The University of New Brunswick’s Pond-Deshpande Centre has announced the seven startups joining the Atlantic cohort of the Women and Nonbinary Impact Network for Venture Capital, or WIN-VC, which provides coaching and support services to help new businesses become investment-ready.
Launched in September, the Canadian arm of WIN-VC is funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and administered by Ontario-based SVX, which is both a non-profit and a financial services firm focused on impact investing. The organization’s offerings include founder education and accelerator programs, as well as investor training with a range of impact-related focuses, such as backing female founders. Some of WIN-VC’s programming is also offered under a partnership with Vancouver’s Spring VC shop.
Named for entrepreneurs Gerry Pond and Gururaj and Jaishree Deshpande, meanwhile, Pond-Deshpande Centre is one of UNB’s entrepreneurship hubs, with a particular focus on engaging youth. The centre transitioned to a revenue-driven business model in 2022, a move timed to coincide with the 10th anniversary of its founding.
“We're thrilled to announce the Atlantic venture cohort joining the Women and Nonbinary Impact Network for Venture Capital,” said the Pond-Deshpande Centre. “This initiative sets women entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada up for further success, offering access to resources, programming, and events geared towards making your venture investment-ready — and a link to a national audience.”
Here’s a look at the participating companies:
Ranah Chavoshi and Stacey Goldberg
Vancouver and Charlottetown
PhyCo is developing a biodegradeable plastic alternative made from seaweed under a partnership with First Nations groups.
Leah Murphy
St. John’s
North Star Payroll’s software is designed for accountants and bookkeepers that provide outsourced payroll services.
Houlie Duque
Fredericton
HomeschoolToGo is a bilingual, online homeschooling program that offers English- and Spanish-based content for kids in pre-kindergarten to the fifth grade. The company’s services also include printed resources, video content, one-on-one coaching and reading clubs for parents.
Adilya Dragan
St. John’s
Starluv is an online marketplace for users to buy and sell pre-owned clothing and accessories.
Sierra Anwar
St. John's
MetaCrust is a system for securely transmitting health data from wearable medical devices to telehealth companies.
Emily Johnston
Halifax
Led by clinical pharmacology PhD Emily Johnston, who also works in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Halifax Infirmary, Pain Coach is a platform designed to give people who have had surgery personalized guidance to help them recover faster.
Julia Fursova
Fredericton
Transform Practice is a consulting company focused on pro-social or non-profit work.
