Image Alt

INCUBATOR

Learn more about the Incubator and designers.

Cohort 1

About the Incubator

Mettā Nairobi in partnership with Fashion Scout ran a 6 week Boot Camp for 11 fashion businesses aimed to address growth-stage challenges such as customer acquisition, market scalability, secure collaborations, financing, and investment. The Bootcamp curriculum equipped the participants with Product fit frameworks and go to market strategies to achieve the scalability and sustainability of their businesses.The curriculum comprised 19 workshop sessions that covered a diverse set of topics such as brand identity, garment pricing, trend forecasting sales and marketing strategies, financial modelling, exportation, sustainable fashion, intellectual property law, and taxes. Industry professionals in the Kenya fashion scene and renowned experts facilitated these sessions.Mid-way through the Bootcamp, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted our program delivery process to a fully remote set up which allowed participants to successfully complete all incubator sessions online. An in-person showcase was planned as part of the programme and this evolved into a digital showcase with all 11 fashion designers showcasing their brands. Read more about the showcase.In response to the challenges associated with the pandemic, the initial Pre-COVID 19 allocation of five seed grants valued at KSH 3,275,000 was made available to all participants through 11 seed grants valued at KSH 3,580,000 to encourage innovation and business continuity.Extensive post-program support will be provided to the cohort by Mettā and Fashion Scout to ensure efficient seed grant management and increased industry partnerships. Further announcements of the program will be updated on the site in November 2020.Meet the expertsLeading minds in the business of fashion provide support to the 11 fashion entrepreneurs. Meet the team:Ann McCreath (Founder, KikoRomeo)Pierra Ntayomba (Founder, Haute Baso Clothing Brand)Kendi Kamwambia (Partner and Investment Manager, HEVA Fund)Wakiuru Njuguna (Support and Compliance Manager, HEVA Fund)Victor Muriithi (Founder, Julikana Agency)VIctor Derrick Karanja (Founder, The Portfolio Interactive)Stephen Maina (Managing Director, LeapFrog and Facebook Blueprint Consultant)Bernard Outah (Regional Director, World Fair Trade Organization Africa & Middle East)Sammy Thuita ( E-Commerce Business Development Manager, DHL Express)Judy Chebet ( Partner, Chebet & Munyaka Advocates Llp)TerryAnne Chebet (Founder, Keyara Organics)

 

Meet the Coaches

The fashion designers had immense and continued support from industry frontiers and certified business coaches. Meet the team:

Michelle Johnson (Founder, One Hundred Years-Kenya)

Cece Ojany (Founder, The Main Protagonist Coaching)

Akinyi Odongo (Founder, Akinyi Odongo)

Julian Macharia (Founder, Well Made Strategy)

Ogake Mosomi (Founder, Ogake Bridal)

Cohort 1 Designers

Cohort 2

The Creative DNA 2.0 programme will offer business incubation support to 20 Kenya-based early-stage fashion and accessory enterprises. The programme was created to provide business skill development, strengthen networks in Kenya and in the UK and offer action-based learning through digital coaching sessions, co-created online campaigns, and market opportunities.

 

This programme builds on the success of 2020’s Creative DNA 1.0 programme where 11 fashion designers successfully completed the business incubator, participated in the digital campaign ‘Wauzine’ and a month-long pop-up shop at the Village Market.  

 

After a thorough judging process, the Creative DNA 2.0 Cohort has been selected based on the strength of their business models; design, creativity and quality; opportunity for growth and business potential. The cohort comprises early-stage fashion and accessory enterprises and will participate in a 6 – week long Business incubator; photoshoot and a pop-up shop.

 

They are: 1V1 Garments; BOGUK; Tiger Tail Twister; Iliki Resort Wear; Mariam Couture; Luxaltra; Nairobi Apparel District; Vazi Maridadi; Muni Designs ; Peni Mbili; TUG; Wangari Mathenge ; At Odds ; Olisa Kenya ; SIANNA ; DIRO ; Nikech Amor ; Kolakisa ; Oqkra and Bour ; Metamorphisized

 

British Council Kenya Arts programme supports the creation of new art and fosters partnerships between the creative sectors of the UK and East Africa. This project is committed to working with creatives and their communities to promote innovation and creativity, whilst promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. The participants of these programmes become integral parts of the creative economies and networks in Kenya.                                                                                                                                                     

Cohort 2 designers

Cohort 3

The Creative DNA 3.0 programme was created to offer business incubation support to 20 Kenya-based early-stage fashion and accessory enterprises, through business skill development, strengthen networks in Kenya and in the UK and offer action-based learning through digital coaching sessions, co-created online campaigns, and market opportunities.This programme builds on the success of 2020’s and 2022’s Creative DNA 1.0 & 2.0 programme.  The participants of these programmes become integral part of the creative economies and networks in Kenya.

The following are the selected Fashion Start-ups:

The Creative DNA 3.0 cohort designers are: Akiba Studios; Molivian; Matia Kenya; Aert Fashion; Vaa Ke; Oye; Amagove Mugere; Mago Got You; Uncommon Rebel; Tribal Trends; The Label Saba; Tausi Conde; Bonkerz Nrb; Mrembo Africa; Theresia Kyallo; Alegohono; True Denim Collection; African Yuva Solutions; Hisi Studio; The Bold Latte

Cohort 3 designers

Our Timeline of Events