It’s only been about 4 or so weeks but I have discovered many possibilities for acquiring funding and support from investors, schools, and government. Every time I look, I find something new. I only have 20+ listed here so far, but Dan Martell has 200+ more!
I will do my best to keep this page updated as often as possible.
If you see a new resource, PLEASE email me and let me know at hello@mayur.ca so that everyone may benefit.
Before you go anywhere on this list, you absolutely MUST connect with Dan Martell on LinkedIn.
Dan has a list of over 200+ accelerators and organizations that you might help you. Most of these are USA-based, but don’t let that stop you. Remember, you are building a business so that you can help a Customer. How you get there are just the details.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dmartell_us-accelerators-dan-martell-activity-6641386808766709760-WIO6/
P.S. If you don’t get a response from Dan, just send me an email – hello@mayur.ca or connect on LinkedIn with me here and I will make sure you get the latest list.
Incubators, pitch events, VCs and private equity
| Resource | My experience |
| Global Talent Accelerator – https://globaltalentaccelerator.com/ | I just connected with some people on LinkedIn so far. |
| Vantec – https://www.vantec.ca/ | I went to their pitch event and met with some amazing people here. DO NOT miss their event! |
| Accel-RX – https://www.accel-rx.com/ | I just found this recently and haven’t investigated yet. Looks like a good fit for what I’m building at foodpilot.ai |
Governments, Foundations, non-profits
| Resource | My experience |
| Innovation Canada – https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/080.nsf/eng/home | DO NOT miss this one! Plenty of resources here! |
| GenomeBC – https://www.genomebc.ca/ | Just connecting with some so far. I haven’t met anyone from the organization here yet. |
Schools/Universities/Labs and Meetups
| Resource | My experience |
| Tech Vancouver – https://techcouver.com/ | I have been to two events so far and I URGE you to attend, network and meet people. I write a lot about how the 2nd and 3rd order consequences of networking will surprise you. If you do nothing else, print some business cards, and attend one of these events. |
| Tech Talent – https://techtalent.ca/ | These are primarily aimed at job seekers, but they are definitely worth attending to network, make friends. I found a key resource for my team at foodpilot.ai here! |
| Facebook Developer Circle – facebook.com/groups/DevCVancouver/ | I joined this recently after finding out about it when meeting another founder locally. I’m still looking for a Technical co-founder and may find someone here. |
| Lean Canvas – https://leanstack.com/leancanvas | This is an amazing way to build out all the puzzles pieces of your startup and a great way to brainstorm everything you need to think about. The Traction Roadmap is a MUST DO! |
| SFU Radius – https://radiussfu.com/ | I went to one of their events recently and LOVED meeting with Alan Albert from marketfit.com. I wrote about that workshop here. |
| Creative Destruction Lab – https://www.creativedestructionlab.com/ | From what I can tell its mentorship/training and spaces to work. I haven’t made any formal contact with them yet. |
Here are a bunch of BC/Canada options. I just discovered these today and need to investigate further.
- Accelerate Okanagan
- BC Tech Association Hypergrowth Program
- Creative Destruction Lab
- e@UBC
- Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre
- Launch Academy
- New Ventures BC Venture Acceleration Program
- next36
- SFU i2i program
- SFU Venture Connection
- Spring Activator
- VentureLabs
- VIATEC Venture Acceleration Program