Vancouver continues to draw attention as a rising startup hub, and there are a few reasons for its rise. Most obvious is the concentration of talent. Vancouver is home to some quality universities, which results in highly skilled individuals with the ability to build great products.
Also, when it comes to the amount of support given to innovators, opportunity is plentiful. The BC Tech Fund and several other federal funding options are available; as well as a significant number of incubators and accelerators to help startups scale.
Do you want to take your ideas to Vancouver and launch your startup on the right track? Here's a select list of startup incubators and accelerators in Vancouver that can help you get started, ordered alphabetically:
1. accel-rx
- Description: "We're here to ensure the health sciences ecosystem in Canada thrives today and flourishes into the future. As Canada’s health innovation accelerator, we give health science start-ups the support they need to transcend innovations into commercialization. This means we enable companies to grow, mature and become investor-ready."
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Life and Health Sciences.
- accel-rx Requirements: Promising early stage startups who are developing innovative health science solutions.
- accel-rx Deal Terms: An investment of up to $1 million. It’s important to note that their preferred method of investment is in convertible notes but equity is also an option. Innovators will participate in their National Mentoring Program where they’ll connect with proven CEOs and leaders. Also, founders are provided with networking opportunities and access to investment forums; plus, startups receive pitch coaching, business and scientific training, etc.
- Notable accel-rx Alumni: Encycle Therapeutics, Flosonics Medical, ImStar Therapeutics, Inversago Pharma, SoundBite Medical Solutions, SpecificiT Pharma, Zucara Therapeutics.
2. BC Tech Hub
- Description: “The BC Tech Hub is the place helping make that happen with a dedicated 26,000 square foot acceleration space where burgeoning tech anchors and enterprise companies have space to connect and learn from one another.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- BC Tech Hub Requirements: They welcome growth stage startups who have 5 or more employees with more than $1 million in revenue and who are scaling fast.
- BC Tech Hub Deal Terms: Founders have access to different types of programs to grow their startups. Also, it provides business development support and networking opportunities with potential investors and partners, etc.
- Notable BC Tech Hub Alumni: Picatic (acquired by Eventbrite), RentMoola, Thinkific.
3. Creative Destruction Lab
- Description: “The Creative Destruction Lab is a seed-stage program for massively scalable, science and technology-based companies. The program employs an objectives-based mentoring process with the goal of maximizing equity-value creation.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Prime, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cities, Health, Quantum Machine Learning and Space.
- Creative Destruction Lab Requirements: They welcome innovative entrepreneurs from around the world. Also, they work with startups who are beyond the concept stage and that have developed or currently working on a prototype.
- Creative Destruction Lab Deal Terms: Participants will get mentorship from angel investors and entrepreneurs; plus, the program offers opportunities to raise capital from VC firms and angel investors. Also, they help with business development support, concept feedback and validation.
- Notable Creative Destruction Lab Alumni: Axem Neurotechnology, Coastal Genomics, Concha Labs, Ecoation, Humon, Scoop Solar, TritonWear.
4. DDB Ignite
- Description: “DDB Ignite puts the power of Canada’s most celebrated communications agency behind emerging entrepreneurs and start-up companies. We’ve tailored our strategic planning tools and processes to generate business results for start-ups.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- DDB Ignite Requirements: Innovators looking to turn a unique idea into a successful startup.
- DDB Ignite Deal Terms: They provide mentoring to empower founders and workshops to scale their startups. Also, DDB helps startups to develop their brand story and creative concepts.
5. Empowered Startups
- Description: “We empower. We mentor, accelerate and incubate innovative domestic and global business ideas. We work with both aspiring and driven entrepreneurial leaders capable of building outstanding startups that enhance the prosperity of their chosen ecosystem.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- Empowered Startups Requirements: Being an innovative and driven entrepreneur who is looking to develop or grow their startup in Canada.
- Empowered Startups Deal Terms: They provide mentorship, networking opportunities and educational programs to build successful startups.
- Notable Empowered Startups Alumni: breez, CAMP, Canadian Medical Distribution, Factic, Farmy, Mekso, NativeLink, TruScrypt.
6. entrepreneurship@UBC
- Description: “Helping UBC entrepreneurials change the world.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Life Sciences, Core Technology and Social Impact.
- entrepreneurship@UBC Requirements: At least one of the startup founders must be affiliated with UBC (a student, faculty member, staff or an alumni (up to 5 years after graduating)).
- entrepreneurship@UBC Deal Terms: They offer 3 tailored incubator programs. entrepreneurship@UBC helps startups build a business model canvas, product-market fit to test their idea, mentorship, networking opportunities, access to a coworking space and investors, etc.
- Notable entrepreneurship@UBC Alumni: ChopValue, Daanaa, HyperVote, Koonkie, My Green Space, Quupe, Simbi.
7. Expa
- Description: “We’re a startup studio designed for entrepreneurs to create and launch new companies.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- Expa Requirements: Entrepreneurs who want to test out their innovative ideas and build successful startups.
- Expa Deal Terms: They help entrepreneurs to build business strategies, develop branding and prototypes. Also, they provide a coworking space, access to a network of support and industry experts to guide startups, etc.
- Notable Expa Alumni: Aero, Cmd, Current, Eco, Haus, Input, Metabase, Mix, Mos, Spot.
8. Foresight
- Description: “We accelerate Canadian transformative clean technology startups from launch to scale.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Automation, Clean Technology and Manufacturing.
- Foresight Requirements: Startups who are working on technology solutions to produce and create energy efficiently.
- Foresight Deal Terms: They offer different programs to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their startups. Also, Foresight provides access to executives in residence, 1-on-1 mentorship meetings, networking opportunities, etc.
- Notable Foresight Alumni: Acuva, BC Biocarbon, Bionic Power, DarkVision, Hydra Energy, Neurio, Pyrowave, Reforus.
9. Founder Institute Vancouver (pre-seed accelerator)
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Description: The Founder Institute works with entrepreneurs and teams in the pre-seed stage, typically before they are advanced enough to gain acceptance into a seed-accelerator program. The program helps you build an enduring business by providing Vancouver startup experts that are invested in your success, and a structured business-building process that has helped alumni raise over $1.75BN.
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Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
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Founder Institute Requirements: Both solo founders and teams at the pre-seed stage are welcome, including those at the idea or very early-stages of a company (including pre-incorporation). If your company has significant funding, traction, or revenue, then you are probably too advanced for the Founder Institute and should consider applying to the seed-accelerators on this list.
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Founder Institute Deal Terms: To create a strong support network, participants join an "Equity Collective" where they contribute 4% of their company to a shared pool. Any financial returns to this pool are then shared equally with each cohort's alumni, the program mentors, Local Leaders, and Founder Institute.
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Notable Founder Institute Alumni: Udemy, Acudeen, Appota, Ovamba, Realty Mogul, TravelCar, and more.
10. Futurpreneur Canada
- Description: “Futurpreneur Canada has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s young enterprise for two decades.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- Futurpreneur Canada Requirements: Innovative Canadian entrepreneurs between the ages of 18-39 looking to launch their startups.
- Futurpreneur Canada Deal Terms: Futurpreneur Canada provides an investment of up to $60,000. Also, access to networking opportunities with mentors and industry experts, 1-on-1 mentoring sessions with partner executives, workshops and pitching opportunities to investors.
11. Grow Tech Labs
- Description: “Grow Tech Labs’ Accelerator Program features a self-directed model that will provide innovators and entrepreneurs with a clear roadmap to achieving their growth goals and receiving funding along the way.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Cannabis.
- Grow Tech Labs Requirements: Entrepreneurs who want to turn their innovative ideas into scalable startups in the cannabis industry.
- Grow Tech Labs Deal Terms: Startups are offered a $150,000 convertible note and a 20% discount for an equity of 6-7%. Grow Tech Labs offers access to mentorship, workshops, networking opportunities, online education, Demo Day, etc.
12. HATCH Accelerator
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Description: “HATCH is entrepreneurship@UBC's accelerator program designed to take your venture to the next level. We provide you and your team with the support and space you need to ensure your world-changing innovations aren’t left in the lab.”
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Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
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HATCH Accelerator Requirements: Entrepreneurs who want to take their venture to the next level and have completed the entrepreneurship@UBC incubator program.
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HATCH Accelerator Deal Terms: Entrepreneurs participate in a tailored training program and receive support from the entrepreneurs in residence; plus, they have access to a maker space and a dedicated working space.
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Notable HATCH Accelerator Alumni: BarrelWise, Cuprous Pharmaceuticals, Daanaa, deepND, Embrace Orthopaedics, FTSY, Green Metrics, Hubly, Pathonix, Vesalius Cardiovascular.
13. Highline BETA
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Description: “Build better ventures. Highline BETA is a startup co-creation company. We build and fund new ventures alongside forward-thinking global enterprises.”
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Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
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Highline BETA Requirements: Having an early stage startup with growth potential.
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Highline BETA Deal Terms: They help startups to identify challenges and create growth opportunities; also, assist with idea validation, building a proof of concept and launch. Participants can be mentored by industry experts and serial entrepreneurs.
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Notable Highline BETA Alumni: Andela, Breather, Drop, FameBit, MedStack, Relay.
14. Innovate BC
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Description: “Innovate BC is a one stop service centre to connect innovators — large and small — with BC government funding, tools, resources and support.”
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Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
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Innovate BC Requirements: Being an innovator in British Columbia looking to turn their idea into a scalable startup.
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Innovate BC Deal Terms: The investments vary depending on the program. For example, the Ignite Program provides an investment of up to $300,000 to applied sciences startups. Innovate BC helps startups to get funding, connect with industry experts; plus, launch ideas and to grow their business.
15. Innovation Boulevard
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Description: “Through partnership, entrepreneurship, and new technology, our vision is improved health for people and a vibrant network that supports economic growth. Innovation Boulevard brings together the problem solvers from business, health institutions, higher education, and government to introduce new options and drive value.”
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Sectors / Markets of Focus: Life Sciences and Health Tech.
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Innovation Boulevard Requirements: They work with health tech startups regardless of their development stage.
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Innovation Boulevard Deal Terms: Startups have access to specialized facilities with state-of-the-art equipment; also, they are connected to industry experts and both university and hospital researchers to help them solve healthcare problems.
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Notable Innovation Boulevard Alumni: ayogo, Bigmotion, CareCrew, CuePath Innovation, Medimap, MetaOptima, Torus Biomedical Solutions, Yactraq.
16. Interface Health
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Description: “Interface Health is a platform and community that cares about innovators, the future of health and about making a difference in the world. This is where you can find the right solutions, connections and resources, anytime, anywhere – which means faster access, reduced costs, improved experiences and better outcomes for everybody.”
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Sectors / Markets of Focus: Life Sciences and Health Tech.
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Interface Health Requirements: Innovators who want to contribute to the future of healthcare and make a significant difference in the world.
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Interface Health Deal Terms: Entrepreneurs have access to a network of researchers, fellow innovators, business partners and consumers; plus, it facilitates opportunities to exchange ideas and explore new opportunities.
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Notable Interface Health Alumni: Brain Power Score, Careteam, Claris Healthcare, Curatio, HeadCheck Health, Muse, Nourished Babe, TIPSO.
17. Launch Academy
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Description: “Launch Academy is an early-stage tech incubator that provides entrepreneurs with the mentorship, resources, network and environment they need to launch, fund and grow their startups.”
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Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
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Launch Academy Requirements: Entrepreneurs who want to pursue their innovative ideas and turn them into scalable startups.
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Launch Academy Deal Terms: Access to startup training programs, mentorship, learning resources and tech events. Launch Academy provides pitch competitions, networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs and Vancouver’s tech community.
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Notable Launch Academy Alumni: iHeart, Meatme, myBestHelper.com, Riipen, Spacelist, StoryTap, Workstory.
18. League of Innovators
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Description: “League of Innovators (LOI) is a national Canadian charity with a goal of building entrepreneurial acumen for youth, at scale. League of Innovators is a suite of accessible programs and tools to provide youth educational experiences that shorten their path to success, empower their ability to be their own boss, and amplify their impact as future innovators and entrepreneurs.”
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Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
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League of Innovators Requirements: Entrepreneurs up to the age of 25 willing to be challenged and to take their innovative ideas to the next level.
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League of Innovators Deal Terms: Startups will participate in a 12-week acceleration program with access to office hours with industry leaders and experts, 1-on-1 coaching sessions and webinars to scale their business.
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Notable League of Innovators Alumni: Bookback, BreatheSuite, Grant Me, MedConnect.
19. Radius SFU
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Description: “A Social Innovation Hub for Thoughtful Changemakers. At RADIUS, we believe an economy that works for everyone is one that is just, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. To enact social change, we nurture radical ideas into useful solutions. Along the way, we learn by doing, and equip aspiring changemakers to drive economic transformation. We are RADIUS – we build solutions and support leaders in service of systems change.”
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Sectors / Markets of Focus: Social Impact.
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Radius SFU Requirements: Innovators who want to find solutions to tough social problems.
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Radius SFU Deal Terms: They offer a wide array of programs which include: incubation support, educational programs and expertise, community connections to create change, etc.
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Notable Radius SFU Alumni: FRAMEWORQ, The Starfish Canada.
20. Spring
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Description: “Spring is using business as a force for good to empower social impact leaders with the know-how, network and support needed to build a better business.”
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Sectors / Markets of Focus: Social Impact.
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Spring Requirements: They work with innovative leaders who want to make the world a better place.
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Spring Deal Terms: They offer several programs which include weekly learning sessions, office space, access to mentors and industry leaders, networking opportunities with partners and potential investors, etc.
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Notable Spring Alumni: Animagic Studios, Bite Snacks, Dojo, iHeart, Peqish, ReWatt Power, Speakbox, SuavAir, Virtro Entertainment.
21. TriCelerate
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Description: “Since 2014, TriCelerate has served as a platform from which entrepreneurs can launch and scale new ventures which empower, motivate and inspire - built for the community by the community.”
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Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
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TriCelerate Requirements: Entrepreneurs who want to launch and scale their startups.
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TriCelerate Deal Terms: Startups will have access to a coworking space, workshops, community-building meetups, mentorship and educational programs; plus, networking opportunities with investors and pitch competitions.
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Notable TriCelerateAlumni: Netcoins.
22. VentureLabs
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Description: “SFU VentureLabs® is a world class science and technology accelerator based in Vancouver, BC Canada.”
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Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
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VentureLabs Requirements: Open to world-class startups who are looking to scale.
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VentureLabs Deal Terms: Startups are able to develop their business model and product market fit, receive coaching and mentorship from both Executives-in-Residence and industry leaders, networking and investment opportunities; plus, the possibility of taking international business development trips.
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Notable VentureLabs Alumni: Bio Conscious Technologies, Downtown.AI, Instant Financial, Nextleaf Solutions, Semios, SensoDrive, TalentClick.
23. ZenLaunchpad
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Description: “North Vancouver's Premier startup hub and collaborative workspace. We build scalable & thriving businesses.”
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Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
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ZenLaunchpad Requirements: Entrepreneurs and startups looking to develop their innovative ideas.
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ZenLaunchpad Deal Terms: They provide a workspace, business workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs and investors to help startups grow.
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Notable ZenLaunchpad Alumni: Nuytco, Plantiga, RunGo, Smart City Media.
