Relay’s Post

Good Morning All - I’m thrilled to introduce this years C100 2024 #C100Growth and #C100Fellows cohorts! These companies, executives, and founders represent the next wave of Canadian tech opportunity, each poised to make a significant impact in their respective industries. This year we had an incredible applicant pool of hundreds to select from and were blessed to make tough incredible selections. The 12 companies joining our Growth Program exemplify the deep quality of Canadian tech and the incredible repeat innovation that Canada has to offer, with more than half of the leaders being serial entrepreneurs. The cohort comprises pioneers in B2B SaaS, fintech, health tech, cleantech, and AI. This years 26 early-stage companies showcase Canadian ingenuity, technological advancement, and a commitment to social impact - it's also the largest cohort ever – and is characterized by its diversity, spanning B2B SaaS, deep tech, health tech, fintech, legal tech, and more. Congratulations to all and welcome to the C100 family! #CdnTech #Innovation #Entrepreneurship

I just have to talk about this. Finding success for your startup can be a fickle thing. How do you "delight your customers", as Warren Buffet so iconically put it? What are the boxes your MVP has to tick? And at which point did you reach product market fit? In short: how can you wow your future clients by solving a problem in a way they never thought possible? To make all of this easier (and to get your hands on B2B customers in the first place), Impact Hub Zurich in 2015 launched its spin-off, Kickstart Innovation. Every year since their inception, they have been bringing 100+ entrepreneurs to Switzerland to collaborate with key players for proof-of-concepts, pilot projects and other innovation partnerships. So far, over 310 proofs of concept and commercial deals have been reached, and more than 2.5 billion Swiss Francs were raised by Kickstart alumni. US market research platform, CB Insights, even puts Kickstart into the top 25 of startup accelerators globally. This year, NEUR.ON is thankful and proud to have been selected to be part of the 2024 batch in the "Finance & Insurance" vertical. We're very much looking forward to feel the boost this new opportunity of networking and refinement will give to our product. A special thank you to the innovative #FinTech and #InsureTech companies making this program possible: Swisscom, die Mobiliar, PostFinance, Stadt Zürich, ETH Zürich, Kanton Zürich, and many more. #Kickstarters24 #Innovation #Scaleup #DeepTech #Growth (Picture taken at one of last year's community events. Copyright is with Kickstart Innovation.)

The Power of Persistence: Our Journey from Newcomers to Known Innovators In 2018, Titomic made its debut. Back then, we were the fresh faces at every exhibition and trade show, introducing a new company and a groundbreaking technology to the world. It felt like every event was a first impression, an introduction to the industry's vast network. But something magical happens when you commit to consistently showing up. Over the years, we've honed our focus, selecting markets and industries where we see the most potential for our technology. This wasn't an overnight transformation. It was the result of showing up, again and again, making our presence felt at every relevant event, no matter how big or small. Today, we're still on our journey to becoming a mainstream name, but the change in perception is palpable. People—industry insiders, potential partners, and clients—recognize us. They seek us out, bringing their questions, challenges, and opportunities directly to us. This shift didn't happen because we followed a trend or used the right buzzwords. It happened because we were clear about who we are, what we offer, and we made sure we were there, consistently and reliably, for our audience. For any startup, especially in the B2B tech space, this is my key takeaway: Understand your business's core, identify your audience, and then show up for them. Not just once or twice, but as a constant presence. It's this consistency that breaks down barriers, even in the most cautious of industries. Persistence pays off. It transforms the new kids on the block into respected players. And while the journey is long, the relationships and opportunities it brings are worth every step. #Startups #B2BTechnology #Persistence #GrowthJourney

FoundHers Innovation Labs Application Deadline is August 28, 2024! 🎉🌟 Despite increased funding for research and innovation, such as the Canadian government's $4.6 billion package highlighted in Budget 2024, Black entrepreneurs, particularly Black womxn, continue to face significant barriers in the innovation sector. Enter FoundHers Labs. This groundbreaking program is dedicated to empowering Black womxn entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and support they need to thrive in the tech industry. Our mission is to grow the program and foster innovation, promote diversity, and drive success for womxn founders from all backgrounds. 🔍 What to Expect: - CTO Matching: Get paired with an experienced CTO tailored to your industry needs. - Technical Guidance: Receive practical advice on product development from concept to launch. - Skill Enhancement: Learn directly from experts to build your team's technical capabilities. - Growth Strategy: Collaborate on plans to scale your product and drive business growth. - Problem Solving: Get personalized support to tackle technical obstacles and ensure market readiness. 📅 Program Launch Date: September 5th, 2024 We are tired of programs that just "talk the talk". Let's empower your solution with the technical expertise and resources needed for scale. Join FoundHers and bring your vision to life with the support of a dedicated CTO. If you’d like to get involved in partnership or know a founder who would be interested, contact us today at:  info@pitchbetter.ca 🔗 Apply Now: https://foundhers.vc/ Let’s innovate, inspire, and lead together! 🚀 #WomenInTech #DiversityInTech #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #WomenFounders #TechStartups #Empowerment #Leadership #TechnologyProgram

🌀 Missing the buzz, but questioning the ROI? 🌀 These days, everyone seems to be at the #BitsPretzels in Munich and there is a strong #FOMO for anyone not attending (like me). As someone who used to regularly participate in major startup conferences like #TechCrunch, #VivaTech, or #hub.berlin - especially during my time as #CEO of my former startup, gestigon - I have to admit, I miss the #energy, the #excitement, and the sense of being part of this #ecosystem. These events are self-assuring, fun, and great for building #connections, but in reality, they often lead to startups #networking with startups, VCs with VCs, and big corporates with big corporates. Cross-functional #interactions, which could spark truly meaningful #collaborations, often seem more rare. Sure, having a booth and demoing the latest developments might create different dynamics, but let’s be honest, most of these conferences are not built around exhibitions. They thrive on stages, fire-side chats, keynotes, and evening drinks. While I miss being part of the #community, I can’t help but question the value of investing significant time and money into participating. Does the impact justify the cost in terms of resources and focus, or has the #ecosystem become a little too self-reinforcing? Curious to hear your #thoughts. Have these #conferences evolved, or is it just me? 🤔

Startups & Investors - my 5 Cents due to current #events, we probably need to #rethink the way we invest? it´s not about throwing money at startups and hoping for the best. it`s about matching them with the right mentors, ressources and partner. and that has to happen at the right time. timing is #king. and the #support shouldn't end when the program end. this is #key! offering access to key values for the dedicated phase, especially when it comes to #groth and #scaling is huge for a growing company. plus the #mentorship must continue ... because, let`s face it, the #challenges don`t just disappear! and get this. we should even help in #marketing and #PR and of course fancy #tool stuff. in many cases, a simple IT setup is great at the beginning, but if you want to scale you need "more"; this is where an experienced IT-architect can help a lot. this would be a #gamechanger for the upcomming startups. it`s the continued support that makes all the difference! anyone can give a startup a push, but in my scenario we need to walk along side them, helping them face challenges head on and ultimately achieve lasting access. if you invest, you have to invest in #people and in #visions and this requires a incredible level of #support. we need to back the gamechangers that can imagine and build our future! ;) key take away: i see a #shift of thinking upcoming and I am happy to be a part of it. X-Creation schwarzenberg.tech GmbH Direttissima Growth Partners Telekom TechBoost T-Systems International Deutsche Telekom hubraum DTCP Dr. Ferri Abolhassan Srini Gopalan Tim Höttges Frédéric P. Delbrück Knuth Molzen Frank Barz Donovan Dr. Pfaff Jens Mühlner Tatjana Wittig Elke Anderl Christine Knackfuss-Nikolic Andre Engelbertz Thomas Weiler Alois Flatz Richard Woller Yvonne Zwick Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus Anette Bronder Madeleine Heuts ..... ;)

At Spark Centre and Synergy Lab, we’re buzzing with excitement as we kick off a week-long celebration of creativity, ingenuity, and groundbreaking ideas in celebration of Canadian Innovation Week 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding innovator, this is YOUR week to shine! Here at Spark Centre, innovation isn’t just a buzzword – it’s our way of life. We’re constantly pushing boundaries, fostering collaboration, and supporting the brightest minds in our community. From cutting-edge tech startups to forward-thinking social enterprises, we’re proud to be at the forefront of Canada’s innovation scene. Throughout the week, we’ll be shining a spotlight on some of our incredible clients who have taken their ideas from concept to reality, and beyond. From healthcare to finance, and everything in between, our diverse roster of innovators is proof that Canadian ingenuity knows no bounds. As a business incubator and Startup Visa designate, we’re committed to nurturing the next generation of game-changers and disruptors. Our entrepreneurial ecosystem is thriving, and we couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it. So here’s to a week filled with inspiration, collaboration, and endless possibilities. Let’s show the world what Canadian innovation is all about! #CIW24 #innovation #technology #businessincubator #clientspotlight

As we approach the final stretch before TechCrunch’s biggest event of the year — one of the most highly anticipated tech conferences for startups and VCs alike — let’s take a look at the top five reasons you won’t want to miss Disrupt 2024, set to take place at Moscone West in San Francisco from […] https://lnkd.in/dGxuCgA7 #Fintech #Africanfintech #TechnologyAndGrowth #MakingAnImpact #SocietalChanges #TheFutureIsHere #AdvancementInTechnology #entrepreneur #FintechNews #FintechSolutions #business #GlobalTrade #ConnectingGreenTalent #bigdata #innovation #artificialIntelligence

🚀 Join Us for the Tech Start-Up Symposium! 🚀 🗓 Date: June 25, 2024  ⏰ Time: 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM  📍 Location: Riverfront Events   Get ready for an inspiring morning of innovation, inspiration, and networking! The Tech Start-Up Symposium, co-hosted by the Tech Council of Delaware and the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce, is the must-attend event for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and investors. You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with key players across Delaware's tech start-up ecosystem!   🎤 Presenter Highlights: ▶ DHS Science and Technology Directorate ▶ The Innovation Space ▶ Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation ▶ gener8tor gBETA Bronze Valley VentureLab Delaware ▶ Delaware Small Business Development Center ▶ Delaware Division of Small Business 🌟 Event Highlights:   ➡ Networking Breakfast: Make new connections while kickstarting your day with a delicious breakfast. ➡ Start-up Pitches: Founders and owners from the Diverse Tech Entrepreneurs Committee (DTEC) will deliver engaging 3-minute pitches showcasing their exciting ventures. ➡ Funding Opportunities: Learn more about available funding opportunities from influential funders and investors, including federal and state government representatives, and venture capital firms. ➡ Networking: Continue the conversation with a final round of networking, building connections that could transform your business. 🤝 Why Attend? ▶ Connect with like-minded tech enthusiasts and industry leaders. ▶Learn from a diverse array of entrepreneurs ready to disrupt industries. ▶Explore funding opportunities and meet potential investors. ▶Network to forge partnerships that can propel your venture to new heights. Don't miss out on this unique event that promises to be a game-changer for both entrepreneurs and investors alike! 📢 RSVP Today and be a part of the future of tech innovation! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/evcBynEH #TechStartUp #Networking #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Investment

🚀 Exciting news for new tech innovators across Greater Manchester! 🚀 Manchester Digital are launching fully funded support through the Startup Activator : Initiate programme. Whether you're just brainstorming a tech startup idea or already building your business, don't miss out! Why Join them? 🔹 Expert Advice: Gain invaluable insights, mentoring, and advice from industry leaders and seasoned tech entrepreneurs who’ve been in your shoes and know the path to success. 🔹In-depth Masterclasses: curated by founders for founders. 🔹 Vibrant Community: It can be a lonely journey; join a peer-to-peer community of 100 founders, at a similar stage but different backgrounds and a diverse range of viewpoints. 🔹 Resources at Your Fingertips: Access a hub of on-demand content, knowledge, and resources designed to accelerate your growth. 🔹 Tailored Support: Receive personalised guidance and support tailored to your unique business needs and challenges. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your vision into reality. Whether you’re in the ideation phase or have already launched your product, our programme is here to elevate your path. FREE support tailored specifically for ambitious entrepreneurs, with minimal time commitment and maximum flexibility, apply here - https://lnkd.in/eTHWDGjR