We are grateful to the 14 global investors and mentors who have worked with us on OFFICE HOURs.
This was a truly global format. We had 17 startups from six countries on the final list presented to investor/mentors. 15 of these startups received one on one meetings through this process!
But – all of the top selections are from Canada. There are a bunch of reasons for this.
Top of the list: Cdling is still a work in progress. We have been asking for folks to work on an alpha version. Thanks for everyone’s patience. Canadian startups have just known us longer. Seen some results from the process, etc. Thirdly, there are quite a few Canadian based investors participating. We could not recruit the amazing investors who were on the speakers list for the conference, because they were already doing enough. Also, 500Startups was having a Demo Day at the same time. And, even if the investors are from the US, it is easier for them to pick a startup in NA than overseas. I am sure there are lots of other reasons. (maybe even … there are some cool things happening in Canada these days???).
Here are the top selections!
North Americans spend over $550B each year on home renovations with over 40% of them going over-budget or over-time. Existing solutions help homeowners find ideas or reviews but don’t help where help is needed most: on the job itself. Hammerati is management platform for home renovations that helps you get your job done on-time and in-budget. Unlike sites like Angie’s List, Hammerati doesn’t simply connect you, it stays with you during the job to help you estimate costs, track progress, and hold your contractor accountable for everything they do in your home.
Our site combines information from online networks like Linkedin and Meetup.com and provides you with personalized networking recommendations using our advanced algorithms. Find the right people to network with.
We believe that our technology, due to its lowest cost position and technical performance advantages over competing technologies, will play a significant role in the emergence of ubiquitous embedded sensors in our surroundings and as 3D input to our systems and machines. XYZ Interactive Technologies Inc. provides a low-cost method to identify the absolute x, y, and z position of an object in space, as well as its orientation with roll, pitch, yaw. It has patent claims that cover the entire electromagnetic spectrum, with immediate market focus on Infrared embodiments with both Reflective and Active Applications. The GestureSense line of sensor modules and arrays serves markets where a standard design or module is the best way to support the market demand and growth. We are happy to explore custom designs and licensing for unique requirements, and will likely go through a standard prototyping and validation process.
Bunch is a mobile platform to share and discuss your passions with like-minded people. The Bunch iPhone app is live in private beta and has had 1.1 million pre-signups via a Facebook marketing app. Bunch will test launch Sept 2012 in Canada, with a US launch to follow.
We are building a reflection of what’s being taught inside the classroom through crowdsourcing from university students. In addition to materials taught in class, we also combine all supplementary content from outside the classroom including videos from top tutors to provide a comprehensive resource for any university course. We currently have close to 90,000 students contributing and sharing over 120,000 lecture notes and study guides across 20 schools. We have a gamification system in place to reward top contributors and active participants on our platform.
In addition to these … 10 other startups were selected by our participating investors and mentors and received one on one meetings!
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