How much funding can be received?

<p>The Ready 4 Market (R4M) is Ontario's pre-seed investment fund providing up to $250,000 for early-stage Ontario-based start-ups with competitive intellectual property. The program aims to support these start-ups in commercializing transformative technologies to become scalable businesses, focusing on long-term competitiveness, IP strength, and market readiness.</p>

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides co-investment opportunities to amplify funding rounds for eligible early-stage companies. The financing modalities are designed to support and de-risk startup growth, ensuring alignment with private investors.

Investments of up to $250,000.
Total funding rounds ranging from $500,000 to $2 million through combined resources with private sector co-investors.
Co-investing alongside angel investors and other private sector financiers.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Ready 4 Market (R4M) fund is tailored to support innovative, early-stage Ontario-based technology start-ups with a strong intellectual property foundation. The focus is on projects that demonstrate transformative potential and scalability in technology sectors.

Projects involving the commercialization of transformative technologies with competitive intellectual property.
Initiatives aimed at preparing start-ups for investment readiness and customer acquisition.
Projects that seek private sector co-investment to complement public funding.
Development activities that ensure the scalability of technology solutions.
Businesses that showcase a unique value proposition in the tech industry.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 250,000

Building an IoT-based smart irrigation system for urban farming

$ 250,000

Launching a software platform for remote telehealth consultations targeting elderly patients

$ 250,000

Developing AI technology to streamline logistics for ecommerce platforms

$ 250,000

Introducing a blockchain-based platform for supply chain transparency in the fashion industry

$ 250,000

Developing biodegradable packaging solutions for the agricultural sector

$ 250,000

Developing a virtual reality training program for healthcare professionals

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the Ready 4 Market grant is determined based on specific criteria targeting early-stage technology companies within Ontario.

The applicant must be an early-stage start-up based in Ontario.
The start-up must have intellectual property originating from an Ontario-based academic institution or be part of a campus incubator/accelerator.
The company must be incorporated for no more than five years, either as Ontario or Canadian for-profit incorporation, with principal operations in Ontario.
The company must have raised less than $1 million in third-party capital.
The investment sought should be part of a pre-seed or seed investment round, with total round sizes ranging from $500,000 to $2 million.
There must be private sector co-investment involved.
The market size of the company's addressable market must be at least $100 million.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Ready 4 Market (R4M) fund is designed for early-stage Ontario-based technology companies with strong intellectual property (IP) that are raising pre-seed and seed investments. Companies must meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply:- Originated from academic institutions such as universities, colleges, or research hospitals, and could be part of a campus incubator or accelerator. Companies spun out from these institutions are also eligible.- Must be a for-profit corporation incorporated for no more than five years and have their principal operations in Ontario.- Should have raised less than $1 million in third-party capital to be eligible for their first R4M investment.- Require a minimum addressable market size of $100 million and must demonstrate long-term competitiveness, a unique value proposition, and the capacity to scale.- Need private sector co-investment since R4M requires co-investment to de-risk the company's business opportunity.- Undergo a rigorous due diligence and selection process conducted by R4M, which evaluates companies based on their growth potential and business scalability.These criteria ensure that the fund targets businesses with a strong foundation and high potential for growth, thereby maximizing the impact of investments and fostering economic development in Ontario.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant does not specify ineligible companies or industries by their status or main activity. Additionally, the program has limited explicit restrictions outlined.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Ready 4 Market supports early-stage companies in Ontario by co-investing in the commercialization of transformative technologies. Companies benefit from de-risking investment opportunities, strategic growth support, and access to further investments.

Co-investment in early-stage start-ups focused on transformative technologies.
Support for companies with strong intellectual property based in Ontario.
Assistance in becoming investor and customer ready.
Facilitation of scalable business growth in various technology sectors.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The Ready 4 Market (R4M) fund is specifically designed for Ontario-based early-stage technology companies to ensure regional innovation and economic growth. Eligible companies must have their principal operations located in Ontario.

Ontario, Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Ready 4 Market grant are rigorously conducted based on a detailed set of criteria to ensure the competitiveness and scalability of the funded companies.

Long-term competitiveness of the company.
Strong intellectual property holdings.
Unique value proposition of the technology or product.
Capacity for scaling the business.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Review the fund guidelines to ensure your start-up qualifies based on the criteria provided.
Step 2: Express Interest
Complete the Interest Form available on the program's website to express your interest in the fund.
Consider reaching out to an Investment Lead for preliminary discussions.
Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
Gather necessary documentation showcasing competitive IP, value proposition, market potential, and scalability.
Ensure you have private sector co-investment lined up.
Step 4: Contact Investment Lead
Email Mandhir Kalia or Sharon Sukhdeo for additional information or guidance on your application: mkalia(at)oc-innovation(dot)ca or ssukhdeo(at)oc-innovation(dot)ca.
Step 5: Submit Application
Follow the specific instructions communicated during your engagement with the investment leads on how to submit your full application.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Ready 4 Market (R4M) is Ontario’s leading pre-seed investment fund, co-investing with angel and other investors in early-stage Ontario-based start-ups with competitive IP. The fund targets a minimum addressable market size of $100M, with investment sizes ranging from $500,000 to $2 million.

R4M supports early-stage technology companies raising pre-seed and seed investment rounds.
Investments are up to $250,000, with total round sizes ranging from $500,000 to $2 million.
Eligibility criteria include a minimum addressable market size of $100M.
Private sector co-investment is required.
Companies undergo a rigorous due diligence and selection process.
Companies are evaluated on long-term competitiveness, strong IP, unique value proposition, and capacity to scale.
OCI has invested in over 200 companies to date.
OCI supports early-stage companies that are raising pre-seed and seed investments.
Companies must be incorporated for no more than five years and have their principal operations in Ontario.
Companies that have raised less than $1 million in third-party capital are eligible for their first R4M investment.
OCI Ready for Market (R4M) Portfolio companies are not eligible for investment via the Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF).