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C100 Announces 2024 Growth and Fellows Program Cohorts

Toronto, Canada, and San Francisco, CA — September 4, 2024 — C100, now in its 15th year, is proud to announce the 2024 cohorts for its new Growth Program and its re-energized Fellows Program. These programs are designed to help Canadian technology companies accelerate growth by connecting them with the expertise, networks, and resources of C100’s Silicon Valley, Toronto, and Global Membership. 

“The strong applicant pool, including our selected Growth and Fellows cohorts, are a testament to the breadth and depth of Canadian tech innovation and long-term potential, ” said Michael Buhr, Executive Director of C100. “C100’s programs offer unparalleled experiences in helping Canada’s highest potential companies scale to be industry leaders. The applicants were so exceptional this year that we expanded both cohorts beyond what we initially anticipated. We simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity to support these outstanding founders, CEOs, and their companies.”

C100 Growth Program: Helping Companies Bend their Growth Curve

The Growth Program is designed to support rapidly scaling Canadian companies with $10M+ in annual revenue. The 12 companies in the cohort exemplify the best of innovation that Canada has to offer, with more than half of the leaders serial entrepreneurs. The cohort comprises pioneers in B2B SaaS, fintech, health tech, cleantech, and AI. 

2024 Growth Program cohort companies include 7gen, Arteria AI, ContactMonkey, e-Zinc, Humi, My01, Phoenix, Rebelstork, Relay Financial, RetiSpec, stan, and Uride.

On average, these cohort companies will generate annual revenues of $20M US in 2024, with many expected to surpass $30M US.

“Canadian talent punches above its weight, but we need more successful companies to fuel our ecosystem, ” says Shelby Austin, Co-Founder and CEO of Arteria AI, one of C100 Growth Cohort companies. “The more that scale, the higher the value for Canada. By joining the C100 Growth Program, we’re excited to learn from the leading thinkers within the C100 community, engage with peer companies, and benefit from the impactful mentorship that will help us scale and contribute to Canada’s growing tech landscape.”

C100 Fellows Program: 15 Years of Nurturing the Next Generation of Innovators

Now in its 15th year, the re-energized C100 Fellows Program (with 1:1 mentoring and an additional “48Hrs in the Valley” event) continues its tradition of identifying and supporting early-stage companies that showcase ingenuity, technological advancement, and a commitment to social impact. This year’s cohort of 26 startups – the largest ever – is characterized by its diversity, spanning B2B SaaS, deep tech, health tech, fintech, legal tech, and beyond. 

2024 Fellows Program cohort companies include Ad Auris, Agentnoon, Blanka, Bounce, Cascade, CruxOCM, Cybrid, Endor Health, Friendlier, Hyper, Kento Health, MarineLabs, NiaHealth, Numr, Optimotive, GoVeyance, Rhenti, Rootd, Swap Robotics, Taiv, TeamLinkt, Tengiva, Ubenwa Health, Unified API, Youthfully, Zown.

“We’re eager to build our company alongside other ambitious founders building from Canada, ” says Eli Moore, Co-Founder and CEO of Endor Health, one of the C100 Fellows Cohort companies. “Our goal is to create a product with global reach, but we want to do that right here in Canada. We believe C100 is incredibly well positioned to support us in achieving this vision, helping us scale our ambition globally while staying rooted in the Canadian tech community.”

The 26 companies represent a cumulative $100M+ US in funding from notable investors such as Pioneer Fund, YC, Garage Capital, Version One, Inovia, BDC, Microsoft M12 fund, Radical Ventures and more, with almost 40% of the companies founded by serial entrepreneurs. 

Supporting Canadian Innovation

C100’s Growth and Fellows Programs are central to C100s mission of empowering Canadian entrepreneurs to build domestic and international category leaders. As part of this mission, C100 is dedicated to nurturing innovation, fostering strategic partnerships, and providing access to the resources needed to scale Canadian businesses on the global stage.

As C100 continues to deepen its impact in supporting Canadian entrepreneurs, these programs mark a significant milestone in the organization’s goal to accelerate the growth of over 100 Canadian technology companies past $100M US and at least 10 of those past $1B US in revenue by 2030.

About C100

C100 is a global network of founders, operators, and investors dedicated to supporting Canada’s highest potential entrepreneurial tech leaders and companies. Established in 2009, C100’s mission is to help Canadian-based tech entrepreneurs build and scale impactful global businesses by connecting them with the expertise, networks, and resources of its Silicon Valley and globally-based veteran membership. 

C100 offers programs for early and growth-stage founders and leadership teams. These programs provide access to a global network of experienced builders and operators, offering insights on scaling and leadership. This member-based approach ensures that Canadian tech entrepreneurs, regardless of stage, have the resources and guidance to grow and succeed globally. 

C100’s membership encompasses over 500 C-suite executives, CEOs, and founders of influential technology companies. Founders in our membership have built companies collectively valued at over $100B US, and our GP-level investor members represent leading investment firms with a combined AUM of $80B US. Since its inception in 2010, C100’s early-stage fellowship companies have collectively raised over $5B US in venture funding and created over $15B US in market value. 

To learn more, visit C100.org. 

Contact: 

Marie Cook 

Director of Marketing and Communications, C100 

647-637-8803

mcook@thec100.org

C100 Honours Dax Dasilva with Prestigious Icon of Canadian Entrepreneurship Award

San Francisco, CA and Toronto, ON – April 5, 2024 – C100 is proud to announce Dax Dasilva, the visionary founder and CEO of Lightspeed, as the recipient of this year’s “Icon of Canadian Entrepreneurship” (ICE) Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes Canadian entrepreneurs who have significantly contributed to the technology sector and the Canadian entrepreneurial community.

Chris Arsenault, partner at Inovia Capital and early investor in Lightspeed, presented Dax with the award last night at C100’s annual Growth Summit in San Francisco.

Under Dasilva’s visionary leadership, Lightspeed evolved from its early beginnings into a global commerce software leader. His strategic priorities have propelled the company and ensured the company’s sustainability and profitability through judicious cost management and operational efficiencies. Dasilva’s initiatives reflect Lightspeed’s commitment to innovation and fiscal responsibility, further solidifying its position in the tech industry.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Dasilva is celebrated for his commitment to social responsibility and sustainability under his non-profit environmental alliance, Age of Union. His dedication to diversity and inclusion within the tech community and his efforts to foster a connected, community-focused tech ecosystem resonate with the core values of the C100, making him an outstanding choice for this year’s ICE Award.

Commenting on Dasilva’s recognition, Michael Buhr, Executive Director of the C100, said, “Dax represents the pinnacle of Canadian entrepreneurship. His strategic foresight in steering Lightspeed through periods of challenges and immense growth while ensuring the company adapts for long-term profitability is admirable. His unwavering commitment to innovation and a profound dedication to a better world sets a benchmark for leaders everywhere.”

Past recipients of the ICE Award, such as Tobi Lütke of Shopify, Stewart Butterfield of Slack, and Michelle Zatlyn of Cloudflare, underscore the award’s significance in highlighting leaders who have impacted the technology landscape.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the prestigious Icon of Canadian Entrepreneurship (ICE) Award from C100,” says Dax Dasilva. “This recognition symbolizes Lightspeed’s unwavering commitment to empowering retail and hospitality merchants worldwide with innovative commerce solutions. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant Canadian technology community and to be recognized among visionary leaders who have shaped our nation’s tech landscape.”

Dasilva’s recent strategic moves, including cost management initiatives at Lightspeed, have been met with positive reception from stakeholders. They illustrate a path forward that prioritizes growth and profitability.

The C100 continues to champion Canadian entrepreneurs like Dasilva, who are making a global impact through technological innovation, leadership, and a commitment to community values. With the recent launch of the new Growth Program, C100 aims to propel high-potential, scale-stage Canadian companies like Lightspeed into category-defining leadership.

About C100:

C100 is an unparalleled global network of founders, operators, and investors dedicated to supporting Canada’s highest potential entrepreneurial tech leaders and companies. Established in 2009, C100’s mission is to help Canadian-based tech entrepreneurs build and scale impactful global businesses by connecting them with the expertise, networks, and resources of its Silicon Valley and globally-based veteran membership.

C100 offers programs for early- and growth-stage founders and leadership with access to a global network of seasoned builders and operators, offering insights on scaling, risk management, and accelerated execution. This unique member approach ensures that Canadian tech entrepreneurs, regardless of stage, have the resources and guidance to grow and thrive globally. To learn more, visit C100.org. 

Media Contact:

Marie Cook

Director of Marketing and Communications

mcook@thec100.org

647-637-8803

C100 Launches New Growth Program for Later Stage Companies to Accelerate Canada’s Transformation to a Technology Leader

San Francisco, CA and Toronto, ON – March 27, 2024 – In an innovative move to help stake Canada’s position on the global technology stage, C100 today unveiled their Growth Program, a new core initiative structured to help discover, grow, and propel the nation’s most promising scale-stage technology companies into global market leaders. This new program will provide selected companies and their leadership unprecedented access to the C100 network – which includes Silicon Valley and global members, offering invaluable veteran expertise, experience, and connections.

The C100 Growth Program is tailored to confront the challenges facing rapidly expanding Canadian tech businesses, including the scarcity of later-stage, risk-tolerant capital, a lack of experienced senior talent capable of navigating global markets, and insufficient personalized mentoring for CEOs and executives from seasoned industry veterans.

Building on the continuity and learnings of 15 years of Fellows programming (C100’s successful early-stage founder program) and leaning into the veteran scale expertise of an exceptional membership – many based outside of Canada, predominantly in Silicon Valley – the Growth Program signals an expansion of C100’s mission to support Canadian-based founders, CEOs and executives at all stages of the entrepreneurial journey.

Like the C100 Fellows Program, the 12-month-long Growth Program offers a comprehensive suite of support mechanisms, including in-person and virtual workshops, customized mentoring for entire leadership teams, role-specific peer groups, and an extensive network of service providers, funders, and experienced entrepreneurs. This holistic approach ensures that participating companies receive the guidance and resources necessary to navigate their growth trajectories successfully.

“The leap from a promising young startup to a revenue-generating, global business is fraught with complex challenges,” says C100 Charter Member and Executive Director Michael Buhr. “Our new Growth Program will provide leadership teams access to the vast, deep, global experience of the C100 membership, offering them unique, critical expertise and resources needed to navigate the significant transformational stages they face. There is no other Canadian program with direct access to the depth and breadth of expertise available in the veteran C100 membership and their networks.”

With the Growth Program, C100 addresses the immediate needs of Canada’s highest potential tech companies. It creates significant opportunities for Canadian technology leadership, igniting an era of unparalleled growth and establishing global dominance in the tech industry.

Applications for the new Growth Program and the C100 Fellows Program will be open from April through June, with the selection process in July and August, culminating in the Growth Program’s official launch in September.

C100 is committed to helping accelerate Canadian tech industry growth with an ambitious goal to support more than 100 technology and tech-enabled companies in achieving revenues over $100 million (CDN) and to propel some to surpass the $1 billion (CDN) mark by 2030.

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About C100:

C100 is an unparalleled global network of founders, operators, and investors dedicated to supporting Canada’s highest potential entrepreneurial tech leaders and companies. Established in 2009, C100’s mission is to help Canadian-based tech entrepreneurs build and scale impactful global businesses by connecting them with the expertise, networks, and resources of its Silicon Valley and globally-based veteran membership.

C100 offers programs for early- and growth-stage founders and leadership with access to a global network of seasoned builders and operators, offering insights on scaling, risk management, and accelerated execution. This unique member approach ensures that Canadian tech entrepreneurs, regardless of stage, have the resources and guidance to grow and thrive globally. To learn more, visit C100.org. 

Media Contact:

Marie Cook

Director of Communications

mcook@thec100.org

647-637-8803

C100 Appoints Seasoned Silicon Valley-based Tech Leader Michael Buhr as Executive Director

San Francisco, CA – February 5, 2024 – C100, the preeminent global community of exceptional Canadian builders, operators and investors supporting Canada’s most promising tech founders, is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Buhr as its new Executive Director, effective January 29, 2024.

Michael is based in the Bay Area and brings over three decades of expertise in the technology sector. He has served in leadership roles at industry giants like Apple, Adobe, and eBay and is an entrepreneur himself, founding and serving as CEO of several early-stage companies. A member of C100 since 2012, Michael is passionate about supporting, inspiring, and connecting Canada’s most promising entrepreneurial leaders.

Since its inception in 2009, C100 has fostered the growth of the Canadian tech ecosystem. By bridging the gap between Canada’s innovative founders and the wealth of Canadian tech resources in Silicon Valley, C100 has facilitated access to essential funding, strategic partnerships, mentorship, and global market insights. The organization’s impact is evident in the tenfold increase in investments in venture-backed Canadian companies and the growth of incubators, accelerators, and start-up programs in Canada over the past 15 years.

Michael will lead all aspects of the C100 in its next phase of evolution, building on the expertise and passion of the first 15 years to expand the incredible breadth of support to later-stage founders building category-defining impact companies in Canada.

“From the very beginning, when I got involved over a decade ago, C100’s mission to support, inspire, and connect the most promising Canadian entrepreneurial tech leaders strongly resonated with me, and I am now honoured to lead this exceptional and passionate community,” says Michael Buhr, Executive Director, C100. “I strongly believe in supporting founders, both early and growth stage, by accessing the vast exceptional C100 global network of builders, operators, and investors with unique perspectives on technology, business, scale, and execution.”

With a firm belief in the power of C100’s global community, Michael is committed to harnessing the community to provide the tools, resources, and mentorship necessary for scaling founders to navigate the challenges of rapid growth and market leadership.

“Michael‘s appointment as Executive Director is a pivotal moment for C100 as we embark on our next chapter of empowering Canadian tech entrepreneurs,” says Janet Bannister, Co-Chair of C100 Board of Directors and Founder and Managing Partner of Staircase Ventures. “His remarkable tech industry track record and longstanding commitment to C100 makes him the ideal leader for our organization. With Michael at the helm, we are confident that C100 will continue its incredible legacy while expanding support to growth-stage founders and cementing Canada’s position as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. We are thrilled to have Michael’s vision, expertise, and passion driving C100’s mission to connect and inspire the most promising Canadian tech leaders.”

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About C100:

C100 is an unparalleled global network of founders, operators, and investors dedicated to nurturing and empowering the brightest Canadian tech entrepreneurial leaders. Established in 2009 as a non-profit association, C100’s mission is to showcase exceptional leadership and harness extraordinary global talent, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurial success in Canada. As its mission evolves, C100 is expanding support to encompass growth-stage founders alongside early-stage innovators, providing these growth founders with access to a global network of seasoned builders and operators, offering insights on scaling, risk management, and accelerated execution. This inclusive approach ensures that Canadian tech entrepreneurs, regardless of stage, have the resources and guidance to thrive globally. To learn more, visit C100.org.

Media Contact:

Marie Cook

Senior Communications Manager

mcook@thec100.org

647-637-8803

48Hrs Reflections

In September 2023, C100 hosted 48Hrs, its annual early-stage founder tentpole event, in San Francisco. This exclusive gathering brought together our 2023 Fellows – the brightest minds in the Canadian entrepreneurial ecosystem – and a network of seasoned builders, operators, and investors to inspire, support, and drive them. This event aimed to create an environment where Canada’s most daring founders could forge deep connections, gain valuable insights, and set the stage for their companies to become enduring, category-defining global successes.

48Hrs was a transformative experience for the Fellows, offering them a unique opportunity to engage with their founder peers and tap into the knowledge and expertise of the exceptional C100 network. 

We asked some of the Fellows to reflect on their entrepreneurial journey and how the Fellows program and 48Hrs have provided ways to overcome their challenges:

One of our 2023 Fellows who attended is Terralynn Forsyth, Co-Founder of FutureFit AI, which uses AI to unlock the world’s pathways between talent and opportunity. She described her experience as “truly transformative” and highlighted the sense of empowerment she gained. She emphasized the importance of intentional connections with fellow founders, recognizing that insights from those slightly ahead on the journey are invaluable. Terralynn also touched on the significance of radical candour and the belief in the highest version of oneself as essential components of successful leadership.

She noted, “Self-belief isn’t just believing you can do the thing now. It’s about believing in the highest version of yourself today.” This insight underscores the personal and reflective aspect of entrepreneurship that often goes overlooked.

48Hrs provided a “high-value, protected space” for founders like Terralynn to connect away from the noise and distractions of the digital world. It allowed attendees to dive deep into discussions and forge genuine relationships with those at the forefront of innovation.

Julia Rivard Dexter, another Fellow and Founder of Shoelace Learning (which delivers personalized reading and comprehension instruction through video games kids love) expressed her gratitude for the fellowship and friendship she found among this group of Canadian founders who share a passion for building exceptional companies. 

This sense of camaraderie is something we take very seriously at C100 and intentionally build an experience to cultivate at the conference. It reminds founders that they are not alone on their entrepreneurial journey.

Chenny Xia, Co-Founder of Gotcare, a health tech company on a mission to transform what types of health services can be provided in the home setting, echoed these sentiments, thanking the C100 community for curating such an incredible group of Canadian founders. She emphasized how this event has made venture-backed entrepreneurship a less lonely road.

“The most underrated quality of a successful startup founder is being determined, never losing sight of your “why,” says Connor Wilson, Founder and CEO of Pilot, the social trip planning tool. “Category-defining businesses aren’t just a set of numbers; they’re a story of people coming together to make a transformational difference in peoples’ lives for the better. 48Hrs reminds founders of this, bringing together a community of people committed to helping them make that impact, helping them to succeed through having been there before. That’s what makes it so special.” 

48Hrs is a vital platform for Canada’s daring founders to come together, share their experiences, and form lasting connections. It’s where they can reflect on their entrepreneurial path, gain valuable insights, and find the support they need to overcome challenges and build exceptional, global companies. As the testimonials from attendees demonstrate, this event profoundly impacts the Fellows, filling them with inspiration, fellowship, and the belief that they can indeed move mountains on their entrepreneurial journey.

Thank you to the 2023 Fellows for coming and giving everything to make this an impactful experience. Thank you to C100 members and partners for your support of the Fellows!

Meet the 2023 Fellows

C100 Fellows has been a driving force in the Canadian tech landscape since its inception in 2010, providing mentorship and meaningful connections to over 300 founders. We are so proud to announce the 2023 Fellows cohort! 

This year’s cohort comprises 22 notable early-stage companies across deep tech, SaaS, healthcare tech, ed-tech, marketplace, energy, ag-tech, and wellness sectors. These founders, who were selected from a pool of hundreds of nominees, have the potential to shape the future of the entire Canadian tech ecosystem.  

“By curating an exceptional network of top-tier global investors and experienced leaders and operators from the world’s top technology companies, our goal is to make it an advantage for the world’s most ambitious founders to build their businesses in Canada. The 2023 Fellows embody diversity, innovation, and ambition, and with the fellowship as their launchpad, we believe each of these founders can be industry leaders in their respective markets.”

— Ray Newal
CEO of C100

In the constantly shifting landscape of technological innovation, Canada is emerging as a thriving ground for ambitious founders building generational and globally impactful companies, and C100’s Fellowship experience continues to evolve to ensure a competitive edge for these founders building in Canada.  

In the constantly shifting landscape of technological innovation, Canada is emerging as a thriving ground for ambitious founders building generational and globally impactful companies, and C100’s Fellowship experience continues to evolve to ensure a competitive edge for these founders building in Canada.  

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Meet the 2023 Fellows cohort:

A&K Robotics

📍 Vancouver, BC‍

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Jessica Yip, LinkedIn

‍A&K Robotics is an autonomous micro mobility company. They believe that the movement of people, services and experiences will be revolutionized to create a more accessible and sustainable world for everyone.

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Agora

📍 San Francisco/Toronto‍

Website

‍‍Charlie Feng, LinkedIn

Kent Fenwick, LinkedIn 

Yitong Zhang, LinkedIn

Agora is building the OS to power internet-native communities.

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CentML

📍 Toronto, ON‍

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Gennady Pekhimenko, LinkedIn

Shang Wang, LinkedIn 

Akbar Nurlybaev, LinkedIn 

CentML turbocharges your AI game by optimizing ML models to work smarter and faster, slashing compute costs and boosting margins.

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DINR

📍Toronto, ON‍

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Jennifer Tremblay, LinkedIn

DINR is creating the most trusted platform for culinary and hospitality experiences, events and reservations. As a concierge in your pocket, DINR works exclusively with best-in-category hospitality partners, and also unlocks same-day reservations at Michelin and similar calibre restaurants for its high value guests.

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Durable

📍 Vancouver, BC‍

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

James Clift, LinkedIn

Helio Bentes, LinkedIn

Durable uses AI to make owning a business easier than having a job. 

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Flint Healthcare

📍 Vancouver, BC‍

Website | LinkedIn

Kenton Jarvie, LinkedIn

Anson Kung, LinkedIn

‍Flint is on a mission to help American Healthcare by solving their biggest problem: not enough nurses. Through software, Flint is able to reduce the complexity of licensing and immigration to allow hospitals to easily hire international nurses from around the world.

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FutureFit AI

📍 Toronto, ON‍

Website | LinkedIn

Hamoon Ekhtiari, LinkedIn

Terralynn Forsyth, LinkedIn 

‍FutureFit AI’s North Star is unlocking the world’s pathways between talent and opportunity. Using AI, they aim to empower talent with a GPS to navigate their careers, help employers unlock untapped talent pools, and enable governments to help talent access the right opportunities faster.

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Gotcare

📍 Toronto, ON

Website | LinkedIn

Chenny Xia, LinkedIn

Carol MacDonald, LinkedIn 

Gotcare is a healthtech company on a mission to transform what types of health services can be provided in the home setting. With Canada’s largest network of community care workers, Gotcare is able to deliver care to homes that were traditionally unreachable – including service to over 100 remote communities across the country.

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Halp

📍 Toronto, ON

Website | LinkedIn 

Matthew McLellan, LinkedIn

Justin Mills, LinkedIn 

Marc Fielding, LinkedIn 

Halp is a digital admissions coach that helps international students through the study abroad journey. Their vision is to become the infrastructure, bank, and teacher for global learners.

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Masterpiece Studio

📍 Ottawa, ON‍

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Jonathan Gagne, LinkedIn

Masterpiece Studio’s vision is to make 3D creation effortless. Its mission is to unlock 1 billion 3D creatives. 

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Minerva AI

📍 Toronto, ON‍

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter 

Jennifer Arnold, LinkedIn

To transform AML from the inefficient and ineffective box ticking exercise it is today, and its reputation as a constantly growing cost centre, to a new paradigm that is wildly efficient, effective, predictive, invisible and almost costless–so financial services providers (fintechs, payments, crypto and banks) can focus on growth while also putting human traffickers and others who would use our financials systems to harm humanity, out of business.

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Moment Energy

📍 Vancouver, BC‍

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Edward Chiang, LinkedIn

Moment Energy is a BC cleantech startup creating clean, affordable, and reliable battery energy storage systems (BESS) by repurposing retired electric vehicle batteries. Its Flora BESS help utilities, microgrids and commercial customers improve grid reliability and replace fossil fuel consumption with renewable energy. Its Flora BESS provides flexibility and efficiency to fuel their customer’s success, whether it’s optimizing energy costs, powering EV charging stations, or integrating renewable sources.

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Periculum

📍 Toronto, ON‍

\Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Michael Collins, LinkedIn

A leading Artificial Intelligence and Data analytics company dedicated to empowering businesses with AI-powered products and cutting-edge technology solutions.

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Pilot

📍 Vancouver, BC‍

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Connor Wilson, LinkedIn

Pilot’s mission is to enable people everywhere to discover and share memorable experiences together.

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Private AI

📍 Toronto, ON‍

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Patricia Thaine, LinkedIn

‍Founded in 2019 by privacy and machine learning experts from the University of Toronto, Private AI’s mission is to create a privacy layer for software and enhance compliance with current regulations such as the GDPR. Identifying, reducing and removing privacy risks using AI, Private AI allows companies to unlock the value of the data they collect – whether it’s structured or unstructured data. Private AI is backed by M12, Microsoft’s venture fund, and BDC, and has been named as one of the 2023 World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers, CIX Top 20, Regtech100, and more.

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Rebelstork

📍 Toronto, ON

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Emily Hosie, LinkedIn

Rebelstork has unique access to the largest supply of surplus and liquidated baby gear in North America. They are creating a B2B platform that makes it seamless for suppliers and buyers to acquire vetted premium baby gear at the best values. As a BCorp, they have changed the entire baby gear industry and are on track to becoming the biggest liquidator in the space.

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Shakudo

📍 Toronto, ON

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Yevgeniy Vahlis, LinkedIn

Stella Wu, LinkedIn 

Christine Yuen, LinkedIn 

Shakudo’s vision is to create an all-encompassing data platform that brings companies of all technical levels into the era of data and AI. They strive to seamlessly integrate best-of-breed open-source and commercial tools, enabling businesses to harness the full potential of data without worrying about operational overhead or costs. Their goal is to become the go-to solution for data infrastructure, constantly evolving to adopt the latest advancements in data engineering, data science, and AI. By doing so, they aim to empower companies to focus on innovation and growth, regardless of their technical expertise, and truly embrace the power of data-driven decision making.

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Shoelace Learning

📍 Halifax, NS

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Julia Rivard Dexter, LinkedIn

Shoelace delivers personalized reading and comprehension instruction through video games kids love.

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Stan

📍Los Angeles, CA

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

John Hu, LinkedIn

‍Vitalii Dodonov, LinkedIn

Stan is the easiest way to make money online by selling courses, memberships, and meetings all on one platform. They are championing a movement: one where anyone, anywhere can make money working for themselves while pursuing their passion.

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Three Ships Beauty

📍Toronto, ON

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Connie Lo, LinkedIn

Laura Burget, LinkedIn 

Three Ships Beauty is on a mission to be the most effective natural beauty brand in the world.

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VendorPM

📍Toronto, ON

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Emiel Bril, LinkedIn 

VendorPM exists to modernize the way vendors and property managers work together. 

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Vivid Machines

📍 Toronto, ON

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Jenny Lemieux, LinkedIn

Jonathan Binas, LinkedIn 

Vivid Machines empowers fruit producers through visibility and understanding of every plant.

The cohort convenes in San Francisco in September to participate in 48Hrs, an immersive experience designed to instil Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit and mindset, inspiring the Fellows to envision and pursue bold, transformative objectives for their ventures.

Throughout the remainder of the year-long experience, Fellows engage in a unique combination of mentorship and collaborative events, equipping them with the tools, insights, and guidance necessary to navigate the challenges of scaling their ventures and impacting the Canadian tech ecosystem.

We look forward to witnessing how these trailblazers will transform their respective industries and contribute to the growth of the Canadian tech ecosystem!

Twenty-two Innovative Startups Chosen for C100’s Unparalleled Fellowship Program

August 15, 2023, San Francisco, CA – C100, Canada’s foremost non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating globally exceptional resources for the nation’s most promising technology companies, is thrilled to unveil the 2023 cohort of its Fellowship program. The 2023 Fellows comprise 22 notable early-stage companies selected from hundreds of nominees. This promising group echoes the ambitions of former Fellows, whose companies—like Ada, Wealthsimple, Applyboard, Jane Software, and Sonder—have collectively raised well over $2.4B in capital and employ more than 12,000 people globally. 

Fifty percent of companies are female-founded, and the cohort includes a diverse and talented collection of visionary entrepreneurs across deep tech, SaaS, healthcare tech, and ed-tech sectors who have the potential to shape the future of the Canadian technology ecosystem. 

The C100 Fellowship experience has been a driving force in the Canadian tech landscape since its inception in 2010, providing support and mentorship to over 300 founders. In the constantly shifting landscape of technological innovation, Canada, with its political and economic stability, open immigration policies, domestic and foreign investment capital, and leadership on AI, is emerging as a thriving ground for ambitious founders building innovative technology companies. C100’s Fellowship experience continues to evolve to capitalize on the expanding global and market potential of companies building in Canada.

“By curating an exceptional network of top-tier global investors and experienced leaders and operators from the world’s top technology companies, our goal is to make it an advantage for the world’s most ambitious founders to build their businesses in Canada,” says Ray Newal, CEO of C100. “The 2023 Fellows embody diversity, innovation, and ambition, and with the fellowship as their launchpad, we believe each of these founders can be industry leaders in their respective markets.”

The cohort convenes in San Francisco in September to participate in 48Hrs, an immersive experience designed to instill Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit and mindset, inspiring the Fellows to envision and pursue bold, transformative objectives for their ventures.

“Our Fellows experience equips founders with the skills and wisdom to steer their companies towards industry-leading horizons,” says Afraj Gill, C100’s Entrepreneur in Residence. “We believe the unparalleled access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities will catalyze the growth and impact of their companies.”

Throughout the remainder of the year-long experience, Fellows engage in a unique combination of mentorship and collaborative events, equipping them with the tools, insights, and guidance necessary to navigate the challenges of scaling their ventures and impacting the Canadian tech ecosystem.

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About C100:

C100 is an unparalleled global network of exceptional technology leaders and investors. We aim to magnify the potential of Canada’s flourishing startup ecosystems by strategically linking our most promising tech companies with the world’s top human and capital resources, expanding the value and impact they create, and transforming potential into global success. Established in 2009, C100 is a non-profit association with a mission to showcase exceptional leadership, harness extraordinary global talent, and fuel the pursuit of daring entrepreneurial ambitions in Canada. To learn more, visit C100.org. 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Marie Cook, Senior Communications Manager

mcook@thc100.org

647-637-8803

C100 Strengthens Tech Entrepreneurship in Canada by Appointing Board Co-Chair Mike Wessinger and Director Lara Cumberland

Tech veterans join C100’s board to bolster support for ambitious Canadian founders and amplify global impact in the evolving tech landscape.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — August 1, 2023 — C100, the Canadian non-profit committed to empowering the most daring tech founders building in Canada to realize their groundbreaking visions, proudly announces two strategic board appointments. By enlisting visionary tech veterans Mike Wessinger and Lara Cumberland, C100 fortifies its unrivalled global network of exceptional talent and unprecedented access, empowering Canada’s most daring founders to realize their ambitious visions. 

Mike Wessinger was appointed as Co-Chair, effective July 1. Wessinger is co-founder, former CEO, and current executive chair of PointClickCare, one of Canada’s most successful private tech companies, and brings a wealth of experience and leadership. His expertise will be invaluable as C100 executes a renewed focus on empowering Canada’s boldest and most innovative tech founders by leveraging a global network of Canadian tech leaders.

“This is the first time in C100’s history that we’ve had a tech founder co-leading our board, and that’s an intentional shift,” says Ray Newal, C100 CEO. “Having an exceptional entrepreneur of Mike’s calibre as co-chair is essential in our quest to serve founders. Mike’s vast experience and knowledge from building a Canadian unicorn will be invaluable to achieving our goal of fueling the next generation of ambitious and daring Canadian tech leaders.”

Mike Wessinger has served on C100’s board of directors for the last year and joins co-chair Janet Bannister. “I truly believe we have all the ingredients to establish Canada as a tech powerhouse where we punch above our weight globally,” he says. “C100 can help spark the Canadian tech ecosystem and be an indispensable resource to founders and tech leaders.”

C100 also announced Lara Cumberland, COO at Pacaso, the leading technology-enabled real estate marketplace that helps people buy and co-own a luxury second home, has joined its board of directors. Cumberland has over 20 years of experience working at leading technology companies like Meta, PayPal, eBay, and IBM. 

Working out of San Francisco, where Afraj Gill, C100’s Entrepreneur in Residence who plays a pivotal role as a dedicated full-time executive, is also based, Cumberland’s experience building, scaling and optimizing complex operations at some of the world’s leading tech companies will be instrumental for the founders that C100 is supporting. 

“I am honoured to join the C100 board at such a crucial time,” said Cumberland. “My experience and Valley presence provide me with a unique perspective on how to support exceptional founders who are building in Canada. C100’s devotion to driving the building of global companies in Canada resonates with me, and I’m excited to play a small part in helping achieve that.” 

In the constantly shifting landscape of technological innovation, Canada is emerging as a fertile ground for ambitious founders, and C100’s strategic initiatives are designed to ensure that Canada is a launchpad for the world’s most talented entrepreneurs. Wessinger and Cumberland’s guidance and expertise will assist in amplifying C100’s impact and fostering a more robust support system for the promising future of Canadian technology.

About C100

C100 nurtures an unparalleled global network of builders and operators, providing an unfair advantage for daring founders to build globally impactful companies in Canada. Established in 2009, C100 is a non-profit association with a mission to showcase exceptional leadership, harness extraordinary global talent, and fuel daring entrepreneurial ambitions in Canada. We believe in a Canada that provides our most daring and ambitious founders with an even starting line compared to other parts of the world. 

Media Contact:

Marie Cook

Senior Communications Manager

mcook@thec100.org

647-637-8803

Mike Wessinger, Newly Appointed C100 Board Co-Chair, Shares His Vision

Mike Wessinger knows how to build with ambition and daring in Canada. His vision and leadership established PointClickCare as the senior care industry’s first cloud-based health information system. Today, the platform is the most widely used system in the Long Term and Post Acute Care space. Relentless in his pursuit to disrupt the healthcare status quo, Mike’s forward-thinking vision drove the organization to level silos across the healthcare ecosystem, creating North America’s largest care collaboration network. 

With a desire to impart his wisdom and experiences to Canada’s next generation of up-and-coming founders, Mike is excited to co-chair the C100 board of directors with Janet Bannister.

We spent some time with Mike discussing his commitment to supporting daring founders building in Canada.

How and why did you first become connected with C100?

I didn’t know what it was all about but one of the founding charter members said, “You have to join and come to [the C100] Summit.” So, I did and was blown away by the Summit event, the people I met and the over experience. I haven’t missed a Summit since!

What do you hope to accomplish during your time as C100’s co-chair? What would you like to see C100 accomplish during this time? 

We have all the ingredients to establish Canada as a tech powerhouse where we punch above our weight globally. C100 can help connect the Canadian tech ecosystem and be an indispensable resource to founders and tech leaders. 

You built PointClickCare Technologies, a tech unicorn and Canada’s largest private software company, within Canada. Why? 

Simple. I love Canada. I chose to live in Canada. Dumb or stubborn, it never occurred to me to move somewhere outside Canada to build a juggernaut of a tech company. To be clear, there have been some challenges being one of the few tech companies to scale in Canada, but we were happy to help cut the path for future Canadian unicorns and rocket ships. On balance, I think the benefits of remaining in Canada outweigh the challenges, and it’s only getting better. The world needs more impactful tech companies with Canadian sensibilities.  

Do you think the conditions exist in Canada for ambitious founders like you to build generational companies?

You bet. We have all the raw ingredients to build a world-leading tech ecosystem, but it won’t happen alone. I believe it all starts with helping hundreds of companies across the $100 million revenue threshold and dozens over the $1 billion mark to make it sustainable.

What do you think needs to happen in the Canadian tech ecosystem for companies being built here to punch above their weight on a global basis? 

A critical milestone is getting one hundred Canadian companies to cross the $100 million revenue threshold and ten to twenty over the $1 billion revenue threshold. If we do that, we will create a self-sustaining environment where talent continues to recycle, capital recycles, and support systems develop. If we are successful, talent and capital worldwide will be attracted to Canada. Companies will have local systems and support structures to enable them to build world-class tech companies in Canada frictionlessly.

We believe in this, too, and we’re glad Mike is on board!

Fellows 2023 Nominations Are Open!

We are excited to announce that our 2023 Fellows experience – where 20 of Canada’s most promising early-stage startups gain access to leaders who are shaping the most important companies in the world –  is open for nominations!

Through our Fellowship, these founders gain unparalleled access to the best Bay Area entrepreneurs, operators, and investors. The Fellowship’s flagship event, 48Hrs, features two days of intensive mentorship, high-calibre networking, and venture guidance in the Valley.

Our annual Fellowship empowers early-stage founders through mentorship and a strong community of like-minded entrepreneurs who share our belief in the power of innovation to create positive change.

This signature mentorship program was born over 12 years ago with “48Hours in the Valley” and was rebranded in 2021 to incorporate a full year of mentorship and networking. 

“It is inspiring being surrounded by driven entrepreneurs that raised the bar for me. I appreciated how transparent people were when sharing their challenges and was able to leverage their learnings into smart decisions for my company. My C100 association has translated into a prestige that will be valuable during fundraising.” Félix Bélisle Dockrill, Axya ( Fellows 2022)

The alumni network encompasses exemplary Canadian companies like Ada, Borrowell, Bridgit, ApplyBoard, Sonder, Frank + Oak, FinanceIt, Float, Mejuri, Wealthsimple, and many more.

Hear from some of C100’S 2021 Fellows

For Fellows 2023, we are looking for 20 Canadian-led tech startups that are global in ambition, have proven traction and are investor-ready, between seed and Series A.

“It’s very important to share with peers those fundamental questions you can’t share with anyone else, big decisions you make about your own business, whether it’s about hiring, strategic planning for your raise, or whatever. There’s a level of openness in that circle and a level of professionalism and care for delivering value that is huge.” Sophie Perseval, Wondeur.ai (Fellows 2021)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Fellows nomination and application process: 

How can a founder be nominated to be a C100 Fellow?

Prospective founders must be nominated by an active C100 charter member, member, partner, or 48Hrs/Fellows alumnus in order to apply. Nominations open on March 27, 2023, and close on April 21, 2023. Nominators have unlimited submissions.

Nominated founders will receive an email notification that they have been nominated along with a unique application link. This link is connected to their account only and cannot be shared with others. Once they are nominated, founders have until April 28, 2023, to apply.

What kind of founder benefits the most from a C100 fellowship?

The ideal founder is Canadian or building a startup in Canada, is community-minded, and is building technology to make a significant impact in the world. They’re building the next Shopify, solving climate change, curing diabetes, or rebalancing financial access for the next 3 billion, and want to do it together with the C100 community.

We welcome founders with diverse perspectives, expertise, and experiences, spanning different industries, customers, and products, from a variety of ages, cultures, and genders.

What can Fellows expect from the experience? 

Once the selection is complete, Fellows will have a chance to connect with their fellow founders virtually. Then in September, they will all attend 48Hrs, our two-day intensive networking and mentoring event in the Valley. After that, there will be further opportunities for mentoring and networking throughout the year. 

“48Hrs was very exciting. The feeling of being part of a unique cohort of great entrepreneurs and being on panels with fellow colleagues in the same space as me, that’s a great way to introduce ourselves to the C100 community.” Louis Brun, Sollum Technologies (Fellows 2021)

What are the key dates?

March 20 – Nominations and Applications Open

April 6 –
Fellows Virtual Information Session – register here 

April 21 – Nominations Close

April 28 – Fellows Applications Close

June 20 –  Fellows 2023 Announced 

Sept 20 – 22 – 48Hrs event in the San Francisco Bay Area

October to April 2024 – Ongoing Fellows 2023 programming

For more information about the program and the nomination process, watch our Fellows 2023 Info Session. If you have any questions about this signature mentorship experience, please contact our team at connect@thec100.org.