Two Canadian accelerator programs are announcing their calls for applications today, in Toronto’s JOLT and Moncton’s Launch36 programs.
JOLT officially begins accepting applications today for its summer 2014 cohort and was pretty specific with what kind of companies its looking for: those focused on Internet of Things (IOT) or wearable tech, and those “reshaping industries such as digital health, retail, finance, media and entertainment.”
JOLT has also added some well-known Canadian partners, although its unknown in what capacity:
• Clarity – an online marketplace that connects entrepreneurs with top advisors & industry experts from around the world.
• BNOTIONS – a world-class Mobile Strategy, Data & Analytics Innovation Firm.
• Scalability – provides professional back office services that allow startups to focus on growing their business without growing their back office.
• Idea Couture – an award-winning, global strategic innovation and experience design firm.
• Bonspiel! Theatre – a group of Toronto improvisers and writers, Second City alumni and critically acclaimed actors, Canadian Comedy Award winners and CTV news personalities.
“When we launched JOLT, our goal was to create an open network of diverse individuals and partners that our entrepreneurs could learn from,” said executive director Sue McGill. “We’re grateful to be surrounded by such high caliber partners who devote time, energy and expertise to our startups that are trying to make big and meaningful changes in the world and often in the face of skeptics.”
Since its launch in July 2012, JOLT has invested $610K in seventeen startups that have successfully raised over $5.2 million of additional financing. Five of the seventeen JOLT companies have raised over $500,000 of follow-on financing.
Meanwhile about a 15-hour drive east is Moncton, Propel ICT’s Launch36 technology startup accelerator program is also fast approaching. Applications for “the east coast’s most disruptive accelerator program” are open until February 28.
Launch36 is a 12-week program with six one-day “boot camp” sessions held in Moncton. Each participating startup is selected by a panel of entrepreneurs and investors based on the quality of the team, product opportunity and growth potential. The first boot camp will be held on March 26.
“Our program is tough and intense. It’s a powerful boost for startups that mean business. Launch36 entrepreneurs work closely with our highly engaged coaches as well as a network of over 70 advisors in finance, business planning, product design, marketing and other areas that are vital for startups to understand,” said Propel ICT executive director Trevor MacAusland. “Our alumni are building global companies from a base here on the East Coast. The next group can do the same.”
Over the past two years, 26 companies have graduated from the Launch36 program, creating 100 jobs and raising $12 million in venture capital investment.