Halifax-based Volta Labs, one of Canada’s largest innovation hubs, and national law firm McInnes Cooper have announced a corporate partnership.
McInnes Cooper will join Volta in its new 60,000 sq. ft. space with a permanent satellite office, making it the first corporate partner in Volta’s community space in the Maritime Centre on Halifax’s Barrington Street.
McInnes Cooper will continue to conduct regular seminars and office hours for Volta residents and network members, the parties said in a joint statement. The firm will also host and support events such as Volta Academy, an 11-week program designed to help turn ideas into viable startups.
“Volta’s partnership with McInnes Cooper is an example of the growing support corporate partners are providing to early and growth stage companies,” Jesse Rodgers, CEO of Volta said. “Collaboration between our partners and the startups in our community is integral to creating a stronger innovation ecosystem in Atlantic Canada…”
Rob Cowan, Partner with McInnes Cooper, said: “We have brilliant minds in Atlantic Canada and we are excited to be part of real economic growth in Halifax, specifically Halifax’s Innovation District.”
Volta is currently home to over 30 companies and hosts around 150 events annually. Volta has housed over 50 startups since it opened in 2013. These companies have created over 300 jobs and raised a total of $60 million in equity financing, the statement said.
Volta is also working to boost corporate innovation with its Corporate Innovation Outpost program. This allows large organizations and entrepreneurs to collaborate on solving business problems.
Volta is supported by $2.25 million in funding from the Province of Nova Scotia for the group’s physical expansion, and $2 million from Invest Nova Scotia to establish more Corporate Innovation Outposts at Volta.
McInnes Cooper was one of the founding sponsors of Volta when it opened in 2013. The firm will move into Volta in September when the current renovations are complete.
Disclosure: McInnes Cooper and Volta are clients of Entrevestor.