Dive Brief:
- DTC swim brand Andie launched a semi-annual incubator program geared toward providing women-led businesses with resources and guidance, per a company press release. Eligible applicants must be 18, identify as female and have a consumer-facing, product-driven business in the pre-launch, development or early stage.
- The Andie Wave Maker Incubator opened applications for one month starting March 8, on International Women’s Day. The program chooses one female entrepreneur per cycle to receive a $5,000 grant to invest in their emerging company. Among the other perks is access to a leading pitch deck consultant for advice on funding strategies and investment opportunities.
- The chosen recipient will also enjoy one-on-one mentorship with key Andie executives who will help guide the business and provide advice on scaling the brand. Additionally, the entrepreneur will receive $10,000 in free legal services from Fenwick & West, which can assist with incorporation and other startup needs.
Dive Insight:
According to Andie founder Melanie Travis, the mission of the program is to empower women seeking to take their brand to the next level of success. Travis built her swimwear brand from scratch and wants to help others who are early in development of their business and find themselves in a similar financial and strategic position today.
“It began 9 years ago with a crowdfunding campaign, a Shopify page, a logo, and 50 swimsuits. Today Andie has raised over $30M, sold millions of swimsuits worldwide, and landed in major retailers like Nordstrom,” Travis said on a webpage dedicated to the program. “I’ve seen it all—the peaks and valleys. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned and help other founders build and grow their own companies.”
As the brand has grown, Andie has also won favor among celebrities. Writer, actor and producer Mindy Kaling has collaborated with Andie on two recent swimwear collections in 2023 and 2024. And actor and producer Demi Moore was an early investor in the brand and also launched her own signature swim collection in tandem with Andie in 2022.
Through several funding rounds, the New York-based Andie has expanded to offer a full collection of swimwear and complementary resort pieces, including dresses, coverups, and intimates. The DTC brand is also carrying related accessories like sunscreen, hats, bags and sandals from outside brands.