May 2013
5 posts
There's a New Face at AcceleratorYYC
We are excited to introduce Jana Boyko as our new Communications Assistant!
“Being an eager and enthusiastic marketing student, I was thrilled to learn that I had been selected as the new Communications Assistant at AcceleratorYYC. I am currently working towards completing a Bachelor of Commerce as well as a Bachelor of Psychology at the University of Calgary, and have become incredibly...
Dine with an Angel Investor - Register for...
When you are just starting your company, you may look for capital from sources such as friends, parents, grandparents, Uncle Bob, or that ‘rich-looking’ neighbor next door. You may also try to take out a bank loan… but unfortunately get denied! Then you think to yourself, “Wouldn’t it be great if an individual would invest in my company and mentor me through the journey of my startup?” Luckily,...
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Call for Companies: One More Week to Apply for...
Want to accelerate your startup during the largest tech gathering in Alberta this July?
The deadline for the AccelerateAB Call for Companies is one week away! (May 21)
The companies selected through this process become part of AccelerateAB’s Entrepreneur Roundtable event taking place on Wednesday, July 10th (the day before AccelerateAB.)
This is likely one of...
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Three Potential Prizes for our "Become a Member"...
At AcceleratorYYC, we do our best to ensure that our Members have access to all of the startup resources that they could possibly need.
Become an AcceleratorYYC Member before May 13 at 9 am and be entered to win 1 of 3 possible prizes:
2 Passes to MoSo Conference & MoSo Fest from June 12- 15
One-on-one mentoring session with AcceleratorYYC’s Executive in Residence,...
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Become an AcceleratorYYC Member Before May 13 and...
At AcceleratorYYC, we do our best to ensure that our Members have access to all of the startup resources that they could possibly need.
Become an AcceleratorYYC Member before May 13 and be entered to win 2 FREE MoSo Conference passes (valued at $274.99 each).
Runner-up winner will receive a mentoring session with AcceleratorYYC’s Executive in Residence, Stephen King (President of Stephdokin.com,...
April 2013
11 posts
6 tags
The AccelerateAB Billeting Program: Calling All...
We can’t wait for AccelerateAB, can you?!
This year, Alberta Tech Week (#abtw2013) and AccelerateAB are going to be bigger and better than ever with attendees arriving from all over North America.
At AcceleratorYYC, we are excited to be a part of these initiatives and plan to do our ‘co-working best’ to welcome everyone. To start it off, AcceleratorYYC will be hosting the AccelerateAB Kick-off...
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BaseCamp Investment Bootcamp May 31- June 3: Don't...
Don’t miss out on the chance to accelerate your startup: AcceleratorYYC and VA Angels are hosting another BaseCamp investment bootcamp May 31- June 3, 2013.
In January 2013, R. Stewart (Randy) Thompson, Angel Investor and CEO of VA Angels, trained 10 local startup founders to ‘think like the investor.’ Given 3.5 days of in-depth exercises, guest speakers (Kevin Swan from iNovia), and peer...
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The Do's and Don'ts of Public Relations for Tech
A few weeks ago, Innovate Calgary hosted a Speaker Series session titled “PR for your Startup Company.” Pam Boytinck, Executive Director of TechRev moderated the following panelists: Arleigh Vasconcellos from The Agency (also an AcceleratorYYC member), Scott Valentine from Solium, Doug Lacombe from Communicatto, and Leanne Yohemas the media relations manager of the U of C. The...
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Become a Member of AcceleratorYYC and be Entered...
At AcceleratorYYC, we do our best to ensure that our Members have access to all of the startup resources that they could possibly need. We are always on the lookout for great workshops, events and conferences that will help our Members accelerate their business. However, as a startup ourselves, we realize how expensive it can be to do it all. So, we launched this contest to give you the best of...
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AccelerateAB Has Launched its Call for Companies
AccelerateAB is bringing the tech world to Calgary on July 10th and 11th, 2013. It’s goal is to put Alberta’s leading tech entrepreneurs front and centre and turn as much of the program time as possible over to our startups. This is your chance to apply to be one of the startups included in their Entrepreneur Roundtables and the pitch events running...
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Become a Community Member!
In March, AcceleratorYYC launched two new virtual memberships to engage more startups founders and mentors within the greater tech community.
Whether you’re looking for a way to support AcceleratorYYC’s community-building initiatives or just looking to belong to a startup group, these two new memberships were created for you.
I. Community Membership
Want to be a part of the...
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Startup Stories Featuring Kingpin Social; It's Not...
You’re standing in line at the grocery store, when all of a sudden the person behind you compliments your shoes. Do you a) thank the person and then ignore them b) give the person a weird look and then pretend to read a magazine or c) thank the person and then strike up a conversation? If you answered ‘a’ or ‘b’, but wish you answered ‘c’, then look to Cam...
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Startup Stories; DJ Sures of EZ-Robot Makes Sci-fi...
Have you ever dreamed of having your very own robot? A robot who would play music when you ask, dance for your entertainment and bring you a beer? It may seem like something from a futuristic science fiction movie, but those dreams are becoming realities thanks to EZ-Robot!
Founded by DJ Sures, EZ-Robot is a company that creates a platform for regular people to build their dream robot using...
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New Community Membership: Building the Virtual...
“I want to be part of the startup community, but I don’t necessarily need a co-work desk. How can I get involved?”
This had become a common statement for startups members within the exploding Calgary tech community. Created with independent founders, developers, and biz dev gurus in mind, our new Community Membership includes those who want to belong to the collaborative startup community at...
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Startup Stories; Tinyplots' Big Dreams
They say you should never get into business with a friend or family member. Jordan Brown, however, did both. With his friend, Benny Lin and brother, Justin Brown, Jordan co-founded the tech startup, Tinyplots, a platform that teaches Calgarians how to grow their own food. As the startup grows, Jordan can still recall all the ups and downs along the way. ...
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Only 10 Days Left to Register for BaseCamp...
Don’t miss out on the chance to accelerate your startup: AcceleratorYYC and VA Angels are hosting another BaseCamp investment bootcamp April 12- 15, 2013.
In January 2013, R. Stewart (Randy) Thompson, Angel Investor and CEO of VA Angels, trained 10 local startup founders to ‘think like the investor.’ Given 3.5 days, in-depth exercises, guest speakers, and peer feedback, founders...
March 2013
6 posts
6 tags
Your Startup and Business Law. We’ve Got BD&P For...
AcceleratorYYC has partnered with BD&P Law Firm to help startup members
Many tech startups know that when it comes to business law, it can be difficult to navigate through the murky waters of legalities. Thankfully, AcceleratorYYC is excited to announce a partnership with BD&P Law Firm, (Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer Law Firm) to alleviate those sometimes-grey...
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Introducing AcceleratorYYC’s New Community...
AcceleratorYYC is excited to announce two new memberships to engage more startups founders and mentors within the greater tech community. Whether you’re looking for a way to support AcceleratorYYC’s community-building initiatives or just looking to belong to a startup group, these two new memberships are meant for you.
I. Community Membership
Want to be a part of the AcceleratorYYC...
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AcceleratorYYC and Startup Calgary; So Happy...
Remember the song, “So Happy Together” by The Turtles? Well, AcceleratoryYYC and Startup Calgary have started singing that tune and are excited to announce a new official partnership.
With Startup Calgary’s shifted vision to focus on creating startups, the partnership with the early stage co-work space, AcceleratorYYC, naturally fell into place. Startup Calgary wants to inspire...
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Startup Stories; Invici Technologies and the...
Pictured: Colin Madsen, Product Manager & Douglas Hagedorn, CEO of Invici Technologies
When asked, “What is one mistake you’re willing to share to other entrepreneurs?” Douglas Hagedorn, CEO of Invici Technologies says, “I didn’t understand how intellectual property worked soon enough.”
Douglas is the leading man of Invici Technologies (pictured on the...
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Startup Stories; FastCab Founder says, "Just get...
It’s Saturday night and you’re out with your friends downtown. It’s time to go home, so you all go outside to wait for a cab. A few minutes pass and you can’t seem to hail one down.. From across the street, you see other people who somehow managed to get a taxi before you did. How did they do it? What is their secret?
It’s no...
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Startup Calgary Launched Its New Vision: Focused...
We couldn’t be happier for our friends at Startup Calgary as they launch their new strategic vision!
Now “Focused on the Start,” Startup Calgary will be targeting programs, projects and events that work towards:
Sparking people’s ideas for building their own startup
Getting people actively working on building their startup idea
Assisting these “pre-startups” in getting the tools,...
February 2013
7 posts
6 tags
Register Now for Next BaseCamp Bootcamp April...
AcceleratorYYC and VA Angels are hosting another BaseCamp investment bootcamp on April 12- 15, 2013.
In January 2013, R. Stewart (Randy) Thompson, Angel Investor and CEO of VA Angels, trained 10 local startup founders to ‘think like the investor.’ Given 3.5 days, in-depth exercises, guest speakers, and peer feedback, founders completed the bootcamp extremely satisfied with...
6 tags
Don't Miss Out on Three Great Learning...
AcceleratorYYC is focused on providing startups with more opportunities: Learning opportunities to help further skills and knowledge. Networking opportunities to build connections and strengthen relationships. Promotional opportunities to increase their customer base, investor potential, and leadership team. Among many other things.
Next week, we are launching three new events & workshops that...
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A View from the Inside: A Full Recap on the...
Enjoy this guest blog post from Jason Zeiler, Startup Calgary
2013 has begun on a great note for Calgary with 80 participants collaborating to create 11 new startups at the just concluded Startup Weekend.
What an incredible event! With so many new startups being built on the fly, including an idea of my own (Outrank – a ranking system that separates the doers from the talkers), all the...
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Stu Iverson and Fitabilitee; It’s Always Nice to...
New startup at AcceleratorYYC that’s matching job candidates and employers together by looking at company culture
Remember in high school when we all wanted to fit in? Although our high school years are over, we still want to fit in – especially with the company we want to work for. Entrepreneur, Stu Iverson, founder and president of Fitabilitee, seeks to help job candidates find the right...
Startup Slyngshot: Now Offering Evening Classes &...
Given some great community feedback, we have updated the Startup Slyngshot dates and times to make it even more accessible for those of you with limited time. That’s right, we are talking to those of you with regular full-time jobs who still want to validate your startup idea before taking the plunge.
Re-launching Tuesday, February 19 at 6:00 pm, Startup Slyngshot will now be offered...
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Dr. Andreas Wissmann and The Lindsay Project...
The CEO and Founder of The Lindsay Project Corp. shares his entrepreneurial experience in honoring Lindsay Kimmett’s legacy
Dr. Andreas Wissmann founded two biotechnology companies before being approached by Dr. Bruce Wright and Dr. Christian Jacob to commercialize The Lindsay Project. What is The Lindsay Project? It is virtual human software designed to enhance the study of anatomy and...
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Exciting Week for Calgary Startups!
It has been a really exciting week for a couple of companies within our local startup community! A new hands-on marketing and business workshop company launched and a high-growth mobile-based startup launched its web presence. Read below for all the details!
OnAPage Launched Web Skills Workshops with Unique Hands-on Approach
AcceleratorYYC’s Executive in Residence Stephen King and our...
January 2013
6 posts
7 tags
Kory Arsenault and eSchedule; The Box-Office Hit
A look at one of AcceleratorYYC’s first member startups and the entrepreneur behind it.
For the longest time, Kory Arsenault, the founder and CEO of eSchedule, was the sole employee of his own company. eSchedule was one of the very first startups to work at AcceleratorYYC’s co-working space back in October 2011. Now adding key members and plans to triple revenue in 2013, the online...
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Apply now for Startup Slyngshot starting Feb 11,...
After a successful pilot launch in October, Startup Slyngshot is back and ready to accelerate your startup!
What is it?
For those of you who aren’t familiar, Startup Slyngshot is a four stage accelerator program for business and tech startups.
How does it work?
Startup Slyngshot is a four stage program that promotes and grows startup companies at any level. It covers everything from...
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Free cloud computing resources from CANARIE help...
Great information provided by our friends at Cybera. Read below for more details:
DAIR program promotes the use of advanced technologies that give Canadian firms a competitive edge.
Businesses across Canada can now apply for free cloud-computing resources through a program that aims to improve Canada’s competitive position in the technology sector.
The Digital Accelerator for Innovation and...
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Calling all Developers!
Well, the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer (with every chinook at least) and Easter is just around the corner. This is the best time of year to get a group of people together to create. What type of people are exceptionally talented at creating in our technologically-driven world? Developers.
Whether you’re into mobile, gaming, or software development, there are many...
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Looking for Top Talent for your Startup?
It seems that every startup founder is searching for top talent these days, so we thought we’d share a couple of opportunities & resources that will help speed that recruitment process along. (This info is also helpful if you’re on the other side of that spectrum and looking for a sweet new job opportunity within the local startup community!)
1. Calgary’s Virtual Job Fair for...
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Results for our AcceleratorYYC Member Survey
So, what’s it like to work at AcceleratorYYC? We decided to poll our member startups to get some feedback and here is what we found:
When asked about how satisfied they are with being a member, 60% said they are satisfied and 40% said they are very satisfied. (Note: Based on 10 votes, 100% of our members are satisfied! High five!)
In their own words, this is what...
December 2012
10 posts
4 tags
BaseCamp, Investment Bootcamp for Startups
AcceleratorYYC & VA Angels are hosting BaseCamp, an exclusive two-day investment bootcamp for tech startups on Jan 5, 6 & 7, 2013.
Randy Thompson, CEO of VA Angels, will provide founders with valuable insight from the investor’s perspective throughout the bootcamp. Kevin Swan, VC Investor with iNovia Capital will also share his expertise with the group. On...
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Driving Alberta Innovation to Market Jan 19, 2013
It’s just what your startup has been looking for…
Tailored marketing solutions. But not JUST solutions. An entire toolkit that empowers you to take your marketing to the next level! Because that’s just how we roll at Design4Change when it comes to innovation and high-tech in this province.
Together with the Bissett School of Business at Mount Royal University,...
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Receive 50% off BaseCamp as an AcceleratorYYC...
AcceleratorYYC & VA Angels are excited to announce BaseCamp, an exclusive two-day business accelerator & funding bootcamp for tech startups. Part of the VA Angels’ Summit Series, BaseCamp will be led by R. Stewart (Randy) Thompson, angel investor and CEO of VA Angels. BaseCamp is a crucial investment that will give you the valuable connections...
3 tags
Charity App Challenge: Leveraging Technology for...
The Calgary Herald, Digital Alberta and Place2Give.com ask the question: What can mobile technology do for the charity sector?
The Charity App Challenge is the brainchild of The Calgary Herald, Digital Alberta and Place2Give. The idea behind the challenge is to bring together two of Calgary’s communities, the technology and the non-profit sector, and leverage their shared knowledge for social...
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Hustler's Lunch at AcceleratorYYC Thurs, Jan 24
Date: January 24, 2013 – 12-1 @ AcceleratorYYC (Bring your own lunch)
Goal: To build a group of Startup biz dev Hustlers that can share war stories, make connections, identify mentorship opportunities, and be a resource for Entrepreneurs in Calgary.
Overview: According to Dave McClure, most VC’s suck balls and Startups should have 3 main skillsets: Hackers, Hipsters and Hustlers.*
We aren’t...
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Free Virtual Career Expo for Startups Jan 23, 2013
We’re helping to host a virtual job fair for Calgary Startups as part of the Growth Canada Career Expo, a cross-Canada virtual job fair series. Powered by KarmaHire, and part of the Growth Canada Virtual Career Expo, this online job fair will showcase Calgary’s growing tech sector and help candidates discover exciting new opportunities. Candidates will be able to...
7 tags
AcceleratorYYC & VA Angels' BaseCamp Jan 5-7, 2013
AcceleratorYYC & VA Angels are excited to announce BaseCamp, an exclusive two-day business accelerator & funding bootcamp for tech startups. Part of the VA Angels’ Summit Series, BaseCamp will be led by R. Stewart (Randy) Thompson, angel investor and CEO of VA Angels. BaseCamp is a crucial investment that will give you the...
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Welcome Front Row Software!
We want to introduce you to Reza Shirazian, founder of Front Row Software and one of the newest members at AcceleratorYYC! Front Row Software develops mobile games, including “Around the World in 5 Differences.”
Reza has already blogged about his new work space on the Front Row Software blog:
Of course being a start up in a competitive industry, means it’s going be awhile before...
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Dragons Den’s Robert Herjavec to Lead Judges Panel...
On Monday, March 11, 2013, The Canadian Cloud Council and Boast Capital will jointly host The Canadian Cloud Showdown at the Cloud Matters Conference in Banff.
Ten startups from all over Canada will be selected pitch to a panel of leading investors, entrepreneurs, industry analysts and media. Robert Herjavec, CEO of Herjavec Group and Star of CBC’s “Dragon’s Den”...
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Have You Tried Co-working?
Love rolling out of bed to start ‘work’ in your pajamas but are starting to miss social interaction (your cat doesn’t count)? Why don’t you give co-working a try?
According to Small Business BC’s blog, “Key Benefits of Co-working”, some of the top advantages for co-working include:
Increased opportunities for networking,...
November 2012
10 posts
5 tags
Partnership with Innovate Calgary Will Directly...
Innovate Calgary is the latest community supporter to partner with AcceleratorYYC in its efforts to provide resources for early-stage tech startups in Calgary. The partnership, forged between the advanced tech transfer and incubator organization and the cowork space for tech startups, will provide functional expertise and ongoing mentorship for startup members at...
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Save the Dates for AccelerateAB: July 10-11, 2013
As many of you may or may not know, I fell in love with Alberta’s tech community at the AccelerateAB conference last year in Edmonton. While working in the tech community in Saskatoon, I received an email invite from Sean Collins, one of the conference organizers (who I am sure many of you already know!). A few weeks later, I was on the road to Edmonton, excited to check out this new...
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Last Friday at AcceleratorYYC: A100 Office Hours &...
For those of you who were busy working at home or stuck in the office last Friday, November 23, you missed out on a great day at AcceleratorYYC!
Our new Executive in Residence, Stephen King, joined us for the November A100 Office Hours and he even brought his guitar!
Four lucky startups took part in the second A100 Office Hours program including:
eSchedule- AcceleratorYYC resident currently...
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AcceleratorYYC's Open House featuring: Alberta...
This Friday, AcceleratorYYC will be opening up its doors at 3:30 pm for the startup community! Startups, Investors, Cheerleaders… everyone is welcome.
Our guest will be Hanan Chebib from Alberta Enterprise, presenting a quick summary of “The VC Ecosystem” within Calgary, Alberta and Canada. Great info for those early stage startups who would like to develop a better...
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Calgary Startups: Register Now to Win the TEC...
Our friends at TEC Edmonton, a business accelerator, helps to transform technologies into business opportunities. TEC Edmonton wants you - yes, you! - to register for the annual provincial TEC VenturePrize Business Plan Competition!
Working with more than 1,600 entrepreneurs across the province in the last 10 years, TEC Edmonton has awarded more than $1.2M...
