Five Atlantic Canada tech startups have been selected to each receive a $25,000 investment from Volta Cohort, a micro-fund co-founded by Volta, BDC Capital, Innovacorp and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Volta said the companies will also receive mentorship opportunities and resources through the Halifax-based accelerator.
“Those founders are… developing innovative products to compete in the global market.”
Companies were selected at a pitch event held in Halifax last week. The fourteen finalists were originally announced earlier this month, and last week’s event saw founders pitch their businesses to a panel of judges, including representatives from Volta, Innovacorp, the ACOA, and Atlantic Canada’s startup community.
“Volta Cohort has proven to help talented, early-stage founders in Atlantic Canada’s startup ecosystem build momentum,” said Jesse Rodgers, CEO of Volta. “Those founders are not only attracting investment, they are also generating quality jobs and developing innovative products to compete in the global market.”
The following companies were chosen to join the next Volta Cohort and receive funding:
Arolytics: developing web applications to help production and manufacturing industries manage and mitigate greenhouse gases emissions and air toxics.
Atomo: a continuous discovery platform for product teams.
BlackWatch Tech: developing innovative safety equipment and is currently developing a few products, including a man-overboard device for fishermen.
Gibli Innovations: working on a sensor that provides cyclists and triathletes with real-time aerodynamic feedback while training or racing to optimize their riding position and see upwards of 20 percent efficiency gains.
ReelData: offering remote monitoring technology for the aquaculture industry, allowing fish farms to know the biomass, appetite, and welfare of finned fish in without manual intervention.
Volta first opened applications for its fourth cohort in February. It currently houses more than 40 different tech ventures, three innovation outposts, and five service and community partners, that employ more than 300 people who work out of Volta’s space. Along with investments, Volta offers cohort companies workspace, programming assistance, and mentorship.
The accelerator will also be hosting its Ecosystem Impact Awards in early June, to recognize the leaders and supporters of Atlantic Canada’s startup ecosystem. The awards event will include five accolades for eligible founders, companies, and their supporters, on June 6 in the Volta Event Space.
Image courtesy Volta.
