John Lewis has unveiled a stellar cast of entrepreneurs and investors who are tasked with promoting and supporting businesses and shape the next generation of shopping experiences.

The 12 mentors will help run John Lewis’ new JLAB incubator, which will invite five retail technology start-ups to come on board in June, before gradually building its base of businesses three months later.

Each business will receive £12,500 in return for a four per cent equity stake, while an overall ‘winner’ will be offered up to £100,000 plus the chance to supply their tech to John Lewis’ retail chain.

Along with senior executives from John Lewis, the mentors include:

• Luke Johnson, chairman of Risk Capital Partners

• Sara Murray OBE, founder of confused.com and Buddi.

• Graham Clempson, Managing Partner of Quartic Capital

• Dr. Stephanie Hussels, Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at Cranfield University

• George Berkowski, former Head of Product at HAILO

• Bindi Karia, Vice President Entrepreneur banking at Silicon Valley Bank

John Lewis IT director Paul Coby is a fellow mentor. He said: “Working alongside John Lewis, they’ll advise each JLAB finalist during the development process, helping to tune them to the needs of retailers and providing invaluable insight into making their ideas a success.”