MEDIA, ENTERTAINMENT & FASHION
Open Innovation for Media, Entertainment
& Fashion
Elpis Labs connects media companies, entertainment studios, fashion brands, and beauty conglomerates with market-ready startups transforming content creation, audience engagement, sustainable fashion, and creator economy infrastructure.
Through CVC panel events, startup scouting, and cross-border programs, we help creative industries identify technology partners that drive growth, sustainability, and audience connection.
300+
Active media, entertainment & fashion tech startups In our network
THE CHALLENGE
What Media, Entertainment & Fashion Leaders Face Today
Innovation teams at media companies, fashion brands, and entertainment studios face pressure to adopt AI-powered tools, meet sustainability mandates, engage fragmented audiences, and compete with digitally native brands built on creator economy infrastructure.
Generative AI & Content Creation
Generative AI is transforming how content is created, localized, and distributed. Media companies and fashion brands need to evaluate AI tools for design, video production, copywriting, and personalization — while managing IP protection, brand consistency, and ethical considerations.
Creator Economy & Audience Fragmentation
Audiences are fragmenting across platforms, and creator-led brands are capturing market share from established players. Media and entertainment companies need technology for audience analytics, creator collaboration tools, social commerce, and community engagement at scale.
Sustainability & Circular Fashion
Fashion brands face growing regulatory pressure and consumer demand for sustainable practices. The industry needs startups delivering textile recycling, supply chain transparency, carbon footprint measurement, and circular business models that reduce waste without compromising design or margins.
UX/UI Design
& Digital Experience
Fashion and media brands compete on digital experience. Startups building AI-powered UX design tools, visual merchandising technology, and immersive digital storefronts are in high demand — bridging the gap between physical brand experience and digital commerce.
WHAT WE DO
Our services for media, entertainment & fashion
Elpis Labs provides end-to-end innovation support tailored to the creative timelines, brand sensitivities, and sustainability mandates of the media, entertainment, and fashion industries.
01
Creative Tech
Startup Scouting
Targeted identification and validation of startups in generative AI, content creation, audience analytics, sustainable fashion technology, creator economy platforms, and digital experience tools. Elpis Labs delivers curated shortlists matched to your brand strategy and innovation priorities.
03
CVC Deal Flow
& Investment Matchmaking
Curated pipeline of investment-ready creative technology and sustainable fashion startups for corporate venture arms at media companies, luxury groups, and entertainment conglomerates. Elpis Labs aligns deal flow with CVC theses across content AI, sustainability, and creator infrastructure.
05
U.S. Market Access for Fashion & Media Startups
Softlanding and go-to-market programs for international fashion-tech and media startups entering the North American market. Includes brand introductions, investor matchmaking, and positioning for the NYC fashion and media ecosystem.
02
CVC Events
& Panel Series
Elpis Labs hosts curated CVC panel events in New York City focused on fashion, beauty, and sustainability innovation. These events bring together corporate venture arms, brand innovation teams, and startups for structured discussion and networking. Our 2026 series includes a dedicated Fashion & Beauty sustainability event.
04
CORPORATE LEARNING
EXPEDITIONS
Custom visits to U.S. creative technology hubs, fashion-tech startups, media innovation labs, and entertainment-focused VCs in New York City and beyond. Designed for executive teams exploring technology adoption in content, fashion, and brand experience.
06
Cross-Border
Open Innovation Programs
Elpis Labs connects international fashion, media, and design corporations with North American startups through structured programs. The JETRO J-Bridge program included a UX/UI AI Design challenge with Morisawa, demonstrating cross-border creative technology matchmaking.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
Technologies we scout in media, entertainment & fashion
Elpis Labs identifies and validates startups across the following technology domains for creative industries and fashion brands.
Recent Corporate PoCs
Innovation Challenge: Automotive In-Cabin Technology
Client
Leading Japanese chemical and materials manufacturer operating across automotive, electronics, and healthcare sectors.
144
Scouted startups
30
Startups validate
Project
Elpis Labs managed the full innovation challenge as part of JETRO NY's J-Bridge program, attracting 144 startup applications across three industry verticals.
3
Winners Chosen
4
Day Program
CVC & INVESTMENT
Corporate venture
capital in media & fashion
Corporate venture capital in media, entertainment, and fashion is evolving rapidly as conglomerates invest in AI-powered creative tools, sustainable fashion technology, and direct-to-consumer engagement platforms.
Elpis Labs has direct experience connecting fashion and beauty CVCs with innovation opportunities. Our March 2026 CVC panel featured a panelist from Collinear Capital (formerly Estée Lauder CVC) and the Venture Capital Lead from Mondelēz International. Our April 2026 event focuses specifically on sustainability-driven startup partnerships in fashion and beauty.
Through the JETRO J-Bridge program, Elpis Labs has facilitated design and UX innovation matchmaking between Japanese creative corporations and North American startups.
