Startupfest

11/20/2024

From Founder to CEO PT2!

Jonathan Lowenhar came to Startupfest to share the best (and worst) practices he and his team at Enjoy the Work have come across.

Check out Jonathan's full talk on Youtube and stay tuned for content coming soon across our socials!

07/19/2024

The official Startupfest 2024 photo album is here! Take a look: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBAeTb

📸 Share your favourite photos along with your experience. Be sure to tag us so we can see all your stories!

Whether or not you were able to join us for our 14th edition, you can stay in the loop by signing up for our newsletter. We share exclusive updates, deals and startup industry stories: https://bit.ly/467is0t

07/12/2024

Day 2 kept the energy and innovation going! Take a look at our highlights from yesterday:

- The Impact Showcase presented by BDC's Thrive Lab introduced us to the 25 top women-led impact startups across Canada.

- A full house at the Sky Stage for 's half-day of content exploring why the blue economy is set to have a value of $3 trillion USD by 2030. Presented by Canada's Ocean Supercluster, Novarium - Campus d'innovation du St-Laurent & Ocean Startup Project.

- The Startupfest Village saw lines of founders pitching for our investment prizes championed by Rep Matters, QueerTech, The Firehood, Fonds de solidarité FTQ & Front Row Ventures. Our investment prizes are now CLOSED. All shortlisted startups have been contacted. The only prize open today is the Grandmothers, 11am-2pm.

- The Investor AMA drew a big crowd at the Port Stage getting into the real questions we all want to ask investors with Lise Birikundavyi, Satish Kanwar, Marvin Liao & Meryeme Lahmami.

And now, welcome to day 3 of Startupfest 2024! A reminder that today has a later start with doors opening at 9:30am.

We've got an exciting day ahead of us and a full schedule! Here are the major happenings at the fest today:

🤝 Co-founding Partner of AgeTech Capital, Lyne Landry, and CIVIC Investor & Advisor, Sylvain Carle welcome you to ImpactFest, a session on empowering startups for people & planet.

⚡The 11th edition of AcceleratorFest takes off with host Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director & CEO of DMZ Ventures/Zone Startups, as a forum for discussions on best practices and challenges faced by those running acceleration programs.

🏆 Head to the Port Stage this afternoon to cheer on the finalists vying for our investment prizes. Find out who's taking home the trophies at 4:25pm.

We'll see you in an hour & best of luck to everyone pitching for a prize!

07/11/2024

Day 1 of our 14th edition was remarkable! Our favourite moments and highlights from yesterday:

- A full room at the Port Stage for Startup Montréal's big reveal of their new brand Quebec Tech during the opening of Startupfest VF!

- Hundreds of startups pitched across our investment prizes yesterday vying for our 5 investment prizes and Impact Grant (reminder that today is your last day to be shortlisted!)

- BDC's WiT Bootcamp celebrated its 5th anniversary over the view of Montréal's old port!

- The Startup Showcase's premier to the fest drew a huge crowd at the Pitch Stage as founders pitched their startups.

Today, we're keeping the energy going with these key agenda items to look forward to:

🌊 OceanFest kicks off at 8:55am with the Port de Montréal's President & CEO Julie Gascon, presented by Canada's Ocean Supercluster, Novarium - Campus d'innovation du St-Laurent & Ocean Startup Project.

☀️ Startupfest Main Content starts at 9:35am with a remote keynote on prioritizing growth in a world full of contradictions with Ron Tite, speaker, author and Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Church+State.

🏦 LPFest will take the City Stage for a half-day presented by HarbourVest Partners, inovia capital & RBCx. Afterwards, GPFest's half-day of content will be presented by Pender Ventures, Banque Nationale & TechBonjour.

⭐ 25 of Canada's top women-led impact startups will take the Pitch Stage for the Impact Showcase presented in partnership with BDC's Thrive Lab.

🏆 It's your final day to pitch for investment prizes! make sure you head to their respective spaces in the Startupfest Village early in your afternoon! Investment Judges are wearing green lanyards and can be found in the Startupfest Village.

Have an incredible day 2!

07/02/2024

💡 Une opportunité excitante pour les startups québécoises!

Startupfest est fier d'annoncer que la Bourse Impact Fonds de solidarité FTQ sera de retour au festival! Il s'agit d'un prix de 25 000$ réservé à la startup à impact québécoise la plus innovante visant à créer un meilleur avenir pour tous.

L'année dernière c'est Lara Emond, fondatrice de Iris + Arlo qui a remporté la Bourse Impact. Qui sera le ou la prochain(e)? Identifiez les fondateurs et les startups du Québec qui font une différence dans le monde!

🌟 Pour en savoir plus sur la Bourse Impact, cliquez ici: https://bit.ly/3VqF7zW

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💡 Exciting Opportunity for Quebec Startups!

Startupfest is proud to announce that the Fonds de solidarité FTQ Impact Grant will return to the fest! This is a $25,000 prize reserved for the most innovative Québec-based impact startup aiming to create a better future for everyone.

Last year, Lara Emond, founder of Iris + Arlo took home the Impact Grant. Who will be next? Tag founders & startups in Québec making a difference in the world!

🌟 To find out more about the Impact Grant, click here: https://bit.ly/4crCWCL

07/01/2024

Get to know the official Startupfest fundraiser!

Did you know that in Canada, 1 in 3 youth experience dating violence? At Startupfest, we're taking a stand against this alarming statistic by partnering with portraitX as our official fundraiser.

📅 Friday, July 12th
📍 Grand Quai Tower, Old Montréal

portraitX is where art and tech meet to empower youth and foster healthier relationships. Join us for an art workshop, followed by an insightful panel discussion on how art and technology can drive social change. Afterward, mingle with like-minded individuals during a cocktail where you can explore inspiring art.

🎟️ Secure your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3z5N0D5

By attending or sponsoring this event you're supporting portraitX's initiatives year-round. Let's come together and create a safer, healthier future for our youth.

06/28/2024

Digital Moment will be back at Startupfest for the second year in a row this July!

We're excited to welcome their group of young innovators, aged 14-17, to gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, networking, and the vibrant startup world.

Digital Moment's Social Innovation Lab places youth at the forefront of technological and social progress in a dynamic and collaborative environment. They ignite their entrepreneurial spirit and equip them with the tools and knowledge to harness new technologies for a brighter future.

We couldn't be happier to team up with Digital Moment once again to bring their youth to experience the unique environment of Startupfest!

06/26/2024

We couldn’t be more excited to announce a groundbreaking addition to our 2024 lineup: the 2SLGBTQIA+ Investment Prize!

In partnership with QueerTech, we’re launching this incredible opportunity valued at $60k.

🏳️‍🌈To qualify to pitch onsite, the most senior member of your executive team must identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Find out more about the brand new prize: https://bit.ly/4cqjMNE

👉 Plus, we’re welcoming additional investors for this prize. If you’re interested in joining us in championing diversity, drop us a line at [email protected]

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Nous ne pourrions pas être plus excités d'annoncer un ajout révolutionnaire à notre programmation 2024: le prix d'investissement 2SLGBTQIA+!

En partenariat avec QueerTech, nous lançons cette incroyable opportunité d'une valeur de 60k$. Ce prix ouvre de nouvelles possibilités pour les entrepreneurs 2SLGBTQIA+, favorisant une plus grande diversité, l'inclusion et l'innovation dans l'écosystème des startups.

🏳️‍🌈Pour pouvoir participer à la compétition de pitch sur place, le membre le plus haut placé de votre équipe de direction doit s'identifier comme faisant partie de la communauté 2SLGBTQIA+.

Pour en savoir plus sur le tout nouveau prix: https://bit.ly/3VvxJTI

👉De plus, nous accueillons des investisseurs supplémentaires pour ce prix. Si vous souhaitez vous joindre à nous pour défendre la diversité, écrivez-nous à [email protected].

06/18/2024

Did you know that in Canada, 1 in 3 youth experience dating violence?

That’s why Startupfest is proud to announce portraitX by Raison d'art as its official fundraiser. PortraitX uses a unique blend of art and tech with a youth-driven program and bespoke app designed to change the statistics on youth dating violence.

📅 Friday, July 12th
📍 Grand Quai Tower, Old Montréal

Get to know the portraitX app and create your own digital masterpiece during an art workshop followed by a panel on how art and tech drive social change. Afterwards, mingle with like-minded folks, enjoy drinks, and soak in the inspiring art.

🎟️ Grab your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3z5N0D5

Every ticket and sponsorship supports portraitX’s initiatives all year long. Be part of something impactful and help foster safer, healthier relationships for our youth.

06/05/2024

THE best way to connect with people at Startupfest:

Don’t miss out on Braindate by e180—our go-to platform for one-on-one and group conversations on topics that matter to you!

Braindates are your chance to:
💡 Engage in meaningful discussions with industry experts and mentors
🤝 Expand your network with like-minded professionals
📚 Dive deep into topics you’re passionate about

Secure your spot at Startupfest today and unlock the full potential of your experience with Braindate: https://bit.ly/3uWksug

📌 Startupfest | July 10-12, Montréal

05/31/2024

🏆$50k Student Entrepreneur Investment Prize 🏆

Back for its second year, this $50,000 investment prize is for student entrepreneurs attending Startupfest. The FRV Student Entrepreneur Prize is presented by Front Row Ventures

Pre-registration is mandatory to pitch. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/49DNdKq

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🏆 Prix d'investissement de 50 000 $ pour l'entrepreneuriat étudiant 🏆

De retour pour la deuxième année, ce prix d'investissement de 50 000 $ est destiné aux étudiants entrepreneurs participant au Startupfest. Le prix de 50 000 $ pour l'entrepreneuriat étudiant est présenté par Front Row Ventures.

L'inscription préalable est obligatoire pour présenter son pitch. Pour en savoir plus, cliquez ici: https://bit.ly/3U43jY1

This year, we’re introducing a new prize to the lineup, for student entrepreneurs. This is a $50,000 investment under FRV's standard safe note, (subject to standard legal due diligence). Pitch your vision at new heights with this prize taking over the elevator with 360 degree views of Montreal. Fr...

05/29/2024

Last chance to apply to the Startup Showcase Contest!

To celebrate the first edition of the Pitch Stage at Startupfest, we’ve put together our most lucrative giveaway contest yet! Five startups will be selected to win the following:

👉 One spot on the Pitch Stage
👉 A demo Table in the Startupfest Village
👉 Free entry to Startupfest (July 10-12, Montréal)

Apply before Friday, May 31: https://forms.gle/1w5PercrmRVqtPNK9

05/25/2024

📢 Appel à toutes les femmes fondatrices et leaders technologiques! L'Atelier Femmes en Technologie est de retour pour son 5e anniversaire au Startupfest ce 10 juillet! Toutes les informations sont disponibles ici : https://bit.ly/3Qhfwr7

Présenté par le Fonds Excelles de la BDC, le de cette année présente une liste incroyable de leaders de l'industrie au cœur de l'action du ! Nous serons rejoints par Michelle Scarborough, associée directrice de .

🤝 Cet événement exclusif d'une demi-journée vise à renforcer les capacités des femmes dans le domaine de la technologie en leur fournissant des ressources et des connexions inestimables. Inscrivez-vous dès maintenant pour réserver votre place: https://bit.ly/3Qhfwr7

05/24/2024

We’re introducing a brand new Pitch Stage and we want to see you on it! Five promising startups will win:

⚡ One spot on the Pitch Stage
⚡ A demo Table in the Startupfest Village
⚡ Free entry to Startupfest (July 10-12, Montréal)

Apply before Friday, May 31: https://forms.gle/1w5PercrmRVqtPNK9

05/21/2024

Calling all women founders and tech leaders! The Women in Tech Bootcamp is returning for its 5th-anniversary edition at Startupfest this July 10! All information is available here: https://bit.ly/3JwwOwT

‍💻Presented by BDC's Thrive Venture Fund, this year's boasts an incredible lineup of industry leaders at the heart of action! We will be joined by Managing Partner of , Michelle Scarborough.

This exclusive half-day event aims to empower women in tech by providing invaluable resources and connections. Apply now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3JwwOwT

05/20/2024

Applications are now open for Canada’s Virtual Pitch Competition Day on June 24! 💻

This is your chance to compete for a spot in the Grand Finale in Kitchener-Waterloo on Oct. 30 to win up to $70,000 in cash prizes to begin exporting your business globally. 💰

Applications close on June 11 or until all pitch spots are full. Apply now: https://bit.ly/virtual-pitch-day

Presented in partnership with and Development Canada