The University of Waterloo has a vibrant entrepreneurial scene, playing a vital role in the startup and Venture Capital (VC) ecosystem both locally and globally. This Canadian university's programs like Velocity, the world's largest free startup incubator, not only provide workspace and mentorship but also facilitate access to funding for startups. Its initiatives such as the Problem Lab equip students to innovate and solve real-world problems.

One of the most successful startups from the University of Waterloo is Kik Interactive, a company founded by two graduates. Kik's messenger application gained immense popularity and at one point has 300 million registered users. It's a true testament to the kind of skilled entrepreneurs the university can produce.

Other notable startups from the University of Waterloo include Vidyard, a video marketing platform, and Sortable, an AI-powered ad operations platform. Both startups highlight Waterloo's potential for innovation and driving growth in technology-centric businesses.

The University of Waterloo's alumni network also includes successful investors. Chamath Palihapitiya, a prominent venture capitalist in the Silicon Valley, is an alumnus of the University of Waterloo. His venture firm, Social Capital, has backed numerous successful startups.

The university's focus on STEM education and research involvement has made it one of the top choices for tech startups. It offers a Conestoga College startup fund, providing financial support for early-stage, high-potential startups. Additionally, the university hosts numerous competitions such as the Velocity Fund Finals, where startups can gain substantial funding.

One peculiar feature is the co-op program at the University of Waterloo. The program integrates academic studies with relevant work experience, encouraging entrepreneurship among students. The university's strong emphasis on experiential learning enables its graduates to be successful entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and tech innovators.