Investment Accelerator Fund
ON, Canada
Seed funding for early-stage technology in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 14, 2019
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- MaRS Discovery District
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
If your company is close to commercialization in information technology, health or clean tech, and your addressable market size is $100 million, this capital investment of $500,000 may be for you.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant does not specify particular geographical areas as eligible. The eligibility is based on the projects and their alignment with the funding body’s objectives.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$500,000
Creating an online platform for mental health services nationwide
$500,000
Developing AI-driven health monitoring wearable for chronic disease management
$500,000
Implementing a clean tech solution for industrial water purification
$500,000
Building a solar-powered smart home prototype to reduce carbon footprint
$500,000
Developing a cybersecurity solution for protecting small businesses against cyber threats
grant_single_labels|admissibility
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The MaRS IAF grant is designed for innovative technology companies led by ambitious founders who seek early-stage investment to scale their business operations.
- Founders building breakthrough technology companies.
- Companies with a strong technological innovation component.
- Startups positioned in early investment stages seeking financial growth support.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- MaRS IAF is known for its extensive network, which includes connections with potential customers, academic institutions, and industry experts, offering strategic advantages to the companies it invests in.
- The MaRS IAF investment team consists of seasoned investors, operators, and builders who provide valuable support and guidance to founders, especially in the early stages of their companies' journeys.
- The track record of MaRS IAF includes a high ratio of follow-on funding, which indicates a successful history of attracting further investments post-initial funding.
- Being a part of the MaRS IAF portfolio could increase the visibility and credibility of a startup within the technology investment community.
Apply to this program
MaRS IAF: Fueling Innovation through Strategic Investment
MaRS IAF is actively investing in early-stage technology companies, offering financial support and a robust network to ambitious founders aiming to revolutionize their industries. This initiative is designed to promote the growth and innovation of technology sectors by providing the necessary capital to nurture breakthrough ideas from inception to market ready solutions.
Empowering Founders to Achieve Breakthrough Success
Located at the heart of Canada’s innovation ecosystem, MaRS IAF plays a pivotal role in supporting the startup community by providing crucial early-stage funding. This not only seeds financial investments but brings together a curated panel of experienced investors, industry operators, and tech visionaries, each with deep-rooted connections across various sectors. The fund's backing encompasses more than just capital; it opens gateways to an expansive network of academia, industry leaders, and potential customers, which are invaluable for the validation and growth phases of startup development.
The primary focus of the MaRS IAF is to guide promising tech startups through their nascent stages by leveraging its substantial experience in investment. The fund strategically allocates resources to projects that demonstrate innovative potential and align with thriving technological advancements. As technology sectors are ripe with opportunities, MaRS IAF’s investments help catalyze transformations that challenge and redefine traditional sectors, contributing significantly to technological advancement and economic growth in Canada.
By engaging with MaRS IAF, startups gain a competitive edge through access to customized mentorship programs, strategic insights from seasoned investors, and operational support. These resources are tailored to optimize each company’s path to success, whether they need comprehensive guidance on market penetration strategies, product development, or scalable business models. This holistic support ecosystem aims to prepare these companies not just for immediate challenges, but also for navigating the complexities of scaling their innovations globally.
One of the fund’s distinct advantages is its propensity for fostering a thriving and collaborative innovation ecosystem. By strategically investing in early-stage startups, MaRS IAF builds synergistic relationships among the companies it supports. This interconnected network fosters an environment of shared knowledge, encouragement, and resource-sharing, which collectively enhances the potential for each company to achieve substantial growth and market reach.
MaRS IAF also prioritizes follow-on funding, contributing to the long-term sustainability and growth of startups. Understanding that nurturing groundbreaking ideas is a journey, the fund remains committed beyond initial investment rounds, ensuring ongoing financial support that allows companies to scale effectively while maintaining their innovative edge. This approach not only supports the continuity of innovation within Canada but also solidifies the nation’s reputation as a global leader in technology.
The investment strategy of MaRS IAF is not merely about capital deployment but also centers around fostering sustainable, high-impact innovation. The success metrics are not just about financial returns but are equally focused on the measurable change each startup brings to its respective sector and beyond. This forward-thinking approach ensures that each investment contributes positively to the broader economic landscape, addressing both current market needs and setting the stage for future technological disruptions.
In summary, MaRS IAF’s role extends beyond traditional funding. It acts as a catalyst for economic development, a mentor for emerging entrepreneurs, and a conduit for transforming innovative ideas into tangible, impactful realities. By anchoring its operations in strong partnerships and an unwavering commitment to innovation, MaRS IAF continues to fuel Canadian technology ventures towards a promising future.
