresh
Essential Style. Exceptional Value. Founded in 2006, Joe Fresh offers accessible,
modern design in lifestyle collections for women, men and children. Today one of Canada's leading fashion retailers,
Joe Fresh brings a contemporary point of view to everyday wardrobe favourites full of colour,
polish and thoughtful details. In categories spanning apparel, accessories, footwear and beauty, Joe
Fresh provides quality and style for the entire family. In Canada, Joe Fresh products
are available in more than 1,450 retail locations; including over 350 Loblaw locations, 1,100 Shoppers Drugmart
locations, 11 freestanding Joe Fresh stores and JoeFresh.com.
SOURCE Loblaw Companies Limited - Joe Fresh
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