Canada’s newest cannabis tech accelerator, Grow Tech Labs (GTL), is opening its doors for workshops and accepting applications for its next cohort starting in January 2019.
The accelerator was co-founded by Barinder Rasode and the team at Vancouver-based investing firm Victory Square Technologies. GTL is focused on supporting entrepreneurs in the cannabis space by helping them build entrepreneurship skills and experience, and it will provide access to investment.
GTL will work with Launch Academy to kickstart its foundational training programs.
GTL will guarantee a spot for women and indigenous entrepreneurs in their program slots in order to support diversity in the space. Successful applicants will attend curated workshops led by experts in the cannabis industry that will help them set targets and goals for their business. By meeting set expectations on timelines, they will receive up to $150,000, as well as connections to new investors.
“Over the years we’ve encountered barriers, and we’re determined to make our mark by eliminating those with both our cohorts’ innovations and from us as leaders in the industry,” said Barinder Rasode, the co-founder and CEO of GTL. “It’s important for us to create space for new ideas and innovation for everyone alike— women, the indigenous community, parents, low-income families. By encouraging diversity, I truly think we’ll yield outstanding results.”
GTL will work with Launch Academy to kickstart its foundational training programs, mentoring resources, and professional network for budding cannabis innovators in Vancouver as Canada became the first G7 country to legalize cannabis for medicinal and recreational use.
“I am excited to work with this next wave of entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders who have been brought here by their desire join the innovation that is occurring in Vancouver’s cannabis sector,” said Ray Walia, founder and CEO of Launch Academy. “GTL’s cannabis accelerator is a perfect fit with our philosophy of execution and traction, and I’m looking forward to working with Barinder and helping to guide innovation in this area.”