Fresh off becoming the newest Canadian member of 500 Startups, Toronto-based Sampler has just returned home from another honour: the lone Canadian startup selected for Unilever’s Foundry50 even in Cannes.
Unilever received over 300 applications, and overall vetted 3,000 different startups. Sampler was the only Canadian startup to make the cut.
Taking place during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Unilever’s Foundry50 is, in essence, a “festival within a festival,” promoting 50 top marketing-tech startups to Cannes’ agency and marketer delegates. Unilever says it received over 300 applications for the event, and overall vetted 3,000 different startups. Sampler, which helps brands send product samples online, was the only Canadian startup to make the cut.
“Showcasing our technology in Cannes to some of the most important marketing minds in the world was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had,” said Sampler founder Marie Chevrier.
In addition to having their companies showcased within the festival, the 50 selected startups were able to participate in pre-scheduled networking events like pitches and speed dating sessions. However, Sampler Account Manager Nitika Wahi told BetaKit that one of the biggest benefits of the trip was meeting complimentary technology solutions. “It was the perfect opportunity for us to learn about some of the new innovation in our space,” she said.
The Sampler team all agreed they won’t forget the experience anytime soon, and are hoping for a repeat next year.
