Google has invited two up-and-coming Canadian startups – Waterloo-based EdTech company Knowledgehook and Halifax-based contract management startup PACTA – to pitch at its annual Demo Day next month in Silicon Valley.

They are the only Canadian companies to pitch to investors and respected judges at the event at the Google Headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., on May 4. In total, 11 companies from the U.S., Canada and Mexico will pitch at the Google Demo Day.When Google held its Demo Day for female-led startups in December, the winner was another Canadian outfit, Bridgit of Kitchener.

“Being invited to pitch by Google shows that our technology is not only cutting edge, it is also solving a real problem for businesses across the globe,” said PACTA Co-Founder and CEO Charlotte Rydlund in a statement. “Companies can dramatically increase their productivity and minimize risk by turning their contracts into smart contracts.”     

Knowledgehook has developed new gaming software that analyzes the academic performance of math students. Currently trying to raise more investment, co-founders Travis Ratnam and James Francis will deliver the pitch.

Knowledgehook Nears New Funding

“We’re thrilled to share our software with potential investors,” Ratnam said.  “We believe our products will be pivotal in connecting teachers and school boards all over the world with data that identifies what concepts students are struggling with and also provides them with immediate teaching solutions.”

Knowledgehook software analyzes the academic performance of math students in real-time play to recommend to educators alternative teaching practices.

Since March 2015, Knowledgehook software has been used by more than 65,000 students and teachers in math classes throughout Canada and the U.S.  The company is currently going through the Rev accelerator at Communitech in Kitchener.

A graduate of the Propel ICT and FounderFuel Accelerators, PACTA has developed software that helps organizations, especially large corporations, manage their vast portfolios of contracts. It tells the organization when an action is needed in each contract, and how external events may impact the company’s contracts.

PACTA was named one of Canada’s Top 25 Up and Coming ICT companies by Branham Group.

“PACTA enables better business relationships and better results and is the future of contract management for businesses everywhere,” said Isak Rydlund, PACTA co-founder and Chief Operating Officer. “We look forward to representing eastern Canada in general, and Montreal and Halifax in particular at Google Demo Day.”