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Nail your pitch: a step-by-step guide to building a winning pitch deck

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Nail your pitch: a step-by-step guide to building a winning pitch deck

Master the art of pitching with these tips.

Crafting a compelling pitch deck can mean the difference between securing your next big investment or losing your audience’s attention. Whether you’re pitching to investors, partners or customers, a well-structured pitch deck tells your startup’s story with clarity and impact. We’ll break down the key elements of a successful pitch deck and share actionable tips to make yours stand out.

Why your pitch deck matters.

Think of your pitch deck as your startup’s highlight reel; a snapshot of your vision, strategy and potential. A great pitch deck:

  • Captures your audience’s attention
  • Clearly communicates your value proposition
  • Inspires action

But how do you create one that checks all these boxes? Let’s dive in.

The essentials: what your pitch deck needs.

A pitch deck typically consists of 10-20 slides, each serving a specific purpose. Here’s what to include:

  1. Title slide: Grab attention with your startup name, logo and a tagline that encapsulates your mission.
  2. The problem: Clearly define the gap in the market you aim to fill. Be sure to focus on one specific problem for a sharper, more impactful narrative.
  3. Your solution / unique value proposition (UVP): Present a clear, scalable solution and highlight what sets your startup apart from competitors.
  4. Business model: Show how you make (or plan to make) money and outline your pricing strategy and competitive positioning.
  5. Competition: Provide a snapshot of the competitive landscape and use visuals like graphs or tables to illustrate how you stand out.
  6. Your team: Introduce the people behind the magic and highlight why they’re uniquely positioned to help your business succeed.
  7. Key financials: Share projections for sales, income and cash flow (typically over 3 years) and emphasize milestones you’ve already achieved.


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Check out this template by dragging the blue circle.

Tips for crafting a winning pitch deck.

  1. Keep it simple: Aim for clarity over complexity. Avoid overloading slides with text.
  2. Tell a story: Structure your deck like a narrative to keep your audience engaged.
  3. Know your audience: Tailor your slides based on who you’re pitching to (e.g., investors or customers).
  4. Focus on visuals: Use clean, professional designs and high-quality graphics.
  5. Practice your delivery: A great deck needs an equally compelling presenter. Practice until your pitch feels natural.

Ready to put your pitch to the test?

DMZ’s 2025 Women Innovation Summit is your chance to shine and compete for up to $100K in cash investment from The Firehood. The top 25 women founders will receive expert pitch advisory sessions, PR opportunities and invites to the Summit, while the top 10 finalists will pitch live for a shot at $100,000 in funding. Learn more and apply today!

Not ready to take the stage quite yet? Head to DMZ’s Launchpad for Women Entrepreneurs to dive into business fundamentals and learn what you need to launch your own venture.

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.”

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.

What an innovation-focused university president looks like

Innovation is the key to staying ten steps ahead and requires a relentless drive to push the bar higher and higher. And while a good leader is fine with the status-quo and tried-and-true methods to solve problems, innovative leaders embrace change, drive transformation and welcome disruptive ideas.

Serving as Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) President since 2016, President Lachemi has been a driving force for DMZ’s success. Championing a culture of challenging the status quo, TMU today is known for being a pillar of entrepreneurship and innovation across Canada and as the home of DMZ.

Formally known as the Digital Media Zone, DMZ became the national benchmark for incubating tech startups and thanks to President Lachemi, DMZ evolved into a global startup ecosystem.

We’re not just supporting founders locally; we’re empowering entrepreneurs across continents by collaborating with organizations globally to drive impact through entrepreneurship. DMZ would never have achieved its current reach and impact without President Lachemi; he believed in our vision and took a massive leap of faith alongside us.

An absolute icon, President Lachemi has championed innovation across the university ecosystem, and we wanted to highlight four of his initiatives that embody innovation-focused leadership.

Taking innovation international – putting TMU on the global stage. 


Global thinking is essential for fostering innovation and expanding influence. President Lachemi was the mastermind behind becoming a global urban university and under his leadership, DMZ established global hubs around the world including Japan, Qatar, Innisfil and Vietnam.

The result? TMU has a global reputation making it more attractive to students, faculty and researchers from around the world, offering a more dynamic and inclusive university experience. Plus, TMU’s global network allows us to offer startups a deep understanding of different markets and countries while simultaneously attracting international startups to set up shop in Canada.

Charting new ground – creating not 1, but 2 new schools.


Visionary leadership and a commitment to pushing the boundary drives innovation and President Lachemi is no stranger to forging new paths. He led the development of not one but two new schools in law and medicine, each with a deliberate focus on innovation and technology.

The Lincoln Alexander School of Law is a different kind of law school that’s molding lawyers who can support the growth of Canada’s innovation economy. In partnership with the law school, DMZ launched the Startup Legal Support program to provide legal support to founders. This program makes sophisticated legal services accessible at a time in their startup journey when formalizing legal processes is crucial.

Future proofing – fueling cybersecurity. 


Anticipating future needs and preparing for them is crucial for sustainable innovation. At a time when technology is evolving rapidly, President Lachemi has fueled multiple initiatives that equip Canadians with the skills they need to thrive in the new economy.

He oversaw the launch of the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, a national centre for cybersecurity that offers programs and services that provides individuals the knowledge and tools to succeed in a career in the field.

Recognizing the need to support tech talent and aspiring entrepreneurs, President Lachemi championed DMZ’s efforts to develop its Talent Academy arm. DMZ’s Talent Academy programs, which includes SkillHouse, Basecamp, Masterclass and others, teaches upskilling professionals tech and business foundations, empowering them to kickstart their own ventures or become tech talent for growing companies.

Championing entrepreneurship – encouraging risk taking. 


Encouraging calculated risk-taking is vital for transformative innovation and President Lachemi’s support with DMZ Ventures’s recently launched pre-seed and seed investment fund is a testament to his commitment to support the startup economy.

Capital plays an imperative role in the startup ecosystem, and by establishing a fund through DMZ’s for-profit-arm, DMZ is empowering innovators to transform their ideas into viable businesses and scale.  By encouraging risk taking and backing founders, President Lachemi’s efforts and the establishment of the fund is bridging the gap between ideation and commercialization – a gap a lot of universities fail to fill. 

Creating a more inclusive ecosystem – leveling the playing field. 


President Lachemi’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity has been instrumental in shaping a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape. His leadership spearheaded the development of DMZ’s Black Innovation and Women Innovation Programs, two groundbreaking initiatives that have set DMZ apart in the startup ecosystem.

These programs were born out of the recognition that not all founders begin their journeys from the same starting line and they aim to level the playing field by providing tailored support, resources, and opportunities to underserved founders.

President Lachemi’s leadership at TMU has fueled transformative growth. And it’s not just team DMZ singing his praises, the broader community has recognized him for his efforts through multiple prestigious accolades.

His contributions have earned him the Order of Ontario, recognition as one of Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants, and a spot among Toronto’s Top 50 Most Influential People.

Leaders, take note. We can all learn from his example to push boundaries, embrace change, foster global connections and encourage bold moves.

Are you a leader looking to reach the next level in your career and hone in on your innovation-focused leadership style?? Check out DMZ’s SkillHouse for courses that will give you an advantage in today’s rapidly evolving workplace at dmz.to/SkillHouse.

3 Magazine debuts with Abdullah Snobar: DMZ’s Executive Director on leadership, family and Third Culture values

Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of DMZ, at 3 Magazine’s launch event.

When Executive Director of DMZ, Abdullah Snobar, was invited to be the cover and feature story of the inaugural issue of 3 Magazine, it was a chance to step into a new light—one that offered him the opportunity to share his story and celebrate the people who shaped him. 

The experience was both exhilarating and introspective, allowing DMZ’s Executive Director of 9 years to reflect on his career journey, his family and the values that have molded him to become one of Canada’s most inspiring tech leaders and the driving force behind DMZ’s success. 

3 Magazine represents more than just another media publication. At DMZ, we’re ecstatic about  this new platform because it embodies a mission that deeply resonates with our own values. 

The magazine reflects the ambitions of global citizens, captures the resilience of Canadian newcomers and explores the rich intersection of diverse cultures that define modern Canada. It celebrates Third Culture Individuals and the culturally curious, honouring those who are born in one place but enriched by the experiences of many others.

3 Magazine is a testament to the power of storytelling from diverse perspectives, much like the founders we support at DMZ, who bring unique insights to the Canadian innovation landscape.

Behind the scenes: The making of Abdullah’s feature on 3 magazine

Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of DMZ, at the photo shoot for 3 Magazine cover story.

From the initial outreach to the celebratory launch party, the entire process unfolded in just around a month, culminating in a story that captures the essence of Abdullah’s leadership and the deep-rooted values that guide him.

The story told in 3 and written by Melissa Vincent, is one of the most authentic portrayals of Abdullah to date. It doesn’t just highlight his accomplishments; it delves into the heart of who he is, drawing a vivid picture of a leader who is as proud of his family roots as he is of his professional achievements. This feature gave Abdullah a rare opportunity to showcase the personal side of his journey—something he’s deeply proud of but doesn’t often get the chance to share.

Abdullah credits the depth and authenticity of the story to Vincent’s exceptional storytelling skills. 

The photoshoot for the magazine was another memorable part of the experience. It was a day that allowed Abdullah to step outside of his usual comfort zone, embracing a side of creativity and expression that’s not typically part of his day-to-day. 

Abdullah’s approach: Why it’s not what we do, but how we do it.

One standout piece from Abdullah’s feature article explores his philosophy of excellence, a principle that has been a key pillar behind DMZ’s unique approach in the market. Abdullah’s perspective is clear: At DMZ, it’s not what we do that’s special; it’s how we do it. 

Abdullah’s commitment to service excellence and going above and beyond for the founders we have the privilege of supporting has defined DMZ and shaped our programming in many ways. 

We pay attention to detail to ensure every aspect of our founders’ needs is met by embracing a spirit to serve. His motto? To achieve excellence, you must be ruthless on quality across the board—that’s the bottom line.

This philosophy draws from the newcomer experience. “Immigrants have nothing to lose because they’re starting from zero, but everything to lose because they have people that rely on them to survive,” Abdullah noted in his interview with 3. Whether it’s specialty food markets going above and beyond in curating products that cater to their community’s need or salons and barbershops providing personalized consultations and offering services that cater to specific cultural needs, these touches are what set the newcomer mentality — and their commitment to service excellence — apart. 

Coming full circle: Celebrating his family’s impact in his success 

Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of DMZ, at 3 Magazine’s launch event with friends and family.

Abdullah’s family played a significant role in his upbringing and he attributes a lot of who he is today to them. Abe and Mo—both prominently featured in the piece as significant influences in his life— had always been there. 

“Growing up, I was the observer,” Abdullah recalled. “I watched my brothers, learned from their mistakes, and found my path by balancing their boldness with my own cautious curiosity.” 

Their presence at the event was a full-circle moment—a celebration of the family values that have been at the core of Abdullah’s personal and professional ethos.

Abdullah’s journey from behind the camera to the cover of 3 Magazine is more than a story of personal growth; it’s a reflection of the values that drive DMZ forward. It’s about understanding that success is not just a goal but a process rooted in resilience, empathy, and a deep connection to community.

3 Magazine is an exciting new chapter for Canadian media, and at DMZ, we are proud to support its mission and its storytelling. Abdullah’s feature captures the essence of what makes our approach unique—an unwavering commitment to excellence, driven by the values of the diverse communities we serve.

Read the full story on Abdullah by heading to dmz.to/3magazine.

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DMZ would like to give a huge thank you to the outstanding team at 3 Magazine.

Publisher: Muraly Srinarayanathas / @muralysrinarayanathas
Editor-in-Chief: Stacy Lee Kong / @stacyleekongSenior
Art Director: Adam Cholewa / @admchlw
Photo Editor: Jalani Morgan / @jalanimorgan
Photographer: Sahar Rana / @saharrranaAssistant:
Jasmine Mistry / @jaspmistryStyling:
Neil Franklyn / @neio101 @judyinc
Grooming: Ty Wilson / @tywilsonmua @judyinc
Writer Melissa Vincent / @melissajuicebox

Innovation in education: How SuperCode is redefining learning through play and coding

We’ve seen first-hand how startups have been the engines driving transformation across industries, redefining how we approach challenges entirely. 

In the realm of education, this is no different. DMZ startups like SuperCode are pioneering new ways to teach essential skills, making complex learning not only accessible but fun. SuperCode offers a platform for children that teaches coding through immersive multiplayer 3D worlds, empowering young coders to build, code and play.


Born out of both concern and excitement of the internet and the world it created for children to grow up in, CEO and Founder Paul Greenberg wanted to create a safe and meaningful platform that would help kids develop their creativity while learning essential digital skills.

We sat down with Greenberg to understand how SuperCode is changing the landscape of coding education and empowering organizations to seamlessly deliver a deeply engaging, compelling and effective learn-to-code solution.

From doom scrolling to coding.

In a world where children’s attention spans are often seen as shrinking, SuperCode takes a different approach than the all too common flashy in-your-face dopamine rush route. By following the “Low Floors, Wide Walls, High Ceilings” philosophy, a concept developed at MIT, SuperCode ensures beginners can start easily, explore a wide range of possibilities and grow their skills over time. Plus, SuperCode’s Senpais, in-app mentors, provide guidance and support to help kids stay engaged throughout their learning.

“The magic of SuperCode lies in its ability to foster flow-state learning—an immersive experience where SuperCoders lose track of time as they dive deep into their creative projects. This is not a community of young people with diminishing attention spans; rather, SuperCode is a community where kids regularly become so absorbed in their work that they forget about everything else,” said Greenberg.

Fuelling the next generation of tech-enthusiasts.

SuperCode goes beyond just teaching coding; it fosters a deep and lasting passion for coding and creativity. But don’t just take their word for it—this sentiment is echoed time and time again by their users’ parents.

Laura Harger, the mother of a 10-year-old SuperCoder of almost 4 years, said “SuperCode has fostered my son’s love for coding and has helped him develop coding skills in a safe and fun environment.”

Vance McPherson, the father of an 11 year old SuperCoder, had a similar experience. “My wife and I, who are both professional educators, are truly amazed. SuperCode came recommended by a developer friend and it far exceeded our expectations. Our son is loving it and is more excited for the Weekly Jams than I think I’ve ever seen him excited about anything.”

And the positive feedback has not just been from parents, but the SuperCoders themselves.  Since the launch of SuperCode Club, their model subscription, there has been a near 100% attendance rate in the weekly hosted jam events. Plus, SuperCoders are keen to log on multiple times in a single week, demonstrating a real interest in learning to code.

Rallying the troops.

Greenberg is a strong believer that we all have a responsibility in fostering digital talent, promoting coding education and democratizing access to tech.

“If we want to tackle the problems of tomorrow, we need to ensure we’re creating a rich pipeline of high-quality talent to take on future leadership roles within our institutions. The entire ecosystem—banks, schools, and corporations—plays a critical role, which is why we’re actively working with the community to reach more children,” said Greenberg.

SuperCode has teamed up with Nuclear Promise X, a nuclear engineering startup, to create opportunities for young girls to explore coding in a fun, supportive setting. This partnership is part of a broader trend, with various organizations, including government bodies and extracurricular programs, embracing SuperCode as their go-to platform for STEM and coding education.

By coming together, organizations can not only level the playing field to ensure every child, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has the chance to develop the skills necessary to thrive in a digital world.

Move over Minecraft and Roblox.

Unlike popular platforms like Minecraft and Roblox, where coding is an optional add-on, SuperCode places coding at the heart of the experience. 

 

The platform seamlessly integrates building, coding and playing within a single app, making it uniquely engaging for young learners. It’s not just a coding tool; it’s a vibrant community that fosters creativity, learning and a safe digital environment for kids.

In a world where screen time often gets a bad rap, SuperCode flips the script—turning mindless scrolling into meaningful coding. It’s not just another app; it’s a launchpad for the next generation of tech talent. 

 

Interested in partnering with SuperCode to access their ready to use platform? Reach out at partners@creatubbles.com

 

Interested in fuelling SuperCode’s growth? Reach out at investors@creatubbles.com

Navigating Next: Empowering the future of Black Innovation

DMZ’s annual Black Innovation Summit is a one-day event that brings together exceptional minds in the tech industry to drive change, build connections, and lead the way in developing strategies for Black entrepreneurs to succeed on a global scale.

This year, we are embracing the theme “Navigating Next”, which builds on our ongoing support for Black founders. We are uniting the tech community to explore the next steps in fostering sustained growth and success for Black entrepreneurs. In an era marked by geopolitical uncertainties and rapid technological advancements, the Summit will address the strategies necessary to navigate and thrive in a constantly evolving global environment.

The Summit aims to amplify Black excellence and chart a new course of empowerment and progress within the Black community and beyond by bringing together a diverse group of thought leaders, innovators, and allies. This impactful event will include a Black Innovation Breakfast, roundtable discussions and the Black Innovation Pitch Competition, where 10 Black tech founders will pitch their businesses to secure funding. 

In our efforts to support the future of Black innovators, our Steering Committee members, composed of leaders, executives and corporate partners, are brought together to ensure the Summit reflects the diversity of entrepreneurs within Canada’s tech landscape. Our aim is to reduce bias and create an environment that supports and promotes inclusivity.

We’re spotlighting the dedicated individuals behind the Committee to recognize them for their efforts as the trailblazers that they are.

Brooke Graham

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Manager, ​​LifeLabs

A visionary EDI strategist and facilitator, Brooke Graham brings transformative leadership to LifeLabs, a nationwide organization with over 6,500 employees. With a wealth of experience spanning Indigenous communities to global financial firms, Brooke drives impactful change and fosters equity. Her collaborative and empathetic approach prioritizes authentic and accountable relationships, harnessing the power of community to deliver meaningful solutions.

Brooke’s leadership and dedication to driving change has fueled her commitment to initiatives that promote, encourage, and enable equity in innovation which leads her to be a valuable member of the Steering Committee to an event that celebrates the resilience and innovation of Black entrepreneurs.

 


Efosa Obano

Founder & Manager, Black Founders Network

Efosa Obano founded and manages the Black Founders Network, supporting Black entrepreneurs with capital, community, and capacity building. He also leads the African Impact Initiative, investing in early African innovators. With extensive experience in leveraging technology to create social impact, investing with impact, and building early-stage ventures, Efosa has been recognized by the UN and received the Ontario Minister’s Award of Excellence for his contributions.

Efosa holds a strategic management degree from the University of Toronto, where he was honoured with the Young Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement. Efosa’s experience in supporting Black entrepreneurs positions him as a powerful advocate and voice for the Black entrepreneurial community.

 

Iran Karimian

Head of Accelerator and Startup Ecosystem, Google Canada

With over a decade of experience, Iran Karimian is a dynamic leader who heads the Accelerator and Startup Ecosystem at Google Canada. She has successfully collaborated with some of Canada’s largest brands, including Google, YouTube, Kraft Heinz, and the Royal Bank of Canada. Today, Iran spearheads startup and developer ecosystem efforts at Google Canada, where she leverages Google’s people, programs, products, and technology to empower startup teams nationwide. Iran’s passion for fostering innovation and supporting initiatives that drive equity and growth are what make her an incredible asset to the committee. 

With the theme of this year’s Summit being “Navigating Next”, how do you envision the role of Black entrepreneurs evolving in the tech industry over the next decade, and how do you see the Summit playing a role in supporting this vision?

“With the growth and empowerment of black entrepreneurs, we’ll see an increase in diverse leadership, with Black entrepreneurs holding key leadership positions across the tech landscape, shaping the industry’s direction and priorities. We’ll see strong economic empowerment, with successful Black-owned tech ventures creating jobs, generating wealth, and uplifting communities, contributing significantly to economic growth.” 

 

Lise Birikundavyi

Co-Founder / Managing Partner, BKR Capital

Lise Birikundavyi is the managing partner at BKR Capital, incidentally becoming the first black woman in Canada to manage an institutionally-backed VC fund. Lise is an innovative finance specialist who has worked with several international institutions and acts as guest lecturer for prestigious organizations, including Oxford University, the International Olympic Committee Accelerator managed by the Yunus Sports Hub and the Canadian Private Capital Investment School at Ivey. Lise also mentors and supports highly promising and impactful start-ups in emerging markets. Lise’s groundbreaking achievements uniquely positions her to provide invaluable insights and leadership, making her an ideal fit for the Committee of the Black Innovation Summit.

 

Michael Younder

Senior Manager, Partnerships and Innovation, Scotiabank

Michael Younder is a technology enthusiast specializing in partnerships and product development. At Scotiabank’s Digital Factory, he focuses on enhancing the fintech ecosystem and supporting strategic initiatives across departments. With a strong background in relationship building and digital transformation, Michael collaborates with leading organizations to drive change. His passion for technology and innovation makes him a valuable contributor to the Black Innovation Summit’s Steering Committee. 

 

Mohammed Muraj

Counsel, Torys LLP

With an extensive background in technology and blockchain, Mohammed collaborates with startups, Fintechs, and other clients on significant transactions, helping them navigate the evolving governance and regulatory landscape. His strategic insights and hands-on approach are valuable in supporting the Black Innovation Summit in its mission to recognize and celebrate standout Black entrepreneurs who are driving innovation and change.

How can the tech community at large better support the inclusion and success of Black entrepreneurs beyond the Summit?

“Inclusion and access for underserved communities does not occur as a by-product but requires constant and well thought out long-term efforts. The tech community (like other communities) needs to continue to engage with underserved communities to identify obstacles faced by such communities and make resources available to them to overcome the systemic challenges and obstacles they face.”

 

Monique Miller

Purpose Programs Manager, Unilever

Monique is a versatile professional who thrives by leveraging interpersonal skills to drive collaborative change. Holding a Masters Degree from the London School of Economics, Monique has worked in North America, Africa and Europe with a focus on improving the human experience through partnerships in the domains of governance, public health, education, entrepreneurship and the private sector. An award winning educator, Monique is passionate about spreading knowledge, and ‘aha moments’. As the Purpose Programs Manager at Unilever, Monique supports the expansive impact of the Dove Self-Esteem Project in Canada and the ever growing network of Black female entrepreneurs through SheaMoisture’s Dreamfund. 

 

Tinashe Wingfield

Managing Director, Cadence Foresight Innovations

A strategic visionary with over 20 years of experience, Tinashe is a dynamic leader in crafting and implementing projects focused on strategy, systems design, and impact evaluation. She has garnered recognition for her pioneering work in designing transformative strategies, conducting impactful evaluations, and fostering organizational change. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Burundi, Kenya, and Canada, Tinashe brings a global lens to all her work.

Today, Tinashe leverages her extensive experience to drive impactful initiatives that inspire change, inspiring her to join the Steering Committee for the Black Innovation Summit to continue supporting initiatives that promote, encourage, and enable equity in innovation.


The Black Innovation Summit was made possible thanks to our partners Scotiabank, Telus, Magna, Torquest, Unilever, Torys, Accenture, the Government of Ontario, the City of Toronto, BKR Capital, and The Peak.

 

Head to dmz.to/BIS to learn more about the Summit, and stay tuned to hear the results of the pitch competition.

DMZ welcomes Incubator Cohort 7 companies

Our latest cohort is composed of exceptional startups that stood out among hundreds of promising applicants from around the world.

Some highlights of this cohort: 

  • 10 startups representing diverse verticals: EdTech, Fintech, HRTech, Social Impact, and more
  • Over 50% of Cohort 7 are woman-founded
  • The majority of startups operate as B2B SaaS companies
  • Our startups’ home bases span across the U.K., U.S. and Canada

For the next 18 months, startup founders will benefit from extensive support as they scale their products, ramp up customer acquisition, explore global expansion, gain access to cutting-edge resources and much more. Startups also benefit from continuous guidance with access to a world-class network of mentors, industry leaders, professional services, investors and legal advisors.  

Keep reading to learn more about the visionary startups leading the future of tech.

 


Aravenda provides a cloud-based consignment software solution for small businesses or enterprise users. Aravenda seamlessly integrates with Shopify and Clover to simplify workflows, eliminate common system errors and streamline inventory management while expanding the reach of consignment businesses globally. 



Loba is innovating health and wellness by modernizing traditional pill and supplement management through technology and the psychology of building healthy habits. By connecting a Loba device to WiFi, users can easily manage their pill and supplement schedule, set reminders, add new medications, track habits, and more.


Omnia focuses on the digital optimization of business operations such as supply chain management and e-learning solutions. By assessing a company’s current tech utilization, Omnia designs a custom optimization strategy to enhance workflow management and streamline operations across various industries. This company ensures its implementations drive significant value and ongoing support by prioritizing the understanding of client needs.


Quantibly is an innovative impact analytics platform revolutionizing data-driven decision-making in the social sector. With advanced AI and automation tools for data collection, analysis, and visualization, Quantibly empowers organizations in 82 countries to gain actionable insights into their financial and non-financial impacts.



Rescounts is an innovative, cost-effective platform that offers all-in-one event management services. The platform helps customers connect with various events in their area, and purchase tickets from anywhere. Rescounts also helps users keep track of their purchased event tickets and maintain a schedule of their upcoming events.  



SmartConcil is a platform that simplifies financial decisions based on Reconciliation automation. It proves security and real-time traceability over financial data, allowing finance teams to focus on what really matters.



Snoooz AI is an AI-powered Out-of-Office (OOO) assistant that can send personalized OOO responses, automate OOO tasks, route messages to backups and create coverage plans. This comprehensive tool simplifies your OOO management, handling everything efficiently.

 

Soundspace connects people with creative workspaces through a network of membership-based music networking, rehearsal, producing, and recording facilities. Memberships to Soundspace locations are available monthly, and artists book their time on their chosen location’s communal calendar. 


SuperCode is an app where kids learn to code by creating and playing interactive worlds together in live online events. Their focus is on exposing kids to key coding and problem-solving concepts in a way that is deeply fun and engaging motivating them to dig deeper and start to develop confidence in their skills.

 

Talin is the definitive automation solution for the staffing industry, integrating every essential application with scalable generative A.I. technology. The startup’s technology executes the most tedious staffing and recruiting workflows in minutes, acting as a co-pilot for placing candidates and signing new clients, all from a single platform.

 

Get to know more about our Fall ‘25 cohort of startups by visiting DMZ’s Current Startups page. Are you an early-stage tech founder interested in growing your business? Discover how DMZ’s Incubator can help here. 

Introducing DMZ’s 14 new Experts-in-Residence

In the heart of every startup’s journey at DMZ lies a secret weapon: our Experts-in-Residence (EiRs).

EiRs are more than just advisors; they act as an extension to our startup teams, working shoulder-to-shoulder with our founders to guide them through the intricacies of scaling their businesses. As experts in their field, they are each handpicked for their comprehensive knowledge and extensive business backgrounds.

We’re thrilled to announce the addition of 14 new EiRs to our esteemed roster. Each brings with them deep industry insights and a rich entrepreneurial background, further enriching our ecosystem and enhancing the support available to our startups.


Meet DMZ’s newest EiRs:

Check out the full roster of DMZ EiRs here.

Introducing Mentors

Recognizing that our EiRs provide essential strategic and long-term advice, we’ve seen the need for additional hands-on, tactical guidance to address the multifaceted needs of our startups.

This led us to introduce Mentors, volunteer-based positions, aimed at filling the gaps in our advisory services with their practical, “how-to” expertise, thereby ensuring a broader and more dynamic support system for our founders. 

This addition not only enriches our advisory capacity but also provides a flexible pathway for engaging with a diverse array of industry experts eager to guide founders.


Meet DMZ’s newest Mentors:


Levelling up through leadership

As we evolve our mentorship program, we’re also evolving our leadership structure to further this vision. Alex Thibault has excitingly stepped into the position of Chief EiR, steering our strategic direction in mentorship and founder support.

“We need more tech companies that will grow and become the titans of tomorrow. I want to help entrepreneurs as they try to become those titans.”- Alex Thibault, Chief EiR


Alex brings a wealth of experience in tech, capital markets, mobility, and more, offering crucial insights and expertise in M&A, operations, and finance. His success as a tech entrepreneur and investor, with ventures in fast-growing tech companies, supports DMZ’s mission to build the next generation of leading tech startups.
In the Chief EiR role, Alex will focus on enhancing our advisory strategy, nurturing the growth of our EiRs and Mentors, and fostering a culture of collaboration among advisors to increase our impact.

With these new additions and enhancements to our support network, we’re excited about the potential our revamped startup advisory framework holds in providing unparalleled support to our startups. 

Ready to scale your startup at DMZ and connect with our industry-leading experts? Apply for our Incubator today.

 

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