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The Review

How Humi empowers founders at DMZ: Early-stage essentials and HR support

Founders

Category Archives: Founders

How Humi empowers founders at DMZ: Early-stage essentials and HR support

DMZ has always been more than just a workspace for Kevin Kliman, co-founder of Humi – it’s where transformative connections happen. As DMZ emerged as Toronto’s entrepreneurial hotspot in 2014, Kevin crossed paths with his future co-founder Matt Loszak. And that new connection would lead to the creation of one of Canada’s leading HR tech companies.

Today, Humi is giving back to the ecosystem where it all began – becoming a Partner-in-Residence at DMZ and offering comprehensive payroll, HR, and tech solutions to local startups.

“DMZ is a leader in Canada when it comes to building community for early-stage tech entrepreneurs,” says Kevin. “Our ambition is to bring this type of partnership to communities across Canada, so starting with DMZ made perfect sense.”

Humi’s platform enables founders to focus on growth

For early-stage startups, managing HR and payroll processes can be a significant drain on resources. That’s why Humi launched their Innovation Partner Program at DMZ – helping to eliminate HR issues so founders can focus on what matters most: building their business.

“In the early stages of building a company, there are certain things that you should spend time on and certain things that you shouldn’t have to,” Kevin explains. “The regulatory nuances around employing people is not where a company should be spending their time. And so we provide them with our platform for free to start, giving them the ability to spend their time on other things.”

Humi offers DMZ companies free access to their platform for the first year. Startups that take advantage of Humi’s additional services, such as health benefits or SR&ED tax credit support, can continue using the platform at no cost.

Beyond HR Software: Humi’s Comprehensive Support System

Humi’s services extend beyond just providing HR software. The company has integrated additional features into its platform that are crucial for startups, including:

  • SR&ED tax credit support, leveraging the employment data already in their system to streamline the application process
  • Health benefits administration that integrates seamlessly with their platform
  • Comprehensive payroll management tools
  • Employee onboarding and documentation systems

Woman sitting down looking at laptop
“A lot of startups tend to accrue organizational debt early on because they accidentally run things in ineffective ways, like sidestepping contracts or not tracking vacation time,” Kevin notes. “So if we can help entrepreneurs to reduce the risk and hardship of employing individuals, I think that’s a massive win.”

Our Mutual Commitment to Canadian Innovation

Humi focuses on serving small and medium-sized businesses in Canada, which aligns perfectly with DMZ’s mission of amplifying the success of startups. Humi’s platform is designed for businesses with up to 500 employees, specifically targeting companies that form the backbone of local communities.

“What makes Humi particularly awesome is that our customers are part of our community,” says Kevin. “We work with businesses that have an impact in the cities and towns where we live. Making employment better for people across Canada. I love it.”

This enthusiasm was on full display during Kevin’s recent visit to DMZ Innisfil, where a brief visit evolved into an impromptu “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) session with regional entrepreneurs. The mix of businesses in attendance – from tech startups to local restaurants – highlighted just how diverse the entrepreneurial spirit is in smaller Canadian communities.

“There were so many startups that weren’t standard tech businesses,” reflects Kevin. “You could see common themes emerging across different experiences and challenges, and the entrepreneurial energy was so positive. It doesn’t matter whether you’re building an app or running a burger joint – at the end of the day, it’s about the culture of people building something meaningful.”

How You Can Connect with Humi through DMZ’s Community

Beyond providing their platform, Humi actively engages with the DMZ community through:

  • Regular office hours with founders
  • Event sponsorships, including DMZ’s annual Women Innovation Summit
  • Mentorship sessions across Canada, including DMZ Innisfil
  • Partnerships and founder support initiatives


For Kevin, this involvement is about giving back to the type of community that supported his own growth: “I’ve spent a ton of time with early-stage entrepreneurs. For years, I’ve wanted to give back to the communities that have supported my success in the ecosystem. We’re at a scale now where we can activate these types of partnerships, which is really amazing.”

DMZ companies interested in learning more about Humi’s platform and services can reach out to their DMZ Program Lead for more information about accessing these benefits.

Want access to game-changing perks like Humi’s HR support? Apply to DMZ’s Incubator program and give your startup the edge it needs to grow.

Meet five innovators redefining Canada’s housing market

With skyrocketing rental prices, delayed construction and a lack of affordable community housing, Canada’s housing landscape is in urgent need of a shake up. Fortunately, entrepreneurs from across the country are stepping up to tackle these challenges head-on through CMHC’s Housing Supply Challenge.

While their approaches vary, these companies share a common mission: to make housing more sustainable, accessible and affordable for all Canadians. From reimagining construction workflows to creating affordable, eco-friendly communities, their efforts are paving the way for a better future.

Let’s meet the changemakers from the CMHC Housing Supply Challenge who are transforming Canada’s housing market.

One Bowl: Transforming housing for first nations communities.

One Bowl is a First Nations-led social enterprise dedicated to creating culturally appropriate, affordable and high-quality housing solutions for First Nations communities.

By working directly with communities, housing managers and councils, One Bowl serves as a collaborative partner, ensuring every project reflects the unique needs and traditions of the people it serves. Beyond housing, One Bowl is committed to driving economic growth, offering skills development and training and empowering First Nations entrepreneurship. Their mission is simple: provide high-quality homes and build a better future together with First Nations communities.

Promise Robotics: Revolutionizing construction with AI.

Promise Robotics is transforming how homes are built using AI-powered robotic systems, making construction more efficient and affordable. Launching in Summer 2025, its new 60,000-square-foot Calgary facility will produce up to 1,000,000 square feet of housing annually.

This expansion is built on the success of their Edmonton facility and Factory-as-a-Service (FaaS) platform, helping builders scale production with AI-driven robotic tooling. Their approach addresses significant challenges in the construction sector, such as labor shortages and stagnant productivity. By automating tasks, Promise Robotics accelerates the building process while enhancing precision and quality. 

Ratio.City. a division of Esri Canada: Empowering smarter housing decisions.

Ratio.City, a proud DMZ alumni, is a cutting-edge platform designed to equip real estate developers, architects and urban planners with the data and tools they need to make informed decisions.

Their solution addresses the common challenges of early-stage planning, such as identifying viable land parcels and navigating complex zoning regulations. By integrating essential data and visualization tools into a single, user-friendly platform, Ratio.City simplifies the planning process, helping users assess project feasibility and move forward with confidence.

Tapestry Community Capital: Unlocking community investment for housing solutions.

Tapestry Community Capital empowers non-profits, charities and co-operatives to fund housing projects by raising low-cost capital through community bonds.

They’ve worked with some of Canada’s largest social enterprises, providing the expertise needed to plan, launch and manage successful community financing campaigns. Their platform and consulting services help housing providers tap into local support, ensuring they can access financial resources to create community-driven housing solutions.

If you’ve ever wandered through Kensington Market to explore its bakeries and eclectic shops, you’ve experienced a neighbourhood preserved by community finance. With Tapestry’s support, the Kensington Market Community Land Trust (KMCLT) raised over $1 million from 165 investors to purchase and preserve affordable housing and commercial space. 

UTILE: Redefining student housing.

UTILE is a social economy enterprise dedicated to creating sustainable, affordable housing for Canadian students. By leveraging modular construction and innovative financial models, UTILE develops scalable solutions that reduce pressure on urban rental markets while promoting academic success and well-being.

Their energy-efficient designs and use of durable materials ensure a minimal environmental footprint, making student housing a catalyst for community development and a sustainable future.

Are you addressing critical issues in Canada’s housing market?


Check out DMZ’s Centre for Housing Innovation at dmz.to/CHI for more details on its accelerator program and training opportunities for housing professionals, manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

Sports technology gets a power play: DMZ and FSL ramp up partnership

Sports technology is transforming the way we engage with the games we love. 

From apps that offer exclusive content to VR that puts you in the middle of the action, innovation is redefining the sports experience. And it’s not just deepening fan engagement – it’s also opening up new doors for athletes. Wearable tech is helping athletes track recovery and optimize performance, while other tools are leveraging performance analytics to reshape how coaches train their teams.

Across the board, sports tech is creating opportunities far beyond the playing field and the potential is massive. In fact, Canada’s sports tech market is projected to generate $1.44 billion in revenue by 2030. 

With the sports tech industry booming, innovative founders are eager to make their mark. To meet this growing demand, we’re building on our partnership with the Future of Sport Lab (FSL). Our goal? To provide sports entrepreneurs with the expertise, resources and opportunities to succeed in this fast-evolving market.

FSL: The ultimate launchpad for sports founders.

Since launching its incubator program in 2015 with help from DMZ, FSL has become the go-to destination for sports startups. Led by its Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Cheri Bradish, FSL offers mentorship from industry leaders, academics and investors from the Canadian sports ecosystem.

To date, FSL has supported 24 startups that have collectively raised over $100 million in funding. But don’t just take it from us.

“FSL played an instrumental role in supporting The GIST’s early-stage growth by providing us with education and access to a network of Canadian industry leaders. Their forward-thinking approach helped us identify key opportunities to expand our reach and refine our brand strategy, said Ellen Hyslop, Co-Founder of the GIST. “Their support validated The GIST’s credibility in the market and played a key role in our acceptance into the Techstars Comcast NBCU accelerator in Philadelphia, enabling us to expand our operations in the U.S.”

 

“Working with FSL has been truly impactful for our business. It’s the place to be for anyone in sports products or tech in Canada. Throughout programming, I had access to impactful programming and the opportunity to develop and pitch my business to the top leaders in Canadian sports,” said Tina Singh, Founder of Bold Helmets. “Through the contacts made in the program, I know I have the resources I need to continue to expand my product line. I am grateful to be part of the FSL family, and can’t wait to see what amazing things the next cohort achieves.”

How DMZ and FSL will fuel your sports-tech journey.

We’re doubling down on the resources and opportunities that matter most to founders. Here’s what’s coming to give sports-tech founders an even bigger edge:

Elite network: A curated community of top-tier sports-tech innovators. Our rigorous selection process ensures you’ll be surrounded by the best, gaining credibility to attract investors and partners while learning alongside peers who are redefining the game.

Best-in-class coaching: Hands-on mentorship tailored to the unique challenges of the sports-tech space. Our experts are here to coach you through every play, helping you overcome obstacles and scale your business.

Resources to win: Industry-leading mentors, workshops, coworking spaces and connections to industry leading partners like MLSE and Canadian Tire Jumpstart so you can focus on building your startup.

Bigger stages, louder voices: Showcase your startup on major stages like the FSL Summit, Toronto Tech Week and other industry pitch competitions. 

More women, more wins: More opportunities for women-led startups to make their mark in sports tech.

Fuel for growth: With DMZ Ventures’ fund and Relay Ventures in play, startups will have opportunities for investment to grow and scale.

Ready to take your sports-tech startup to the next level?

Canada’s sports-tech scene is booming, and the opportunities to grow are bigger than ever. As Canada’s only program dedicated exclusively to sports innovation, FSL – backed by DMZ – offers unmatched support to help founders scale.

Applications are now open for our 2025 cohort. Don’t miss out on your chance to shape the future of sports innovation. Applications close March 12, 2025. Interested in applying? Visit futuresportlab.com/apply. 

Growth hack: The ReInvestWealth and Hostaway playbook for smarter scaling

Growth isn’t just about scaling faster; it’s about scaling smarter with the right partners. ReInvestWealth and Hostaway are proving that with their innovative collaboration.

In the fast-paced world of startups, customer acquisition is always a challenge. Traditional inbound and outbound sales strategies require time, money and constant effort. And in a crowded market, standing out is harder than ever. 

That’s where startup-to-startup partnerships come in – an often underutilized strategy to tap into new audiences and drive growth without breaking the bank.

By teaming up with like-minded businesses, startups can leverage complementary strengths, create seamless solutions and deliver value to customers in ways that wouldn’t be possible alone.

What does this strategy look like in practice? We chatted with Behdad Karimi Dermeni, Co-Founder of ReInvestWealth, to explore how his company is taking this approach as ReInvestWealth becomes Hostaway’s first AI bookkeeping software partner – all while making financial management easier for property managers around the globe.

How this partnership fuels growth for ReInvestWealth

ReInvestWealth excels in simplifying accounting with AI-powered technology, while Hostaway helps short-term rental property managers handle listings, bookings and communication across multiple platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo and Expedia. 

With ReInvestWealth’s innovative accounting tools now integrated into Hostaway’s platform, property managers can automate tedious financial work, reducing manual labour and saving time. “The integration seamlessly syncs a Hostaway user’s revenue, expenses, and all other business transactions with ReInvestWealth, eliminating manual data entry entirely,” explained Dermeni.

For ReInvestWealth, this partnership is an instant gateway to Hostaway’s extensive customer base, which oversees over 100,000 properties worldwide.

By embedding their solution within Hostaway’s ecosystem, ReInvestWealth benefits from increased visibility and credibility with a targeted audience. “By integrating ReInvestWealth into existing ecosystems, we simplify financial management for users while efficiently expanding our reach,” said Dermeni. Together, they amplify their impact – a win for both companies and their users.

The win-win for Hostaway

While ReInvestWealth gains exposure and adoption, Hostaway also benefits significantly from this partnership – offering an enhanced value proposition to its property managers.

“Hostaway’s clients mainly struggle with tracking income from multiple booking platforms, reconciling expenses, and managing taxes. ReInvestWealth uses AI to seamlessly automate bookkeeping, categorize transactions and provide real-time financial insights, ensuring they stay compliant and maximize profitability,” Dermeni explained.

The integration solves major pain points for property managers, allowing them to focus on growing their rental portfolios rather than being bogged down by financial admin.

“Our goal is not just to save property managers an average of four hours per month on record-keeping, but also to boost tax deductions by 35%,” Dermeni explained.

By making property managers’ lives easier, Hostaway strengthens customer retention and satisfaction, proving that strategic partnerships don’t just drive growth – they also greatly enhance customer success.

Lessons for startups: How to leverage collaboration for growth

ReInvestWealth and Hostaway’s partnership offers a blueprint for how startups can scale smarter. But while introducing a product integration can offer a quick win-win, Dermeni explained a strong collaboration “requires clear value alignment, seamless user experience and active co-marketing.” Here’s what other startups can learn from his approach:

Find the right partner. Look for a company that serves a similar audience, but isn’t a direct competitor of yours. 

Prioritize real customer value. ReInvestWealth didn’t just integrate with Hostaway for exposure. Their solution removes a major financial management burden from property managers. The value is clear, which ensures strong adoption and retention.

Provide a frictionless experience. ReInvestWealth and Hostaway created a frictionless experience that made it easier for property managers to manage their finances, without having to think about it.

Champion the collab together. Co-market for maximum impact – the best collaborations include joint marketing efforts to drive new awareness and adoption.


The road ahead: more partnerships, more growth

For ReInvestWealth, adoption success in this partnership will be measured by user engagement, subscriptions and retention rates, with a goal of 15% adoption among Hostaway users within six months.

ReInvestWealth’s partnership with Hostaway isn’t a one-off – it’s a model for future expansion. “Through our collaborations with Ownr and now Hostaway, we’ve learned that the key to impactful partnerships lies in addressing real pain points at scale,” explained Dermeni.

The ReInvestWealth and Hostaway partnership is a powerful example of how startups can tap into each other’s expertise and customer bases to fuel growth. Thanks to a valuable referral through DMZ, ReInvestWealth and Hostaway were able to connect, setting the stage for a powerful partnership.

For startups looking to scale, the message is clear: don’t go it alone. The right partnership could be the key to unlocking your next stage of growth.

Learn more about the ReInvestWealth x Hostaway partnership: https://www.reinvestwealth.com/post/hostaway-accounting-connection-reinvestwealth-user-guide 


Applications for DMZ’s Incubator are open until February 25. Join an info session to learn more: dmz.to/apply

 

Beyond interest rates: How Metronome is changing the conversation on homeownership costs through budgeting

With interest rates projected to drop, the buzz around housing affordability is louder than ever. Most of the focus has been on the benefits lower mortgage rates bring to buyers, but the reality is that affordability doesn’t end with the mortgage for homeowners. It’s just the start.

Through its platform, Metronome helps homeowners and buyers calculate and understand what it truly costs to own a home and how to plan ahead. A shockingly 57% of homeowners say they would have approached buying a house differently had they realized the true cost of homeownership.

The reality is, lower rates might make homeownership feel more within reach, but the hidden costs that come after—including maintenance, property taxes, utilities and surprise repairs—can quickly turn a new home into a serious financial burden.

At DMZ, we’re committed to empowering startups that support Canada’s housing industry. From consumer technology that supports financial planning for homeowners to platforms that provide real estate developers with data to build faster, we believe strengthening our housing space will take innovation and startup solutions from across the board. 

How being house poor impacts more than just homeowners.

Being house poor creates significant challenges for the housing industry. Homeowners often feel stuck, unable to move for better jobs or lower living costs because they can’t afford the transition. At the same time, high demand for affordable housing drives up prices, pushing more buyers out of the market and increasing competition. This makes it harder for the industry to accurately address supply and demand, keeping affordability out of reach for many.

In Canada’s priciest markets, some folks are forking over up to 60% of their pre-tax income to keep a roof over their heads. Experts suggest not spending more than 30% of your income to avoid becoming house poor, meaning a ton of Canadians are seriously feeling the pinch. 

So, what actually comes after the interest rate?

This is where Metronome steps in. A DMZ Incubator startup, Metronome is rethinking how Canadians approach homeownership. By helping users forecast required replacements, maintenance, and repairs and the associated costs, the platform turns hidden expenses into manageable plans, giving homeowners confidence and control.

Homeownership isn’t just about mortgage payments—there’s the upkeep to think about too. Experts say you should budget 1–4% of your home’s value each year for maintenance, repairs, and replacements. For the average $800,000 Canadian home, that’s $8,000–$32,000 annually, on top of taxes, insurance, and utilities. 

As costs continue to rise, staying organized and proactive is key to protecting housing investments. Metronome’s centralized dashboard simplifies homeownership by empowering homeowners to: 

  • Stay organized: Securely store all your important home documents—warranties, receipts, insurance policies and more—so you always feel in control.
  • Plan ahead: Create a personalized maintenance plan to tackle upkeep tasks with confidence, avoiding costly surprises.
  • Save money: Get alerts for policy renewals and access competitive quotes to ensure you’re always getting the best rates.
  • Predict expenses: Gain a clear picture of your expected home-related costs for the next five years to budget effectively.
  • Protect your home: For as little as $700 a year, access protection plans that cover appliances, your furnace, AC, and more, preventing unexpected repairs from derailing your finances.


“Buying a home is exciting, but the first few years can be overwhelming with unexpected expenses and maintenance demands,” says Paul Crowe, CEO of Metronome. “Every home is unique, which is why generic budgeting advice falls short. Metronome provides tools, guidance, and predictive insights to take the guesswork, and the stress, out of homeownership.”Interest rate drops are exciting for buyers, but they’re only part of the story. The real conversation needs to include the hidden costs of owning a home and how we can make it easier for Canadians to navigate them.

We know innovation is key to tackling Canada’s housing challenges. Tech can streamline processes, create transparency and give everyone in the ecosystem better tools to make informed decisions. 

Want to learn more about how Metronome is making homeownership easier? Head to trymetronome.com.

 

Want to scale your startup with the same support Metronome is receiving? Check out DMZ’s Incubator program and see how we can help you grow. 

 

Five real-world problems that led to breakthrough business ideas

Behind every startup, there’s a unique story that showcases the grit, vision and creativity of its founders. From personal struggles to unexpected opportunities, these entrepreneurs have transformed their challenges into innovative solutions, shaping their companies along the way.

At DMZ, we’ve witnessed countless founders take their ideas from concept to reality, overcoming obstacles and creating impactful businesses. We wanted to profile five startups and highlight how these founders share one common trait: they identified a problem and had the tenacity to build something great to solve it.

From guitar strings to studio kings: How a musical gap year led to Soundspace.


Richard Anderson, Founder and CEO of Soundspace, is a prolific guitar player who knows exactly how costly it can be to pursue your passion. Before entering an MD-PhD neuroscience program, Richard decided to take a gap year at the Berkeley College of Music. He began looking for spaces to record his songs, but found the process extremely expensive for any solo artist. While chatting with studio owners, Richard identified a gap in the recording industry: high demand from creatives and low utilization of studio spaces.

His desire to bridge the gap by making creative spaces more accessible propelled him to create Soundspace. Built by a team of like-minded music buffs, Soundspace is available across the United States to book your next studio session, rehearsal or podcast.

Health hack hero: How giving women a smarter system for health, without sacrificing style, led to Loba. 


Kate Bouchard, Founder of Loba, transformed her personal struggles into a thriving business. After being diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome and uterine fibroids, Kate found herself juggling frequent visits to the doctor. Managing multiple medications and supplements with different dosages, she realized there wasn’t a practical or aesthetically pleasing, tech-enabled solution for organizing pills.

That’s when the idea struck her: women deserve a product that makes managing pills an enjoyable experience—without feeling like they’re pulling out grandma’s pill organizer. With her background in advertising and the support of healthcare professionals, Kate set out to create just that and Loba was born.

Data dreams: How tapping into corporate chaos founded SmartConcil.

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SmartConcil’s founder, Victor Salinas García, is a system engineer from Mexico with a long history of developing solutions for financial institutions. In 2017, one of Victor’s clients needed help with automated data consolidation. Surprised that a tool was not already out there, Victor saw an opportunity to build it himself.

After moving his company to Canada, he transitioned his service-based company to a product-focused startup. Today, SmartConcil is an internal auditor for mid-sized and large corporations to automate data collection, analysis and classification.

Out-of-office, not out of luck: How email woes inspired Snoooz.ai

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Snoooz.ai was born from a pivotal moment in Founder Chitresh Singh’s journey as a Customer Success Manager, where missing a single email nearly cost his team a $30,000 renewal. With multiple team members out of office, a frustrated client escalated the issue, pulling in executives and risking valuable relationships. This wasn’t just an operational oversight—it was a wake-up call.

Chitresh realized people shouldn’t have to choose between work and taking a break. So, he developed Snoooz.ai, an AI-powered email assistant that sends personalized, context-aware auto-replies and loops in designated team members on critical opportunities and escalations. Today, Snoooz.ai empowers hundreds of businesses across 60+ countries by delivering timely, personalized out-of-office email responses, seamlessly bridging the gap between personal well-being and professional success.

From career fair to founder: How a bold leap of faith paved the way for Talin


In his third year at Toronto Metropolitan University, Julian D’Angelo randomly stumbled upon a DMZ career fair. He met the CEO of Optimity, who a week later asked Julian to work for them as a sales representative. To everyone’s shock, Julian agreed and only took one university course a semester for six years to pursue a startup career. He then became the Head of Growth at Ross Intelligence and ran a fractional consultancy. During that time, Julian noticed one key challenge all startups faced: the inefficient and manual world of staffing.

This led to Julian taking the plunge to create Talin, an automation platform designed to streamline operations for recruitment agencies. Building Talin has shown Julian the highs and lows of the startup journey. From being stuck in his basement working side gigs to pay the bills, to raising $800k in a pre-seed round, Julian says that watching the Talin team grow is “the best feeling in the world”.


Looking to take the next step as a founder? Head to dmz.to/programs to learn more about what program is best for you.

Founders, here’s your 5-step solution for building bold brands with newkid

When newkid joined DMZ’s ecosystem in May, they had a clear mission: to help Canadian startups develop their brand identity in a way that makes an immediate impact. 

“After lots of success with startups from Silicon Valley, LA, and New York, it’s become more meaningful for us to contribute to tech from Canada,” says Matthew Donne, Founder and Creative Director at newkid. “We’re based in Toronto and want to work with communities making great things here, like DMZ, who are preparing startups to compete on the world stage.”

With their dynamic approach to storytelling and deep understanding of branding, newkid is an essential partner for DMZ founders who want to stand out in competitive markets. Here’s how they guide startups to build a strong brand identity, step by step.

1. The ‘newkid’ moment: Who are you?

The name ‘newkid’ comes from a feeling we all know too well – as the new person, full of excitement and nervousness, wondering: Am I going to be a nobody, or somebody?

For DMZ founders trying to make their mark, newkid helps them overcome these early-stage jitters by determining who they are as a young company. The first step is to capture their big ambitions in a simple, clear sentence. Because every brand needs to be memorable and easy to grasp – whether it’s for a potential investor, new customer or even their tech-inept mom.

2. Finding your purpose: Why are you here?

Knowing why your startup exists is just as important as the product you’re creating. Startups at DMZ can’t make progress without a purpose – and they need to have a clear understanding of the full scope of their target market, from investors and clients to customers and users.

newkid helps founders tell their story in a way that makes their audience immediately understand why they’re necessary, which involves thinking deeply about key customer questions. Who is their product for? And what problem are they solving?

3. Making visuals that stick: How do you look?

A strong brand is more than just a logo slapped on a website. Startups need to create a holistic visual identity that effectively communicates their story.

Everyone’s got a cousin who can make a cheap logo, but newkid challenges founders to dig deeper. Is your visual identity powerful enough to hold its own on a global stage? Is it legitimate enough for investors to take you seriously? newkid helps startups think through every visual element through a complete design system – including typefaces, colours, imagery, graphics and more.

“You lose a ton of credibility when your deck looks like PowerPoint template #1. Visual perception is really important and dictates so much of the response on the other side,” says Matthew. “This is often overlooked by startups in B2B situations, who think they can skimp out on visuals because it’s all about the product. But you can definitely lose longstanding clients over amateur visuals, when someone else outcompetes you with a sharp design system.”

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newkid’s branding guidelines for American client, Commonplace

4. Defining your voice: How do you speak?

In today’s crowded market, startups are often tempted to take shortcuts by describing their product using artificial intelligence; or even copying the language and tone of other businesses in their sector. But newkid stresses the importance of developing your own unique voice and brand language that feels authentic to your business.

newkid’s team ensures that startups don’t fall into the trap of recycling generic phrases. With several seasoned copywriters on staff, they help founders create a language system tied directly to their brand – crafting the most impactful words and stories to clearly communicate their value to customers.

5. More than just digital: How do you act?

Finally, a brand isn’t just about words and images on a digital screen – it’s also about how you behave in the real world. newkid works with startups to ensure their brand is reflected in their actions, whether it’s the way their team interacts with customers or how they present themselves in meetings.

From company culture to events, every interaction is an extension of the brand. Does your office have a vibe that matches your brand? Do your sales calls reflect the same energy as your website? newkid helps startups define and align all these touchpoints, ensuring that every aspect of the brand feels cohesive and reinforces the company’s core identity.


newkid’s branding for Canadian clothing company, KOTN


The result: A unified brand that makes an impact

The journey for startups at DMZ can be challenging, especially when different team members and mentors bring varying ideas into the mix, leading to a brand identity crisis – a mismatch between words, visuals, and strategy. This lack of clarity can erode confidence and credibility, especially when founders try to pitch their idea or attract investors.

newkid’s approach is about avoiding these pitfalls. By working directly with founders, they create cohesive, powerful brands that speak with one voice and one vision – ensuring that startups are ready for the spotlight, whether it’s in Toronto or the global market.

“newkid is in the business of first impressions. We help startups be seen as put together and meaningful as a brand,” says Matthew. “People see so much more every day. Millions of things across different channels. So there’s less time for people to put all the pieces together. Which makes it more important than ever to be singular across all channels to appeal to investors.”

If you’re looking for new ways to unlock your brand’s potential, sign up for newkid’s 5-part hybrid workshop series with DMZ including the following sessions:

Beyond the pitch deck: How holographic tech brings a pitch to life

The founder checklist for a solid pitch: 

  • Clear problem statement
  • Compelling solution
  • Strong eye contact and body language
  • Stellar deck 
  • Holographic recording…? 


At a time where standing out is crucial, startups must continuously innovate to perfect their pitch and reach new audiences. 

Traditional tactics like sleek slide decks and in-person presentations are being pushed aside as founders seek more dynamic ways to share their vision. At this year’s Collision conference, we debuted a new initiative—bringing startup pitches to life through a stunning, life-size hologram. 

This unique setup, powered by our friends at HOLOMEDIA, allowed three of our startups—Syzl, Talin and SuperCode—to present their ideas to thousands of attendees to vote for their favourite pitch for a cash prize without being physically present.

A new holographic dimension to the startup pitch

Our holographic pitch competition not only captivated conference attendees, but demonstrated the power of technology to transcend traditional barriers, offering startups a platform to amplify their voices in a new dimension.

Compared to traditional 2D content, 3D content is more engaging with viewers, and as a result, has been gaining serious traction as a revolutionary tool for content creation. 3D formats have opened up a whole new dimension of possibilities across industries, from hospitality, entertainment, marketing and more. And while these holographic pitches were a showstopper, it’s only the beginning of what we’re hoping to achieve.

“3D holographic marketing is revolutionizing the way businesses connect with their audiences. It’s not just a trend; it’s a powerful tool that effectively communicates messages and captivates potential customers. Brands and businesses utilizing 3D marketing have seen conversion rates soar by 40%, says Glenn E. Smith, Founder and CEO of HOLOMEDIA. “As 3D technologies continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, businesses that embrace this innovation will unlock new opportunities for growth and engagement.”

HOLOMEDIA has also made remarkable strides in the world of AI, introducing hyper-realistic, fully interactive human avatars that boast real-time voice response, multilingual capabilities in over 40 languages, advanced facial recognition and an array of groundbreaking features that redefine engagement.

Rethinking startup visibility 


At DMZ, we know that true innovation comes from collaboration. Our partnership with HOLOMEDIA goes beyond technology—it’s about joining forces with a fellow Canadian company to redefine the limits of what’s possible.

That’s why we’re taking things up a notch by expanding our partnership. Recognizing the immense potential of their technology solutions, we’ve invited them to set up a HoloStudio and AI Lab at our downtown HQ in Toronto.

Our vision? We hope to live-cast founders to our global network, opening up new opportunities for them to connect with investors, partners and audiences around the world.

It’s a bold move that underscores our commitment to breaking down geographical barriers. We’re committed to supporting founders in unique and impactful ways, proving that when you combine creativity with cutting-edge technology, the results are transformative and not to be braggy, but pretty cool.

Shaping the future of startup engagement

By transforming pixels into powerful narratives, we’re giving founders the tools they need to stand out, reach new audiences and showcase a fellow Canadian technology business that’s crushing it.

This is just the beginning of how technology can unlock new opportunities for growth and success in the startup ecosystem. The future is here, and it’s looking holographic.

Looking to tell great stories through cutting-edge technology? Learn how at HoloMedia.AI.

DMZ YYZ: A gateway to the North American market

As a startup, expanding into new global markets can feel overwhelming. Whether navigating unfamiliar regulations, understanding local business customs, or forging essential connections, the journey can feel like sailing through uncharted waters. 

We built DMZ’s YYZ program to provide a guiding light for international founders – preparing them with the skills and resources required to enter the North American market.  

Set in the heart of downtown Toronto, YYZ offers a comprehensive, two-week soft-landing experience that gives international entrepreneurs an all-access pass to the North American market. It unlocks invaluable connections, insights, and opportunities to accelerate their cross-border journey. But YYZ isn’t just about fast-tracking growth – it’s also about offering the right tools and knowledge to break through market complexities.


DMZ’s YYZ program is uniquely tailored to each new cohort of participants. In 2024, participants were given the opportunity to pitch at Collision and attend an exclusive trip to Innisfil, hosted by the mayor.

“The YYZ program helps international startups understand the Canadian market, connect with local partners and startups, and provide valuable insights into the business environment and ecosystem in Canada.” – Emma Chuang, Asiabots Limited, DMZ YYZ 2024 participant

YYZ runs annually, welcoming new cohorts of global entrepreneurs to Toronto every summer. This past June, 22 startups from six countries received a curated blend of hands-on mentorship, expert-led workshops, and networking opportunities to help scale their startups across borders.

What makes YYZ so effective?

Beyond acting as a launchpad for global entrepreneurs, YYZ is a dynamic platform that brings together many stakeholders – including local investors seeking fresh opportunities, corporate partners offering professional services, and global organizations facilitating cross-border expansion.


YYZ’s carefully crafted schedule allows participants to tap into crucial industry expertise while immersing themselves in Toronto’s vibrant entrepreneurial culture. Highlights include:

  • Startup orientation: To set up YYZ cohorts for success, participants are introduced to the basics of doing business in Canada.
  • Individualized coaching: One-on-one meetings facilitated by DMZ’s experts and alumni allow participants to discuss their ideas directly with industry leaders.
  • Investor and networking events: Global startups are given daily opportunities to connect with potential investors and partners.
  • Ecosystem tours and cultural exposure: Participants experience Canadian culture firsthand – immersing themselves in the local business environment through tours and events within the DMZ ecosystem, which connect them with key players and valuable market insights.

“DMZ YYZ is a great opportunity for start-ups who don’t have any experience in Canada yet and want to get into the Canadian market. The connections during the program provided us with a lot of valuable feedback about our product and marketing strategies.” – Kevin Teng, MedFluid,  DMZ YYZ 2024 participant


Global partners driving innovation

Global partnerships fuel YYZ’s success, and this year was no exception.

Championing the global growth of Egyptian startups, DMZ Cairo’s annual “Demo Day” awarded winning founders of the pitch competition with entry into DMZ YYZ. This cross-border initiative reinforces DMZ Cairo’s role as a critical driver of innovation in the region.

Similarly, StartUp Village (Philippines) and Startup Terrace (Taiwan) played instrumental roles in bringing talented entrepreneurs to Toronto, while the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) also supported high-potential startups from Sri Lanka.

Additionally, JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and the City of Yokohama participated by bringing Japanese founders into the DMZ YYZ program.

“The collaborations between Startup Terrace and DMZ were highly successful. Through customized meetings, comprehensive consulting, and site visits, the Taiwan teams gained valuable insights into the local ecosystem. The connections and networks we established during our stay have laid a strong foundation for future endeavors in the Canadian and North American markets.” – Amy Yeh, International Strategy Executive (Startup Terrance, Taiwan)

“Working with DMZ for the YYZ program has been an AWESOME experience – not just for the startups we brought, but for myself as well. I learned a lot from the experience but more importantly, it opened new opportunities for StartUp Village to explore new markets and business models. We look forward to working more closely with DMZ in the coming years!” – Carlo, President of StartUp Village in the Philippines

Together, these global partnerships empower startups to thrive in international markets, while strengthening the collaborative ecosystem that drives innovation and growth across borders – solidifying YYZ as a trusted program for organizations around the world.

Opportunities for Canadian investors, corporates and other local players

DMZ’s YYZ program is also a gateway for local investors and corporates to build relationships with high-potential startups expanding into North America.

Take accounting firm Logan Katz, for example, who partnered with DMZ to provide legal and business workshops to YYZ participants. This hands-on engagement helps global startups to navigate the complexities of incorporating in Canada, while enabling firms like Logan Katz to forge early-stage relationships with promising international startups – a win-win situation!

YYZ also opens doors for local investors and VCs to meet vetted, investment-ready startups. Through structured programming to refine go-to-market strategies and growth plans, the program offers a curated pipeline of startups that are ready to make big moves in the North American market.

Collaborate with DMZ YYZ!

DMZ YYZ is more than just a soft-landing program; it’s a gateway to success in North America.

If you’re an international founder looking to expand into a dynamic market, a global partner wanting to provide unparalleled support for your startups, or a corporate partner ready to fuel the next wave of innovation, join us today!

Want to learn more? Head to dmz.to/yyz.

How DMZ’s startups are carving out unique paths in the field of AI

Nearly every day, the tech world serves us a new AI delicacy. Unlike the latest viral trends that flash before our eyes in what seems like a second, these AI treats don’t just come and go—they arrive, evolve, and continually leave us in awe of their capabilities.

AI is beyond a buzzword, it has real-life impact.

AI is rapidly changing the tech scene and evolving faster than we can sometimes keep track of. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool, promising to iron out wrinkles in processes and boost efficiency in the tools we use on a daily basis.
DMZ is home to a vast group of companies that are making their mark when it comes to revolutionizing the use of AI. Companies like Flowjin, Kaitongo, Handy.ai, and Loopify have become major driving forces behind modern technology. They’re not just changing the game, they’re inventing a whole new one.

Flowjin

Let’s start with Flowjin. Their AI tool acts as a personalized curator, transforming content into viral hits. Sheida Mirjahani, Co-founder and COO, highlighted how AI revolutionizes content creation, making workflows more efficient. “AI helps you ideate, write video scenarios, help with video editing, and suggest added effects like B-rolls, overall making editing content much easier,” explains Sheida. 

By cutting down editing time, and streamlining the content creation process, AI in this industry lets creators focus more on creativity. Flowjin effortlessly identifies top content segments, creating customizable clips, boosting engagement and broadening audience reach. It simplifies content creation, empowering users to produce digital content loved by social media algorithms.

Kaitongo

Then there’s Kaitongo, an AI-powered client engagement platform helping client-facing professionals get tailored insights on how to grow their client and prospect relationships. 

“AI has powered solutions like Kaitongo to save countless hours on business development tasks like manual client outreach, thought leadership content, and discovering relevant market news to discuss with them,” says Sumathi Pundit, Founder and CEO of Kaitongo. The rapidly evolving field of AI is not static; instead of shying away from this uncertain terrain, Kaitongo chooses to embrace it and encourages other companies to do the same.

“One thing we can know for sure is that change is inevitable, and companies and organizations should actively pursue and adopt AI-driven solutions if they wish to remain relevant and competitive.”  –Sumathi Pundit, Founder and CEO, Kaitongo

 

Handy.ai

Moving from Kaitongo’s external engagement strategies, Handy.ai shifts the focus inward, using AI to streamline internal workflows and improve customer interactions.

“We strive to deliver a human-like experience while strategically minimizing our use of generative AI, such as Gemini and ChatGPT,” says Iryna Andriushchenko Co-founder and CMO of Handy.ai, as she reveals the company’s aim is to provide a solution that is both economically and ecologically responsible.
Handy.ai’s specialists support over 130 languages, streamlining communication and boosting efficiency. It’s clear that Handy.ai is taking advantage of all AI has to offer to improve customer and employee engagement across various industries.


Formaloo

On the horizon, we have Formaloo, a DMZ startup introducing an AI feature, Formaloo AI, to their thriving venture. This innovative leap includes AI-powered surveys designed to gather reliable and unbiased data from audiences, complemented by an AI-driven customer engagement platform for insightful analysis. “Formaloo AI is the next generation of the whole Formaloo platform,” says Farokh Shahabi, Co-Founder and CEO of
Formaloo. 

Additionally, Formaloo’s ‘No-code AI builder’ offers a user-friendly environment for creating and training AI agents using personal databases and spreadsheets. As they navigate this exciting new phase, Formaloo remains optimistic about the future of AI and its transformative potential.

“In the next few years, our industry will change dramatically as creative platforms and startups find the best way to leverage AI to automate tasks and procedures for their customers.”- Farokh Shahabi Co-Founder and CEO



vidBoard.ai

Let’s not forget about VidBoard.ai, a platform that revolutionizes video creation by integrating AI to serve as an actor, voice-over artist, and video editor. Transforming the digital content landscape, vidBoard.ai makes high-quality video creation more accessible while providing a user-friendly platform.

“Creating videos at scale used to take days or even months.. With AI and AI-enabled SaaS tools, the video industry is witnessing a reduction in time and cost, in creating videos at scale.”- Ashwin Madhavan, Co-founder & CEO

Along with AI’s exciting capacity, there are some challenges when developing the perfect team to build and implement these tools into company products and services. “The biggest challenge was finding the right talent to build AI tools. It took us more than 18 months to find the right fit of people who could contribute to vidBoard. We regularly conducted hackathons to find the right talent and gave them a say in the running of the business,” says Ashwin.

Leasey.AI

Leasey.AI is another rising startup reshaping property management by automating tasks and reducing vacancy times. Founder Carlos Leal emphasizes the company’s AI-driven capability to process extensive data rapidly: “One of the key ways Leasey.AI is leveraging AI technologies to reshape the industry is through its ability to rapidly churn through vast amounts of data in a matter of seconds.” This enables real-time insights for critical activities like tenant selection and portfolio optimization.

Loopify

Last but not least, Loopify: the matchmaker of marketing and sales, bringing businesses and customers together with AI-powered precision. “Generative AI is being used in almost every part of marketing, making tasks from planning to content creation much easier and more automated,” says John Alimi, Co-founder and CEO of Loopify. “This means companies and marketers can do more with less, saving time and money.” 



Tailored for startups, small businesses and organizations with limited budgets, Loopify provides affordable marketing solutions through expert-led advertising platforms and social media design services.


Embracing the AI revolution.

DMZ startups are eagerly embracing the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into their products, demonstrating the grit and innovative spirits that exist within our incubator.

“AI is making our marketing tools better, quicker, and more economical, which means businesses using our platform can reach their customers more effectively and affordably.”- John Alimi, Co-founder and CEO of Loopify

These DMZ startups aren’t just riding the AI wave, they’re carving their own path through the digital landscape. Whether it’s sales, CRM platforms, content creation, or just making life a little easier, these companies are setting the bar higher every day.

 

Inspired by these incredible startups making their mark in the tech industry? Click here to explore our current Incubator startups. 


Ready to embark on your journey to revolutionize the tech landscape? Apply to our Incubator and be a part of the next wave of tech innovation. 

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