Shred Capital

03/24/2023

To all our friends in the Atlantic Canada Region and beyond:

In the World’s Most Innovative Companies 2023, SMU's Josh Domingues & Flashfood ranked #1 in the Social Good Category. Josh advocates for sustainability, being socially concerned, helping the poor, reducing food wastage, and reducing landfill waste. He just raised $12.3 million for his startup and continues contributing to sustainability and growth.

This event is a great opportunity to meet him and participate in a very exciting Q&A. Venture Grade is hosting the event on Wednesday, Mar 29, 1:30 - 3:00 pm at Burke Theatre A223 Inglis Street, Saint Mary's University, Halifax. The event is open to everyone and an excellent opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs, VCs, students, and the community. Shred Capital is one of the sponsors, and our growth associate from this region is excited to welcome you all on March 29!

Use this link to register and save your space: https://loom.ly/rc-tR50

Flashfood - Save on grocery bills & reduce landfill waste. World’s Most Innovative Companies, 2023 and ranked #1 in the Social Good Category

02/14/2023

Value creation is essential for startups to achieve sustainability and long-term success in the market. Besides the ability to identify the problem early and bring innovation piece, there are other factors that, if used accordingly, can significantly drive business growth. 📈

Check out the top 5 factors that affect whether a startup succeeds or fails.👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

One single element that has the most effect (42%) on whether a startup succeeds might surprise you - check out this great TED talk of the Idealab founder Bill Gross, a well-known incubator of new inventions, ideas, and businesses.💡

02/10/2023

"Are you taking advantage of government support for technological and digital adoption?"

In 2023, several industries are expected to offer excellent investment opportunities for both local and foreign investors. The technology sector in Canada is ranked first in the top five industries that are worth considering. The industry is proliferating, and the tech startup scene is expected to continue with such an increase in 2023.

The Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) department launched the Digital Adoption Program in 2022, meaning that entrepreneurs can take advantage of those distinct programs to improve their digital infrastructure.

54% of the Canadian decision-makers have taken government aid to adopt new technology in the past 12 months - the highest among countries participating in the survey below ( American respondents: 45% & French respondents: 39%)

02/07/2023

By disrupting traditional industries and finding new solutions, tech start-ups are changing the game and leading the way toward a better future. The McKenna Institute recognizes the importance of digital technology and continues to foster economic growth by advancing digital technologies in New Brunswick and stimulating communities to thrive in a digital world.

Our partner Matt Toner shares his thoughts about the potential and value of digital transformation in the Maritimes that is still unseen due to those big players. However, there is something in the Maritimes worth pushing. Check out the pattern and mentality that can change the existing start-up ecosystem of the Maritimes: https://tj.news/telegraph-journal/102049392

Matt Toner calls for a stronger culture of 'yes' in the Maritimes.

02/02/2023

In this episode of "What Freaks Out Founders", we chat with the CEO, Founder & Product Developer of PLAEX Building Systems Inc., Dustin Bowers.

Dustin chats with us about being inspired by his grandfather, who knew that there was always a way to fix something rather than throw it away, and how that has led him to try and take on the virtuous and monumental task of trying to make the world a better place, even in a small way, for his children and the next generation.

Available on Spotify or any of your favourite platforms!

http://ow.ly/r7Tt50MlU6X

Listen to this episode from What Freaks Out Founders on Spotify. In this episode of "What Freaks Out Founders", we chat with the CEO, Founder & Product Developer of PLAEX Building Systems, Dustin Bowers. Dustin is a very interesting guy who took a bit of an unexpected path towards being a startup fo...

01/31/2023

What is the outlook for VR/AR sectors in 2023 and beyond? With the return to physical, in-person interactions, audiences' expectations for hybrid physical and VR/AR experiences have skyrocketed.

From museums to classrooms, from theater to opera, the integration of enhanced, tech-infused experiences is now a must.

VR, paired with the thriving gaming industry, is leading the way in creating immersive experiences. Social VR, referred to as the "metaverse," is also gaining popularity, with tech giants such as Apple and Disney investing heavily in their ecosystems.

Disney is even taking it a step further by launching a global studio dedicated to exploring AR experiences in their theme parks and adding augmented content to their attractions.

Both AR and VR have the potential to transform 2D content into a 3D participatory experience, but their biggest challenge remains to match that potential. Removing technical hurdles is just the first step, and the industry must now focus on sustaining, expanding, and scaling these hybrid experiences.

As David Cecchetto, a professor of critical digital theory at York University in Toronto puts it: "In VR, in particular, the industry needs to consider both the scalability of the technology, as well as the experience itself."

Scalability refers not only to mass adoption but also to forging new content expressions and modes of engagement. Both the boundaries of hardware and content need to be pushed to advance.

01/27/2023

Congratulations to the team from Mikan House for successfully closing one of the financing rounds from the Canada Media Fund!

01/26/2023

In this episode, we chat with Christy Silvestri, President & Co-Founder of QuickFacts Inc, a software platform designed to improve business operations and efficiencies of insurance brokerages.

Christy is a first-time founder who found herself at the helm of a startup after working as an insurance broker for over 15 years.

Available on Spotify or any of your favourite platforms!

http://ow.ly/H79N50MlTuO

Listen to this episode from What Freaks Out Founders on Spotify. In this episode, we chat with Christy Silvestri, President & Co-Founder of QuickFacts Inc., a software platform designed to improve business operations and efficiencies of insurance brokerages. Christy is a first time founder who found...

01/25/2023

Congratulations to the team from Story City for successfully closing one of the financing rounds from the Canada Media Fund!

01/20/2023

Congratulations to the team from Zoltech Studios for successfully closing one of the financing rounds from the Canada Media Fund!

01/19/2023

On this episode of "What Freaks Out Founders", we're lucky enough to speak with a serial startup founder, Derek Szeto.

After a successful exit and a big win with his first startup, Red Flag Deals, Derek ventured back into the corporate world for a short while before catching the startup bug again as the Co-Founder and CEO of Walnut Insurance.

Available on Spotify or any of your favourite platforms!

http://ow.ly/RHCm50MlQgp

Listen to this episode from What Freaks Out Founders on Spotify. On this episode of "What Freaks Out Founders", we're lucky enough to speak with serial startup founder, Derek Szeto. After a successful exit and a big win with his first startup, Red Flag Deals, Derek ventured back into the corporate w...

01/18/2023

Congratulations to the team from Room 322 Games for successfully closing one of the financing rounds from the Canada Media Fund!