Queen's University is known for its vibrant and dynamic startup and Venture Capital (VC) ecosystem. The university offers various support systems and resources for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC), established in 2012, serves as a principal hub for entrepreneurial training, mentorship and startup support. It supports students, professors, alumni, and community members to transform ideas into successful ventures.
Notable startups from Queen's University include the biotech firm 'Sequentia Biotech', cofounded by Queen’s alumni, Dr. Walid Houry. The company focuses on producing platform technologies for agricultural genomics and nutritional genomics. In the world of FinTech, 'Payment Source' stands out as a successful startup, founded by Queen’s alumnus, Robert Hyde. The company provides alternatives to traditional payment methods and was recognized as the Payment Company of the Year in 2018 by the Canadian Prepaid Providers Organization.
Queen's University has also produced some successful VC individuals. David Sharpe, a Queen’s Law grad, is the CEO of Bridging Finance Inc., one of Canada's leading private debt firms. He is an experienced VC investor engaged in various sectors, with a focus towards supporting the country’s Indigenous economy.
The university's entrepreneurial initiatives don't stop there. It also hosts events such as the annual Queen’s Innovation Connector Summer Initiative (QICSI), a 17-week paid summer internship program that gives participants the chance to launch a startup. This program has successfully launched several ventures, such as 'Spectra Plasmonics', a company that developed a technology for rapid detection of chemical substances, which won the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition in Singapore.
In terms of unique features, Queen's University places emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration in innovation. The DDQIC operates on a global network model, allowing students to benefit from international market immersion programs in countries like the U.S., China, and Scotland.
Showing your skills in picking successful startups and advising founders is the surest way to build your reputation and secure a venture capital role.
Explore →Your community, region, or group thrives when its founders are given the chance to succeed before going back and reinvesting in their comunities.
Explore →Earn a share in startups you scout without the funds to invest directly just like a VC partner.
Explore →As a podcaster, community manager, or event organiser you have a front-row seat to interesting startups which you can monetise by helping them fundraise.
Explore →By identifying under-represented founders you're level the playing field for anyone to success based on merit independent from their social or ethnic background.
Explore →Help your friends who are neck-deep in their startups get the funding they need to succeed.
Explore →Be the first to invest in Queen's University's most promising startups and innovations. Connect with individuals and startups directly to receive exclusive dealflow opportunities.
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