Start-up hopefuls vie for $100,000 in funding from Velocity Fund
by CanadianManufacturing.com Staff
Finalists for up to $25,000 in start-up money include a hardware interface that's built like Lego, real-time machine monitoring, a corporate purchasing application and well integrity predictor for oil & gas
WATERLOO, Ont—University of Waterloo startup incubator Velocity has unveiled the ten finalists competing for their share of $100,000 in grant funding at the Velocity Fund Finals.
The finalists will pitch their startup ideas for a chance to win one of four grants of $25,000 and a place as one of more than 30 startups operating at the Velocity Garage workspace in downtown Kitchener, Ont.
The 10 Velocity Fund finalists are:
- Code Connect – a plug-in for Microsoft Visual Studio that dynamically visualizes program control flow as the developer types, making software development and design easier.
- Homefed – a trusted intermediary that facilitates the discovery, booking, and payment of home cooked meals, food events, and edible goods.
- LastRev – makes it easy for designers to get feedback on their designs from team members.
- MAJiK Systems – builds real-time machine monitoring software for factories and machine manufacturers.
- Palette – a freeform hardware interface that can be built like Lego to control your favourite software.
- PetroPredict – a well integrity prediction engine for the oil and gas industry that enables subsurface engineers to identify low capital, high reward optimization opportunities in their fields.
- Roshee – allows companies to manage every step of the corporate purchasing process in one place.
- Sparkgig – an online marketplace for hiring performers.
- TicketLabs – provides an e-ticketing platform that uses social tools to drive ticket sales.
- TrendRadius – provides product management software as a service, including market insights and analytics, for companies to create profitable products that their customers love.
Each startup submitted a written proposal and a 3-minute pitch to a panel of judges from the Velocity community.
The ten finalists in the Velocity Fund Finals present 3-minute pitches on-stage before a live audience and a second panel of judges from the business community.
The judges for the $25,000 competition include: JS Cournoyer, co-founder and partner of Real Ventures; Devon Galloway, co-founder and COO at Vidyard; and Mike Stork, president of Stork Holdings.
An additional ten entrepreneurs from the University of Waterloo will pitch their early-stage startup ideas for one of three $1,000 grants.
The Velocity program fosters entrepreneurship by providing University of Waterloo students with opportunities for startup funding, free workspace, workshops, networking opportunities and access to mentors.
At least one founder on a team must be a current student or a graduate of the University of Waterloo within the past year. Velocity takes no intellectual property rights or equity in return.
Click here for a live stream of the Velocity Fund Finals.
