The Startup Visa Program was created by Canada and targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and compete on a global scale.
Launch Academy is a pre-accelerator program that helps entrepreneurs execute on their startups through education, mentorship, lean metrics and networking opportunities. Launch Academy has established an environment where ideas are vetted, business models are tested and successes are celebrated. Since 2012 Launch Academy has helped 1000+ entrepreneurs, incubated 500+ early-stage startups, that collectively raised $100+ million and added 1000+ jobs to the economy.
As of May 2017, Launch Academy was officially announced as a designated entity for the Canadian Startup Visa Program. As a designated entity, we have the ability to recommend companies of high interest to the Startup Visa Program. In particular, we are looking to work with Artificial Intelligence, VR/AR/MR, Blockchain, Financial Services, Data Science, Quantum Computing, Health Tech, and Cyber Security companies, although you may still apply if you do not fit in one of those categories. Anybody who is interested in applying for the Startup Visa Program can do so by applying here.
At this time, we are only recommending companies with a pre-existing relationship to Launch Academy, through our various programs such as LEAP, LEAP International, and Full Access Membership. Companies that do not have a prior relationship with Launch Academy can apply for Maple, an acclimation program designed to help companies get their business and family settled here in Canada.
Unlike other programs, we do not take in equity in your company, and instead of the invest-ability of your company, we focus our evaluation on three key aspects:
Why do you want to move to Canada? (It must be for a business related reason).
Would you be an asset to Canada (Would your skillset be relevant to furthering innovation in Canada, and contribute to exciting new businesses)
Would your business be an asset to Canada (Is your business something that is relevant and viable in Canada? Do you have a track record or proof that your business can be sustainable and grow to create jobs in Canada?)
After we evaluate each candidate based on these key aspects, we then share our shortlisted candidates with a highly valued board of local industry leaders, Startup Visa alumni, and community partners to ensure that the companies we accept and recommend have the best possible chance at success here in Canada.
If this feels like it is something that could work for you, please apply here.