Yukonstruct Startup Bootcamp’s recent Demo Night was a true celebration of local entrepreneurship! To conclude the 12 week Startup Bootcamp, 8 of the 10 graduating companies got the full experience of delivering a pitch to a room filled with funders and supporters. Local investors, Panache Ventures, Minister of Economic Development, Ranj Pillai, representatives from Yukon Government and CanNor, and many other guests came out to celebrate the startups which made the evening even more special.
The Bootcamp validated the businesses of the cohort over the past 12 weeks by providing them with hands on sessions covering theory and startup fundamentals. The companies walked away knowing how to successfully undertake key startup skills and knowledge, including how to execute a successful customer discovery, an investor-ready pitch deck, a tested elevator pitch, and relationships with mentors that will continue to provide support along their journey to launch.
Scott Keesey, co-founder of SpinReg, and a recent graduate from the Startup Bootcamp discusses his experience with the Bootcamp: ”We came to Launchspace with some progress and structure around our startup idea, but the program really helped us to identify our blind spots and gave us the tools to keep building with. We learned key aspects of structuring a high growth startup, we gained insights into financing, legal, marketing and sales considerations, and most importantly we’ve used what we’ve learned to validate our idea – allowing us to launch into product development confidently! Our network has expanded considerably, with amazing new connections in all important directions – fellow cohort members, mentors, partners, and funders. The Launchspace program at Yukonstruct should be the first stop on your new business’ journey to new success in Yukon.”
Following the pitches, the companies enjoyed time to connect with funders, the local entrepreneurial community, and the growing ecosystem who came out to support and encourage these burgeoning local startups. Post pitch smiles and relief from having accomplished the most daunting task of the program, made for a truly engaging evening, highlighted by delicious catering by Mary Elle, and drinks from Yukon Brewing.
Each company continues to actively pursue their business.
John Glynn Morris, of Yukon Article Co, shared: “I wanted to become a social entrepreneur and build a business. However, going into business was a totally foreign idea for me. Where does one even start? Thanks to Launchspace, I was able to work with a cohort of fellow business start-up founders all within a framework to help show me the road map. Here are the buckets with questions that need consideration, ranging from sales, to marketing, to my ‘why do I want to do this’? Both William and Erin were professional, knowledgeable and responsive Launchspace guides. I highly recommend the program to any Yukoner looking to jump-in, but unclear where to start and how to proceed. At the end, I feel well equipped to launch (and had fun along the way!)”
If you have an idea that you want to explore in more depth, or are interested in learning more about our the Yukonstruct Startup Bootcamp, feel free to reach out to Director of Entrepreneurship Programming, Cat Kelly, at cat@yukonstruct.com or check out our webpage here.
Applications for the next cohort will go live January 20th, 2020.