Supporting founders during the COVID-19 pandemic
Update 6 (July 28, 2020)
MedMe Health, one of the new Velocity portfolio companies, has just completed Wefunder’s Fight the Virus Challenge accelerator program. Moreover, the company has launched a new COVID-19 test module to help pharmacies safely and efficiently conduct asymptomatic COVID-19 testing. Read the full update here.
Update 5 (May 7, 2020)
Eleven companies at Velocity are now working toward innovative solutions to combat the current pandemic.
You can read our Executive Director’s update here.
Note: You can also read a feature story from the University of Waterloo here. (Updated May 8, 2020 at 12:00)
Update 4 (April 28, 2020)
We have released more details in terms of how we plan on carrying out the next Velocity Fund Pitch Competition virtually.
Our goal is to continue supporting founders and our startup community through this tough time.
Whether you are an early-stage founder, an investor, or just someone interested in startups and innovation, we encourage you to read the announcement.
Application deadline is fast approaching. You can apply here.
Update 3 (April 7, 2020)
As we announced, we are planning to host a virtual Velocity Fund Pitch Competition this summer. Hosting a virtual competition allows us to continue showcasing some of the best, most promising early-stage startups in Canada, while providing them with an opportunity for vital pre-seed investments.
It’s very important that we continue fulfilling our mission despite the challenges we face due to the current global pandemic.
More details to come next week when the applications open. Please stay tuned!
Want to be notified when VFPC applications open? Click here.
Note: applications to VFPC are now open. (Updated: April 14, 2020 at 14:30)
Update 2 (April 2, 2020)
Ways to reach Velocity quickly.
We have added a Messenger chat function, which can be found at the bottom right corner of our website. Our receptionist, Hannah Batten, is there to answer your questions from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays.
You may continue to use our “Contact us” form. It’s great for relaying a specific message if you’re unsure about who you ought to be speaking with at Velocity. It’s also great for requests that may require a substantive response (e.g., investment).
Lastly, you can find us across all major social media platforms. We aim to provide a response within 24 hours
See you all virtually! Please stay safe.
A special update (March 2020)
Velocity hasn’t stopped helping founders. But we have modified how we are helping. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, here’s what we’re doing differently:
- All Velocity companies are now working remotely.
- All business advisory meetings will be provided virtually. More recently, we have moved all of our early-stage programming to conference call meetings, and we have simply extended this practice to all discussions with founders. Over 100 hours of advisory meetings are continuing on a weekly basis.
- We’re committed to keeping the founder community connected. We continue our work to promote founder-to-founder discussions digitally and remotely.
Velocity Stage 1 application deadline extension
In the end, Velocity will keep moving. Applications for the next Stage 1 cohort have been extended to April 6, 2020. In particular, special considerations will be given to companies that have or could pivot to deploy immediate or near-term solutions that can combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
We know that startups have great capacity to identify opportunities, innovate quickly, and develop market-ready technologies. Velocity can help by working with founders to quickly evolve their strategies and product development to rally to this cause. We are already working with a number of companies building COVID-19 solutions, and we are ready to work with more.
Learn more about Velocity’s support for companies.
Note: this blog post will be updated in the coming days and weeks to reflect our evolving support for Velocity companies and our commitment to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic.