LaunchPad Bootcamp Keeps Getting Better!
Top six startups prepare to Lift'Off
The Launch'Pad Bootcamp 2016 cohort hit the ground running Friday May 13 and didn't slow up until the awards presentations at the close on Monday May 16. It went by in a flash.
"Three and one half days sounds like a lot of time, but we really could use another day," says Innovate Manitoba President Jan Lederman. "We cover a lot of ground, and manage to fit in lots of one-on-one time as well. Even so, there is always at least one topic that we end up rushing through."
"I just can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed LaunchPad Bootcamp this year," said mentor Permjot Valia, "It was really, really good. The founders are so eager to grow their companies, but disciplined too. There is a real maturity developing in the Winnipeg startup scene."
Fifteen companies and 24 founders participated in this year's bootcamp, led by Randy Thompson, founder of VA Angels, and supported by Permjot Valia, a startup sales and marketing expert from London and founder of MentorCamp, and Jeff Amerine, a U.S. early stage fund manager.
"Launchpad truly opened up my business development mind in a totally new way," said Lesley Klassen Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at The Campfire Union. "Each day I was challenged to think about my business through a different lens all while the facilitators brought the investor's perspective to the table."
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WHO: The six startups advancing to Venture'Challenge 2016 at Lift'Off.
WHAT: Participants have to say about Launch'Pad Bootcamp 2016.
PHOTOS: Participant pics.
BIG THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
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Life after Lift'Off
2012 Venture'Challenge winner navigates a few twists and turns on the road to startup success
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As many startups know, the road to that first million dollars in financing or sales isn't easy.
Such was the case for John Pendergrast, founder of Flatland Software Inc., which placed second in Venture'Challenge in 2012. The company provides ticketing and reservations management software to tour operators. Despite a pitch that impressed Venture'Challenge judges, the company struggled to gain traction and Pendergrast said he was on the brink of shutting down just a year later.
He admits he should have seen the signs. "During Bootcamp I almost left the room a couple of times," he said. "I was really a clueless programmer and couldn't talk business if my life depended on it." Still, the Bootcamp facilitators, who he said saw the potential for a $200 million company, gave Pendergrast an opportunity to present at Venture'Challenge. His second place finish included an expense-paid trip to the Banff Venture Forum.
"In Banff I felt like Bambi in a room full of ravenous tigers," said Pendergrast.
Read more >
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Want a taste of the startup training Launch'Pad Bootcampers receive?
Register for Launch'Pad Startup Skills Workshop on June 5, 2016
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The next Launch'Pad Workshop is on Sunday, June 5. Led by Randy Thompson, Startup Canada's Investor of the Year in 2014 and leader of the Launch'Pad Bootcamp, this Workshop covers the key areas that every entrepreneur needs to consider when launching a new business. Launch'Pad Workshops are part of the Lean Startup training provided through the Province's TechFutures program.
Participation is limited, so register ASAP >
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Early Bird Special for Lift'Off on June 22, 2016!
Save 15% if you register before June 1, 2016
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Lift'Off is your chance to discover the latest from the local startup scene and to meet international leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship. It kicks off with the Venture'Challenge competition - Manitoba's premier capital challenge event. This is followed by the Entrepreneur Power Lunch with a world class Keynote Speaker (stay tuned for the announcement!) and Venture'Challenge award presentations. Last but not least is the Entrepreneur IQ Forum with founder panels, another Keynote Speaker and a networking reception. Take in one event, or stay for the day! Take in one event, or stay for the day!
Register by June 1 to receive a 15%; discount | Coupon code: LiftOffEB >
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FREE ACCESS TO TOP-TIER MARKET RESEARCH FOR STARTUPS
We make it easy for you to access market research that will help move your business forward. Innovate Manitoba's Market Intelligence program provides eligible startups with free access to thousands of proprietary reports from top-tier research firms and advice from experienced industry analysts. Last year, 18 startups accessed this program, which provided them with over $840,000 worth of relevant market research.
Learn more
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Partner and Community Events
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CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN
Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba delivers resources and supports to enable entrepreneurial women in Manitoba to achieve their goals for business success.
Check out WEC events and seminars
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RESI ON MaRS
The RESI on MaRS conference takes place at MaRS Discovery District on June 23, 2016. RESI on MaRS will bring hundreds of early-stage investors from across the globe together to meet with fundraising CEOs from the most cutting-edge health startups in the areas of biotech, medical devices, digital health, and consumer health and wellness. Registration is now open!
Learn more
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BUSINESS SEMINARS
Join us to learn more about Business Planning, Bookkeeping, Social Media, Incorporating your business, and much more. Register today! Visit our events calendar or call us at 1-855-836-7250
Learn more
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WORLD TRADE CENTRE FREE TRAINING/SEMINARS
Various dates
Winnipeg
Learn about various subjects to help you succeed in business, including: Government Procurement, HR priorities, Provincial Sales Tax, Supply Chain Management, Twitter and more.
More information
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