One Lucky Winner Will Receive a $10,000 Cash Prize, in Celebration of Startup Week’s Milestone 10th Anniversary
Edmonton, AB August 16, 2023 – Launch Party is the annual flagship event of Edmonton Startup Week, produced by Edmonton Unlimited, recognizing and showcasing 10 of Edmonton’s hottest startups. Since 2010, 115 celebrated companies have launched their businesses and raised more than $398.8M USD in investment and $25.7M CDN in grants to grow and scale.
This year’s Launch Party offers this and more, with one company set to receive a $10K prize on the big night, October 13th. With 10 companies chosen to participate after a competitive application and community-supported selection process, the 2023 honourees will make their pitch at Launch Party 14, providing the founders with direct access to customers and investment:
“Innovation is a team game and we’re pumped to rally the entire city behind this year’s Launch Party honourees,” said Edmonton Unlimited CEO Catherine Warren. “With the local connectivity, support, and exposure that companies receive during Launch Party and beyond, homegrown ventures have a strategic advantage — and a launchpad for sustainable growth. As one of North America’s fastest-growing tech sectors, we are fortunate that local visionaries set the stage as far back as 2010 for Edmonton’s startups to soar. Successful startups benefit us all, sparking job creation, investment stimulation, and economic diversification.”
In addition to pitching their company at this year’s Launch Party, founders will receive one to one coaching and mentorship from Edmonton Unlimited’s compass sponsors, MNP and Dentons.
“MNP is committed to the entrepreneurial journey. We eagerly anticipate working closely with each of the 10 startups, helping to shape their innovative venture into a prosperous business. This underscores our unwavering commitment to your business and contributes to a vibrant Alberta economy.”
– Angelo Talamayan, Alberta Provincial Leader – Technology, Media & Telecommunications
“We are thrilled to provide legal guidance and resources to the ten remarkable companies being featured in this year’s Launch Party. For over twenty years Dentons has been a key supporting member of Edmonton’s innovation community because we understand the pivotal role that mentorship and coaching play in the journey of entrepreneurs. As these innovative founders take the stage and pitch their visions, we are excited to lend our considerable legal experience garnered from working with entrepreneurs, investors and incubators to help them leverage this incredible opportunity to launch their business and achieve their inspiring business objectives.”
– Tom Sides, Senior Counsel and Wes Fairbanks, Partner, Dentons
“We invite all Edmontonians to track these startups in the year ahead,” said Warren. “Interest from all corners of the city will put wind in these companies’ sails as they take on international markets, attract enlightened investment, and make a global impact.”
“A thriving municipal innovation ecosystem is key to nurturing and expediating business growth,” said City of Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “Edmonton Startup Week is a celebration of the vibrancy of our local ecosystem that businesses need to create jobs, attract investment and strength Edmonton’s economy.”
Launch Party 14 will be held at the Edmonton Convention Centre on Thursday, October 12 at 6:00 pm. Edmonton Startup Week runs from October 10 to 14, and features nearly free events, workshops, panels, and socials happening throughout the city. Register here.
* Terms and conditions for winning the $10,000 cash prize will be provided to applicants chosen to participate in Launch Party 14. Only those chosen applicants will be eligible to win the $10,000 Cash Prize.