L’Occitane Group unveils Obratori, its startup studio

GENEVA, September 26th, 2018. The L’OCCITANE Group, the leading manufacturer and retailer of natural cosmetics, comprising 5 beauty brands, announces, today, the opening of Obratori, its startup studio. Located in the heart of the Cité de l’Innovation et des Savoirs Aix-Marseille (CISAM), the former emblematic art-deco building of the Castel, in Marseille.

For Reinold Geiger, CEO of L’OCCITANE Group, the opening of Obratori will enable new ideas, to be explored and developed, in a fast-moving world.

“The L’OCCITANE Group has always been keen to initiate entrepreneurship and perpetual renewal, it’s in our DNA. The creation of startups around the world is an economic revolution. Whose consequences will be seen very quickly, as they have become the most important actors in the entrepreneurial system.”

Reinold Geiger

Genesis of the project

OBRATORI is a partner, since the genesis of this project led, by Aix-Marseille University and, the Metropole Aix-Marseille Provence. It will welcome a dozen of selected startups within the Cité de l’Innovation et des Savoirs Aix-Marseille (CISAM). It occupies the 2nd floor of the famous Castel building, and, can accommodate up to 108 workstations, dedicated to entrepreneurs.

Amaury Godron, General Manager of Obratori says: “We are aware that innovation is key to identify new breakthrough ideas. We are proud to bring the next generation of entrepreneurs, through our partnership with Aix-Marseille University. And, also, to have being supported by the Aix-Marseille Provence Metropole and the South Region in our project.”

The startups sought are, those in cosmetics and well-being, but also, in Digital solutions for retail. At a early stage, which requires technical, financial, commercial, marketing or other support. According to Obratori, the blend of product, digital and other is a must-have, to, jointly,develop strong synergies of innovation, and, to explore new concepts, ideas, products, services and brands.

Specifically, the selected startups will follow a support program lasting a maximum of 23 months. They will benefit, from an adapted workspace, the support of the internal resources. And, also the network of experts and mentors’, as well as, the L’OCCITANE Group ecosystem. For Ingo Dauer, General Manager at OBRATORI: “These are tailor-made programs. A startup may need research expertise, marketing expertise, international visibility…”

To better meet the technological needs of its startups, Obratori has equipped its 950m2 space, with an L2 cellular research laboratory, and, a MIT compliant FabLab.

OBRATORI offers its guidance and tailored-made support to French companies and international start-ups, based in Marseille.