March 3rd- Take your Tech Startup to Canada

Canada’s Start-up Visa Program

The Start-up Visa Program is a Canadian Government program that started in 2012 and was created for immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale. The program helps those wanting to expand their existing business, start a new business or support innovative entrepreneurs in Canada.  The Start-up Visa Program requires that entrepreneurs work directly with an approved ‘Designated Organization’.  Launch is an approved designated organization and has the ability to support a company’s application with a letter of support (a prerequisite of the program). Launch only recommends companies with a pre-existing relationship to  Launch, through our various programs such as our Maple  Program.  Other than Launch, there are other designated organizations across Canada that can also provide a letter of support.

The Maple Program & Launch

Launch is Vancouver’s premier technology hub that helps entrepreneurs execute on their startups through education, mentorship, lean metrics and networking opportunities. Launch has established an environment where ideas are vetted, business models are tested and successes are celebrated.  Launch, a Canadian not-for-profit, was awarded designated entity status for the Startup Visa program in early 2017.  The core business incubation program lasts roughly 6  months, however the program from start-to-finish spans  12 - 18 months as companies transition to Canada and navigate immigration options and processes. Post-program, all Maple Program companies are recognized as Launch alumni and continue to benefit from the events and resources provided by Launch to its alumni and to the community. The program allows international companies to expand and go global, while keeping business operations and economic exchange functioning in their home country. Maple Program Timeline The program is broken up into 5 phases, over an aggregate span of approximately 21 to 36 months. The program completion time varies depending on various individual factors including but not limited to border restrictions, work permit processing times, etc. ENTRPRENEURS 6000 INCUBATED IN FUNDING 1.2 B+ RAISING JOBS

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About Ray Walia: Ray Walia is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in both the entertainment and technology sectors. Ray founded Launch Ventures which owns and operates a network of proprietary accelerators, innovation labs, and investment funds. The most prominent incubator is Launch Academy, Western Canada’s leading entrepreneurship facility, which has worked with more than 6000 entrepreneurs of which 300 have grown their startups to Seed and Series A stage and raised over $1.2 Billion in funding. 

Launch Academy is a designated provider for the Canadian Startup Visa Program. Ray has invested in over 30+ startups either personally or through his funds and was named 

Entrepreneur Mentor of the Year for 2014 and 2015, BIV Top Forty Under 40, G20 Young Entrepreneur, BC Tech Person of The Year Finalist 2018, and one of 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in British Columbia for 2021. Ray has contributed towards the development of the technology ecosystem in North America and has assisted countless entrepreneurs in building sustainable and financeable businesses, including over 100+ international companies from over 100+ countries through various Launch Academy programs. Ray has hosted and run events that have been attended by international dignitaries and ambassadors, the Canadian Prime Minister, CEOs and Founders of Fortune 100 companies. In 2015, Ray co-founded Traction Conference, one of North America’s largest growth-hacking conferences. With more than 40 high-profile speakers from Silicon Valley and 1000+ attendees each year, Traction Conf has become one of the premiere tech events, garnering attention from international media outlets and top tech influencers. Media Links: - Forbes 2021, “International Companies' Barriers To Entering The American Market” - Forbes 2021, “How Emerging Tech Is Helping Eliminate Sporting Industry Roadblocks“ - Forbes 2021, “Are Your Business KPIs In Line With The Expectations Of Gen Z?“ - Betakit 2021, “Ray Walia knows it's Vancouver tech's moment to lose” - DailyHive 2021, “Vancouver sporting platform announces partnership with Premier Rugby Sevens” - TechCrunch 2017, “Launch Academy’s startup visa program gives entrepreneurs permanent residency in Canada”