The premises for Obratori are based in the Cité de l'Innovation et des Savoirs Aix-Marseille (CISAM), the former art-deco building of the Castel, in Marseille, southern France.
L’Occitane currently has five brands in its portfolio, so this move could serve to promote and develop new and innovative brand, under its wing.
Promoting new ideas and innovation
The Obratori start up studio will welcome a dozen selected start-ups, which will all be invited to work in the premises where a total of 108 work stations have been dedicated to the selected entrepreneurs.
"The L'OCCITANE Group has always been keen to initiate entrepreneurship and perpetual renewal, it's in our DNA,” said Reinold Geiger, CEO of the L'OCCITANE Group.
"The creation of start-ups around the world is an economic revolution whose consequences will be seen very quickly, they have become the most important actors in the entrepreneurial system."
What the studio is looking for
The Obratori start-up studio will be looking for cosmetic and well-being entrepreneurs, as well as players working in related fields for digital and retail, who are all looking for technical, financial, commercial, marketing and other forms of support.
Those selected will be part of a support programme lasting up to 23 months that will benefit from an adapted workspace, the support of the internal resources of OBRATORI, a network of experts and mentors, and L'Occitane’s working culture.
The Obratori is also geared up to the technical needs of the start-ups, thanksot an L2 cellular research laboratory and a MIT compliant FabLab.