Become a Startup Scout
in
at
York University

Discover the exhilarating world of startups by joining as a VC Scout. Unlock unrivaled networking opportunities and gain unprecedented industry insights. York University members, your unique perspectives are immensely valuable. Dive into this exciting opportunity today.

About

Located in Toronto, Canada, York University has been a strong player in the start-up and Venture Capital (VC) ecosystem. The university houses Innovation York which is the research and innovation office of York University. This initiative assists researchers, offers entrepreneur development, and provides industry collaboration.

One of the notable success stories from York University is the digital education start-up called Top Hat. Mike Silagadze, a former student of York University, co-founded Top Hat. The business has received significant Venture Capital (VC) funding and currently serves millions of students at three-quarters of North America’s top 1,000 colleges and universities.

Another notoriety from York University is Joey Brander, a young prominent American sports media entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He graduated from York with a degree in Business and Society and went onto become the youngest Angel investor in the US.

The YSpace initiative taken by York University supports start-ups by focusing on food and beverage, social venture, online and retail commerce, and technologically-based businesses. This has had a positive impact on the university's startup culture.

York University has also launched The Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science & Technology (BEST) lab aimed at training scientists and engineers into future tech entrepreneurs. The program's ambition is to help students go beyond theory and translate it into a successful business practice. It has blended together elements of entrepreneurship, business, and engineering to develop unique curriculum for student innovators.

The entrepreneurial spirit is nurtured through competitions and incubator plans like the Innovation York Entrepreneurship program that allows the students to participate and pitch their business ideas in order to win funding to make their idea a reality. This contributes to creating a strong startup and VC ecosystem at York University.

As a Scout, You Can...

Kickstart Your Venture Capital Career

Showing your skills in picking successful startups and advising founders is the surest way to build your reputation and secure a venture capital role.

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Help Your Ecosystem Thrive

Your community, region, or group thrives when its founders are given the chance to succeed before going back and reinvesting in their comunities.

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Earn a Share in Startups Without Investing in Them

Earn a share in startups you scout without the funds to invest directly just like a VC partner.

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Monetise Your Content & Community

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.

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Create a Fairer Society

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.

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Help Friends Get Funded

Help your friends who are neck-deep in their startups get the funding they need to succeed.

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Grow Your Personal Brand

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Join as a Scout at Your University

Available Programs

Startup Investor?

York University is the perfect place to discover innovative dealflow opportunities. Connect with individuals, startups, and cutting-edge innovations – and get access to unique funding and investment opportunities. Reach out to us today to get started.

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Scout Programs in Other Global Startup Hubs

Podcaster

Do you interview founders & startups? Take your conversation insights to the next level by scouting your favourite podcast guests.

Scout founders you interview →

Co-Working Space Organiser

Do you help run a co-working space as an organiser or a greeter? Do you come across interesting entrepreneurs and startups?

Scout startups you sit next to→

Event Organiser

Do you organise an event, conference, or trade show? Help your founder attendees get discovered.

Scout startups at your event →

Student

Are you active in the entrepreneurship club at your college? Doing an MBA? Or are you a PHD student at a technical university? Help your fellow students get funded.

Scout startups at your university →

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Join 9,000 scouts & operators staying ahead with monthly venture insights.

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