Before the start of scouting, GoTech Innovation analysts studied the markets of target countries for the number of companies that meet the X5 Retail Group criteria, developed an online application form using the TechScout platform, which was embedded into the X5 Lab website as a widget.
GoTech Innovation team planned and implemented a PR campaign in the media of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Russia, as well as in social networks to announce the goals of X5 Retail Group when cooperating with startups from these countries. More than 30 unique publications were issued in the media. From July 27, 2019 to September 17, 2019, GoTech Innovation technology scouts were looking for startups and telling them about the opportunities of cooperation with X5 Retail Group.
As a result of scouting, 232 applications were received from startups of 12 countries (Russia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Germany, Italy, Poland, Ukraine, USA, and Brazil) and 43 cities. X5 Retail Group experts selected 15 companies to participate in online pitch sessions. Entrepreneurs got the opportunity to present their solutions and voice proposals for cooperation.