RockMass Tech wins $50,000 at DMZ Women Founders pitch competition

The DMZ has announced the winners of its Women Founders accelerator pitch competition.

Launched in February 2018 to support early-stage women-led startups, the companies went through a four-month acceleration and mentorship experience.   Of the eight finalists who had the opportunity to pitch their startup in front of the judges, three winners were named. As the judges deliberated, Sampler founder and CEO Marie Chevrier shared tips on building a seven-figure business in a fireside chat (disclosure: the talk was moderated by the author of the article.)

“#Toronto is the best city to start a startup.” @MarieChevy chatting about her startup journey with @jessicagalangg at tonight’s fireside chat ?? cc: @RyersonDMZ #DMZWomenFounders

— lauren arnold (@larnold5) September 20, 2018

The three winners include:

First place ($50,000): RockMass Tech, which is building mining technology allowing geologists to assess tunnel stability.

Second place ($25,000): SWTCH, which is building electric vehicle charging management solutions for residential and commercial real estate markets.

Third place ($15,000): Furnishr, which supplies a fully-furnished room in a day—including design, delivery, assembly, and cleanup—for people moving in to new homes.

“The DMZ Women Founders program has helped our startup receive invaluable connections and opportunities, which has led to a level of growth that makes us thrilled embark on the next phase of our business,” said Shelby Yee, co-founder and CEO of RockMass Tech.

“By bringing together industry leaders and serial entrepreneurs to contribute to a results-driven program, the finalists have been able to find better product-market fit, increase customer acquisition and receive access to non-dilutive funding,” said Abdullah Snobar, executive director of the DMZ. “We look forward to continue working with the finalists to build on the success they have experienced in the past four months.”

Jessica Galang