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An 18-month hybrid program custom-designed for your needs.
Next cohort: Fall 2025
We're now accepting applications for our Fall 2025 cohort. Late applications for Spring 2025 may be considered.
Download the Incubator info package
No two ventures are alike... so why would you follow a one-size-fits-all playbook?
We tailor support to the unique demands of each startup to transform early-stage, venture-backable companies with high potential into market leaders with proven business models.
Rethink everything you know about the incubator model
We believe it takes time to build something great, which is why your roadmap is strategically designed over 18 months. Our program also lets you:
Keep your autonomy; run your days and your team the way you want.
Focus on areas you actually need help with; we won’t waste time forcing you into workshops you don’t need.
Our program is accessible to startups outside of Canada, you don’t need to be based in Toronto full time to apply.
Enrol in other growth programs; don’t limit your opportunities to access startup support.
Throughout the program, founders take part in six quarterly board meetings with the DMZ team and their designated EiR to establish and evaluate business objectives set out each quarter. Here, DMZ will help the startup determine key business priorities and challenges, and seed the plan to address and execute on them.
Monthly progress reports
Each month, founders receive a form to complete and submit to DMZ and their designated EiR. The form allows the founder to report on their startup’s progress each month. Progress reports are reviewed during bi-weekly EiR & Program Lead sessions, and act as the base of discussions during quarterly board meetings.
Bi-weekly EiR & Program Lead sessions
Throughout the program, founders take part in bi-weekly sessions with their designated DMZ Program Lead and EiR. Program Leads and EiRs help founders execute on their business objectives utilizing EiR's expertise and DMZ Resources.
If you win, we win.
DMZ has skin in the game. Here’s what we bring to the table in exchange for 2.5% equity stake in common shares
Fundraising
Get a seat at the table where the deals are happening.
Tap into our expansive network, encompassing over 3,000 angels and investors from various backgrounds, ready to support diverse entrepreneurial ventures. We facilitate personalized 1:1 connections, deck preparation, lead list curation, data room reviews and more to confidently attract “smart money” that aligns with your strategic objectives during fundraising rounds.
Fundraising
Get a seat at the table where the deals are happening.
Tap into our expansive network, encompassing over 3,000 angels and investors from various backgrounds, ready to support diverse entrepreneurial ventures. We facilitate personalized 1:1 connections, deck preparation, lead list curation, data room reviews and more to confidently attract “smart money” that aligns with your strategic objectives during fundraising rounds.
STARTUP LEGAL SUPPORT
Because ChatGPT isn’t a reliable lawyer.
Get comprehensive legal support and document prep for drafting or amending crucial business agreements. Includes legal research and strategy sessions, along with detailed contract reviews, to foster growth, ensure compliance, protect assets, and reduce costs.
HIRING SUPPORT
Hiring your uncle’s nephew to run your social media is not going great.
Reduce costs with help securing available grants to alleviate hiring expenses and access the DMZ-trained talent pool of student staff for co-op and internship opportunities, and discover new hiring opportunities inside the DMZ Slack Workspace.
WORKSPACE
Believe it or not, your barista needs some breathing room.
Enjoy 24/7 access to a dedicated office space in the heart of downtown Toronto. Amenities include a recording studio with professional audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, event space, an on-site 3-D printer, weekly catered lunches, daily breakfast, unlimited snacks and coffee, front desk services, showers, a game room, a nap room, and more.
BUSINESS SAVINGS
Your software expenses cost you how much?
100+ exclusive benefits valued at $1 million worth of discounted perks and benefits including but not limited to AWS, Google Cloud, Bookmark, Notion, and more.
RESOURCES
Networking, legal, hiring… you thought it would be easy?
Starting a company is about more than just funding – it’s about having the right tools, guidance, and networks in your corner. Our program gives you exclusive access to a specialized portal, connecting you with curated opportunities for hiring, travel, in-house legal support, and more.
Underrepresented communities face disproportionate barriers to accessing lucrative entrepreneurship opportunities. DMZ is proud to offer access to exclusive and meaningful resources crucial to closing the opportunity gap.
Create your DMZ profile and fill out your application. You can expect to hear from DMZ within two weeks about the status of your application.
2. SCREENING
If your application is a potential fit, we’ll invite you to a screening call to demo and pitch your product. Shortly after, you’ll be notified of the outcome following your screening call. Successful candidates will receive pre-acceptance into the program.
3. DEEP DIVE SESSIONS
We’ll comprehensively analyze your business, pinpointing areas that need attention and detailing how DMZ can provide targeted support.
4. ACCEPTANCE & ONBOARDING
If you’re accepted into the program you’ll meet with your dedicated Program Lead to begin designing your bespoke roadmap.
5. GO TIME
Your 18-month experience begins! You’ll be expected to dedicate ~4-5 hours monthly to program activities, excluding the personalized 1:1 sessions with our Experts-in-Residence (EiRs).
DMZ's global network makes the world your oyster
Get your product into foreign markets and work from our global offices.
Expand internationally with access to office spaces, investor networks, customer networks, mentors, and a wide range of additional resources, including introductions to trade commissioners, support for localization and special requests, as well as cost-effective go-to-market consulting.
Whatever’s in your five-year plan, we’ve got you covered.
Founders-first approach
Anyone can have an idea—few have the grit and tenacity to do something with it.
We support the do-ers—the founders with exceptional vision, innate talent, and a coachable spirit—and open the doors you need to succeed.
2449
Businesses incubated
and accelerated
$2.94B
in capital raised by DMZ startups
14
International offices accessible for startup expansion
When you have a million and one highly specific questions, our experts are ready with answers.
Meet our Experts-in-Residence
When you need a legal eye, aren’t sure how to onboard your next hire, or don’t feel particularly safe playing fast and loose when it comes to decoding tax regulations, it’s time for outside counsel. Incubator startups get 60+ hours of one-on-one mentorship with our in-house subject matter experts as part of the programming.
Through the Professional-in-Residence (PiR) program, DMZ founders have direct access to senior leadership at vetted companies, all under the DMZ roof. One-on-one strategic consultation meetings are pro-bono and any projects or work arising thereafter (at the founder's discretion) is offered at DMZ exclusive discounted rates.
The unexpected benefit our founders rave about? Community.
When you’re laser-focused with your eyes on the prize, entrepreneurship can be a lonely road. Our alumni founders have established long-lasting friendships with other founders who get it and grown a personal network that has served them years after exiting the program.
Where do you want to see yourself 18 months from now?
Quarterly board meetings
Monthly progress reports
Biweekly EiR & Program Lead sessions
