HALIFAX, NS (May 19, 2021) – Five Atlantic Canadian early-stage technology startups will join the Spring 2021 intake of the year-long Volta Cohort. The companies will each receive a $25,000 investment from a fund co-founded by Volta, BDC Capital and Innovacorp, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and training and resources to help grow their businesses. The program’s operations are supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

“The Volta Cohort Pitch Competition is evidence of the innovative thinking and entrepreneurial drive in Atlantic Canada. All of these companies will have tangible impacts on their respective industries and sectors, and it is inspirational to be part of supporting these Founders,” said Martha Casey, CEO at Volta, who also served as a judge at this year’s competition. “Many Volta Cohort companies have gone on to significant national and international success, and Volta is proud to support their growth.”

Companies were selected at the Volta Cohort Pitch Event – a virtual pitch competition held on May 19. Fifteen Atlantic Canadian startup founders pitched their businesses to a panel of judges, including representatives from ACOA, BDC, Innovacorp, LongShot Capital and Volta – all experts from the region’s startup community.

The companies selected to join the next Volta Cohort include:

·   Drastic Scholastic Thermoplastic

·   Food For Thought Software Solutions

·   PLAEX Building Systems Inc.

·   Pressto

·   Tribe Network

More than 210 full-time employees have been hired through Cohort companies since the program’s inception in 2017. Volta Cohort companies have raised more than $10 million in secured investments, with more than $7 million in grant dollars received by Volta Cohort companies. To this date in 2021 alone, Volta Cohort companies have more than $500,000 in combined revenue.

Visit voltaeffect.com/cohort to learn more.

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About Volta

Volta, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is the largest innovation hub east of Montreal. Focused on creating a space where members of the regional innovation ecosystem can work, connect and grow, Volta provides access to Co-Working space, programming, mentorship, resources and events. Volta has been home to more than 100 startup companies through the Volta Residency Program, creating more than 300 jobs and raised a combined total of over $100 million in equity financing Learn more at www.voltaeffect.com.

About the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies, and by championing the strengths of Atlantic Canada. Together, with Atlantic Canadians, ACOA is building a stronger economy. For more information, please visit www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.

About​ ​BDC​ ​Capital

With more than $2-billion under management, BDC Capital is the investment arm of BDC, serving as a strategic partner to Canada’s most innovative and high potential firms. It offers a range of equity, venture capital and flexible growth and transition capital solutions to help Canadian entrepreneurs scale their businesses into global champions. To find out more, visit bdc.ca/capital.

About​ ​Innovacorp

Innovacorp is Nova Scotia’s early stage venture capital organization. It finds, funds and fosters innovative Nova Scotia startups that strive to change the world. The goal is to help those startups commercialize their technologies and succeed in the global marketplace. In addition to risk capital, Innovacorp gives entrepreneurs access to world-class incubation facilities, expert advice and other support to help accelerate their companies. More information at innovacorp.ca.

For more information contact:

Meghan Cadue

Senior Manager, Marketing + Programming

meghan.cadue@voltaeffect.com, 902.702.0194 ext.11

Tags: pitch competition, pitchevent, voltacohort

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