Standard Chartered Bank, an international financial services group, concluded its recent Women in Tech Incubator Competition (WiT), part of its global Futuremakers initiative, by declaring online health platform Skin Releaf the winner. The startup’s platform is comprised of skin experts and dermatologists who are working to improve the skin health of people of color. The $25,000 in seed money from the competition will be used to develop the startup’s business plan and their product line.
“We are so impressed by what the competitors were able to accomplish over the course of this program, particularly as most never had a chance to meet in person,” said Kesia Hudson, the Interim Director of the Zahn Innovation Center at The City College of New York. “Skin Releaf has identified a niche within the health and beauty industry. Providing access to reliable information and dermatological care will benefit so many people of color struggling with melanated skin issues.”
The Zahn Innovation Center serves as a partner for the incubator, providing resources, support, and guidance to early-stage women-led startups. Over 1,000 students so far have benefitted from this program, and despite only launching with 17% female participants it reached gender parity within three years.
“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to celebrate the energy, creativity and effort of the many participants and volunteers throughout the program,” said Steven Cranwell, CEO of Standard Chartered Americas. “We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to realize their potential. And by providing support, mentorship opportunities and training with the Zahn Innovation Center, we hope to inspire and enable future generations of women-led businesses in New York.”
