Venture Hub
Explore the hub where we spotlight the ideas, people, and trends shaping the future of entrepreneurship. From startup news and ecosystem analysis to founder journeys and investor perspectives, this is where the pulse of the startup world lives—especially for those building and scaling in Canada and beyond.
Immigrant Entrepreneurs Set to Shape Canada’s Economic Future
Immigrant entrepreneurship is poised to become a defining feature of Canada’s economy over the next decade. By 2034, immigrants are expected to represent more than 40 percent of all entrepreneurs in Canada, up from approximately 34 percent in 2024, according to projections based on national data and demographic trends.
Interview Series: CEREBRO
In August 2025, we met with Justin Itugot, Chief Executive Officer, and Nooky Umali, Chief Technical Officer of Cerebro, an edtech company reshaping how teachers deliver lessons and how schools manage daily operations. Founded in the Philippines and now preparing for its Canadian pilot launch, Cerebro is tackling one of education’s most persistent challenges: teachers' workload. We are pleased to share the full conversation, capturing the early stages of Cerebro’s Canadian expansion and the vision driving its continued global growth.
Startup Spotlight: KideoGo - Reimagining Education Through Emotional Intelligence and Values-Driven Learning
KideoGo, founded by Milan-Devi LaBrey, Ph.D., is redefining how children learn and connect through emotionally intelligent, values-driven educational content. The company’s mission is to empower and inspire children worldwide through engaging materials, videos, and activities rooted in the TAEI methodology (The Advancement of Empathy & Integrity), nurturing compassion, empathy, and integrity in the next generation.
A New Conversation Around Education
Master the Art of the Pitch: Captivate, Convince, and Close Deals
In the startup arena, your pitch is your moment in the spotlight. It is the critical tool that turns vision into investment and curiosity into commitment. Mastering the art of the pitch is not just about presenting numbers; it is about telling a compelling story that resonates with investors, partners, and customers alike.
Interview Series: Building Beyond Borders
In August 2025, we sat down with Ömer Faruk Erdoğan, Co-founder and CEO of Glorvia, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, from building a personalized fashion platform in Turkey to expanding into the Canadian market through the Startup Visa Program. Dive into the conversation below to learn how Glorvia is transforming the custom-fashion experience with 3D and AI innovation.
Leverage Social Proof – Use Testimonials and Case Studies
In the crowded startup landscape, trust is currency. Social proof, through authentic testimonials and compelling case studies, is one of the most powerful tools you have to build credibility and accelerate growth. When potential customers see that others have achieved success with your product, it transforms skepticism into confidence and turns interest into action.
Startup Spotlight: Blitz Electric Mobility
Blitz Electric Mobility is a tech-first logistics company combining electric vehicle fleets, real-time data, and AI-powered operations to deliver efficient, sustainable, and scalable logistics solutions. Founded by Saivya Chauhan, recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30, the company has rapidly scaled across Indonesia, and is now preparing to expand into regional Southeast Asia markets and later globally.
Startup Spotlight: Cerebro
Cerebro is an edtech startup tackling the challenge of teacher workload through ready-made, curriculum-aligned digital lessons and a comprehensive School Management Software (SMS) suite. Founded in the Philippines and now expanding into Canada, the company helps schools enhance teaching quality, streamline administration, and adopt scalable digital learning solutions. Its AI-powered platform supports teachers, students, and administrators, while strategic partnerships strengthen integration across school operations.
Set Clear Roles and Responsibilities - Drive Focus, Accountability, and Growth
In the dynamic world of startups, clarity isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the cornerstone of operational excellence. When every team member understands their role and responsibilities, your startup can move with precision and purpose. Here’s why defining roles is not only compelling but essential for sustained success:
Maintain Work-Life Balance - Sustain Your Energy for the Long Run
In the relentless pace of startup life, it’s easy to fall into the trap of endless hustle. But building a successful venture isn’t just about grinding 24/7; it’s about sustaining your energy, creativity, and passion over the long haul. Maintaining work-life balance is a strategic imperative, not a luxury, that fuels long-term success.
Plan for Long-Term Sustainability - Beyond the Startup Phase
In the high-octane world of startups, early wins are thrilling, but the true test lies in building a business that endures. Planning for long-term sustainability means shifting your focus from rapid growth to building a resilient, adaptive organization that thrives well beyond its initial phase. It’s about laying the foundation for lasting impact, where every decision is made with the future in mind.
Nurture High-Performing Teams - Quality Over Quantity
In the startup world, growth isn’t measured by the number of employees; it’s measured by the impact of your team. Building a high-performing team is about curating talent that not only drives results but also embodies your startup’s values and vision. It’s the quality of your people, not the quantity, that accelerates innovation and propels you to success.
Beyond Silicon Valley: The Rise of New Global Startup Powerhouses
Let’s clear something up right away: Silicon Valley isn’t going anywhere. It still holds powerful magic as the iconic startup hub. But the truth is that its dominance as the sole epicenter of innovation is shifting. Right now, dynamic startup ecosystems are emerging rapidly in Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and here in Canada, reshaping the global startup landscape.
Nobody Knows You Yet: How to Build Trust as a New Founder in Canada
When you're new to Canada, you're not just building a startup. You're building trust from scratch.
No local track record. No shared history. No mutual connections.
This is the invisible wall most international founders run into early on. Canadian customers, partners, and investors want to know: Can I trust you to deliver?
Here's how to start building that trust, deliberately and credibly.
Stretch Your Runway: 6 Free Tools and Grants Every Canadian Founder Should Know
Funding is hard. For international founders building in Canada, it is even harder.
The good news? There are programs and tools that can extend your runway without giving up equity. Some help you build faster. Others cover part of your payroll. All of them are free to access if you know where to look.
Here are 6 to start with.
Webinar Series: Demystifying SR&ED Tax Incentives with Specialists from the CRA
Canada’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program supports more than 16,000 businesses every year with over $3 billion in tax incentives, but understanding how to access it can be a challenge.
In today’s session, SR&ED specialists from the Canada Revenue Agency walked our founders through the core components of the program and how innovative startups can take full advantage of it.
From MVP to PMF: The Messy Middle for Founders
You launched your Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Maybe a few people use it. One even gave you great feedback. Another ghosted you.
So, do you have Product-Market Fit (PMF)? Probably not.
This phase, between launching and knowing if it actually works, is the hardest part. It’s confusing. The signals are weak. And if you’re building in a new country, it’s even harder. Here’s how to get through it without burning out or doubting yourself.
How to Win Your First Enterprise Customer in Canada (Without a Big Network)
Landing your first enterprise customer is hard. doing it in a new country, with no network? harder.
Canadian enterprises move slower than startups. they expect structure, credibility, and context. if you're a new founder from outside the country, it can feel like a wall.
Here's how to break in, without warm intros or a big name behind you.
What Does an MVP Actually Look Like? (With Real Examples)
Early-stage founders hear it all the time: "Just build an MVP."
But what is an MVP really? It’s not a half-built product or a stripped-down app. It’s the simplest version of your idea that lets you test the most important assumption, whether someone will use or pay for it.
In real life, MVPs come in all shapes and sizes. Here’s how smart founders built real MVPs, fast, lean, and focused.
How Atlantic Canada Is Supporting Regional Tech Innovation
In July 2025, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced over $2.5 million to support technology-driven projects in public infrastructure, environmental management, and workplace applications. These projects reflect a broader trend: Atlantic Canada is positioning itself as a region for applied technology development and real-world application.