We’re recruiting for our Earth Tech accelerator and looking for 20 promising startups or non-profits to join our 2022 cohort. Learn more and apply or spread the word by November 7.
Cleantech has a critical role to play in tackling the climate crisis and transitioning to the Next Economy. Canada already punches above its weight globally, ranking fourth in the Global Cleantech Index, and our cleantech ecosystem just keeps growing. But early-stage cleantech startups need access to the learning, connections, and funding to succeed and seize this potential.
That’s why we at Climate Ventures work so hard to offer Earth Tech. While participating in our six-month Earth Tech program, our 33 early-stage ventures have earned and raised $7.8 M and supported 142 jobs.
These numbers matter, but they don’t tell the whole story. Yes, we care about jobs, revenues, and investments, and the growth of our ventures, but we also care about our founders and their impact, and growing a more inclusive and effective cleantech ecosystem across the country.
But don’t take it from us. We asked a couple alumni and one of our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence: why Earth Tech? What sets us apart?
WE FOSTER COMMUNITY
Launching a startup can be a lonely process. At Earth Tech, we do our best to nurture connections and foster a community, immersing our ventures in a network of peers, mentors, and inspiring leaders. Earth Tech isn’t just about profile and networking (though we offer plenty of that!), it’s also about connecting with a community of peers facing similar challenges and supporting each other with knowledge, resources, and connections.
Myra Arshad, CEO of ALT TEX, has gotten a lot of attention in the last year and with good reason – her tech and business are taking off and have the potential to disrupt the multibillion dollar fast fashion industry. ALT TEX participated in Earth Tech 2021; hear what Myra has to say about why the accelerator is different.
OUR ENTREPRENEURS-IN-RESIDENCE GO ABOVE AND BEYOND
As part of the Earth Tech program, ventures are matched with one of our industry-leading Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs), who provide regular one-on-one coaching over six months. Our EIRs are truly top notch – they bring keen business development strategy as well as technical know-how, and have the expertise and network to support early-stage entrepreneurs as they navigate the inevitable ups and downs of being a cleantech entrepreneur.
Take Helen Platis for example. She’s worked in the cleantech industry for over fifteen years, including running a renewable energy company, and advising dozens and dozens of companies in getting to market. Having been the lone woman at the boardroom table for much of her career, she’s also keenly attuned to industry dynamics and passionate about supporting up-and-coming women founders in a male-dominated field.
In short, our Earth Tech EIRs are amazing and here to support our ventures:
WE FOCUS ON IMPACT ENTREPRENEURSHIP
In the early stages, amidst the stress of building a company that’s viable and financially sustainable, it’s easy to lose sight of the mission and forget why you started your venture in the first place. At Earth Tech, we continually remind our ventures about impact, supporting them in refining a business model that prioritizes profitability AND purpose.
Cameron Bryce, co-founder of Flash Forest, explains it best. His venture went from a minimum viable product to securing millions in investments after completing our 2020 accelerator, all without losing the spark that inspired their team in the first place:
Earth Tech is a six-month accelerator – led by Climate Ventures and a part of the Accelerate from Anywhere initiative – open to early-stage startups and nonprofit social enterprises using technology to address climate and water challenges and seeking product-market fit, anywhere in Canada. We offer access to advisors, training, funders and investors, and peer support.
Applications are open until November 7. Learn more and apply or spread the word.