DMZ is a global startup ecosystem that features a world-leading incubator, talent academy, partner network and strategic investment fund. Through its award-winning programming, DMZ equips tech founders with the tools needed to build, launch and scale high-impact startups. Over the past 14 years, DMZ has helped 1000+ startups raise $2.69 billion in capital and create 5,200+ jobs. From its headquarters in Toronto, DMZ has also grown a strong international presence – with offices and partnerships across North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean.
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Introducing DMZ CoWork – a workspace designed for growth in the heart of downtown Toronto. Get access to a blend of professional resources, top-tier amenities, networking opportunities, and a vibrant community that supports your success. Book a tour now: dmz.to/cowork
We’re kicking off Toronto Tech Week with a night that marks two major milestones: ➡️ 15 years of DMZ backing bold founders. ➡️ The launch of BetaKit’s Most Ambitious issue. Can’t wait to celebrate ambition, impact and 15 years of doing things differently. Read more about how we’re teaming up with BetaKit ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/gp8zSRN9
This morning, FemTech founders, investors and partners visited DMZ HQ for a thought-provoking roundtable discussion on women’s health solutions. Some of the key takeaways include: • Major gaps in data and funding continue to stunt innovation – only 6% of global healthcare R&D is focused on women’s health, which affects product development, fundraising, and policy advocacy. • This is why founders aren’t just building companies – they’re also required to build the foundational datasets that we need to progress women’s health. • Early education is critical. We need to normalize conversations around cycles, fertility, and reproductive choices – empowering the next generation with knowledge and awareness to take control of their health. Special thanks to our participants from: Innovation Factory , Femtech Canada, SunLife, National Bank of Canada, Sprout Family, myStoria, BDC, RBCx, McMaster University, Guelph General Hospital, and Fibra (a DMZ Ventures portfolio company). Stay tuned for more FemTech initiatives from DMZ! Want to join our next DMZ Connect roundtable? Reach out to Kathy Kelly or follow this link to register: https://lnkd.in/gcsZrXWs
Advice from 2025 Woman of the Year recipient Lisa Zarzeczny ✨ As the CEO of Elevate, Lisa caught up with us after being honoured at our Women Innovation Summit last month. Congrats again, Lisa!
Students – spend your summer building in Toronto at DMZ Basecamp ☀️ As Canada’s biggest student incubator program, Basecamp offers $50,000 in grant prizes, up to $2,000 in travel support and more – whether you’re in high school, university/college, or a recent grad. Applications close in May: dmz.to/Basecamp-2025
DEI was never about optics – it’s about access. If we want Black founders to thrive, we need more than performative promises, we need systems built to last. Read more from our Black Innovation Programs Manager Yinka Adesesan in his op-ed for TheFutureEconomy.ca ⬇️
Innovation Program Manager and Venture Builder helping early-stage startups go from idea to launch to exit
Over the past few years, we’ve seen unprecedented investments in Black innovation—but now, we’re also witnessing the backlash. In my latest piece for TheFutureEconomy.ca, I explore what comes next for Black founders when DEI falls out of favour—and why now is the moment to think bigger than ever. This article is a call to: → Build long-term infrastructure, not just short-term initiatives → Create ecosystems that outlast headlines → Center Black founders in the future of entrepreneurship, not just the margins Thriving beyond the backlash means shifting our focus from symbolic gestures to systems that sustain. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g8_NKiHY #BlackFounders #FutureOfEntrepreneurship #EcosystemBuilding #DEI #InclusiveInnovation #TheFutureEconomy #DMZ
Announcing the Centre for Housing Innovation’s first Accelerator cohort! ➡️ LandLogic ➡️ Building Swell ➡️ CABN ➡️ Adaptis ➡️ Tinybox Systems ➡️ Upbrella International ➡️ PakVille In partnership with GroundBreak Ventures, CivicAction and NGen Canada, we’re supporting bold, practical housing solutions– like AI that optimizes cost and carbon, off-grid homes that are set up in days, smarter land use tools, recycled prefab panels, seamless construction software, crane-free high-rises and more. Over the next six months, this cohort will get access to mentorship, investors, exclusive networking, office space, legal support, and over $1M in partner perks to grow and scale their companies. This project is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario | Agence fédérale de ...
Founders, it's your LAST CHANCE to register for tomorrow's workshop on Canadian competition law – led by experts Amy Hill and Majid Charania from Competition Bureau Canada! 🔗: https://lnkd.in/dqFRaezr
Running a business in Canada? Then competition law impacts you — whether you realize it or not. Understanding the rules of the game isn’t just smart, it could save your company from major headaches, penalties, or worse down the road. Join us at DMZ HQ for an exclusive workshop this Tuesday with experts Amy Hill and Majid Charania from the Competition Bureau Canada to learn how to stay compliant, protect your startup, and outsmart the competition (legally!). 🗓️: April 8 at 12:00 PM 🔗: lu.ma/vmjzd8qq
Thank you to all who came out to support our partners at Desjardins at last night’s Cooperathon Info Session and Mixer at DMZ HQ 📸 We kicked off the Cooperathon Innovation Challenge– a nationwide program that gives innovators the tools, mentorship and resources they need to solve real-world problems. Our space gave young entrepreneurs interactive, hands-on opportunities to connect with potential co-founders, team members and industry experts. Learn more about the Cooperathon: https://lnkd.in/e8tHcYr
Running a business in Canada? Then competition law impacts you — whether you realize it or not. Understanding the rules of the game isn’t just smart, it could save your company from major headaches, penalties, or worse down the road. Join us at DMZ HQ for an exclusive workshop this Tuesday with experts Amy Hill and Majid Charania from the Competition Bureau Canada to learn how to stay compliant, protect your startup, and outsmart the competition (legally!). 🗓️: April 8 at 12:00 PM 🔗: lu.ma/vmjzd8qq