Asics opens tech lab in Barcelona

Asics is launching a European incubator. The Japanese brand will set up Tenkan Ten in Barcelona via a 2,500 square-metre space boasting connected meeting rooms, offices and a gym, in a bid to attract emerging European firms. Candidates have from April 9 to June 30 to present project applications.

Asics hopes to attract those companies looking to revolutionise the sports and well-being markets in the coming years. The Japanese group aims to harness the energy of entrepreneurs and share with these groups Asics's team resources and networks.

"Experts will be invited each week to speak to you and inspire you," Asics told candidates at the entrance of its hub. "Our speakers are also experienced advisors who will help you make contact in detail with a global retail network, high-level directors, venture capitalists, start-up founders and media contacts."

Among the 'resident' entrepreneurs cited by Asics is Emilio Risques, who has served as Asics vice-president of new business and innovation for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa since the start of 2018. Asics has also confirmed the presence of Pep Gomez and Eneko Knorr, both serial entrepreneurs, and Sébastien Lefebvre, former director of growth at Twitter. To provide the best insights for start-up founders, the group has mobilised its internal resources across the different components of a company's development.

Beyond the insights and contacts, Tenkan Ten will also provide 30,000 euros for start-ups joining the site, as well as mentoring and personalised monitoring of each projects. However, participants need to have already passed the first stages of their business development and be committed to spending four months full-time on site. They will begin this first session in September 2018 at the Barcelona headquarters.

For Asics, the development of an ecosystem of young companies, in line with its core business, is part of its growth plan for 2020, in which lies a focus on innovation.

Asics opens tech lab in Barcelona

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