Launchpad

WHO IT'S FOR:

Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build a business and need support getting started.

WHAT IT IS:

A platform jam-packed with expert-curated content to help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the early stages of your growth journey and thrive in the world of entrepreneurship.

• Access 30+ in-demand business topics, including product ideation and development, marketing, sales, funding, and more.
• Network at community-building events.
• Receive certification upon completion.

Entrepreneurs who identify as either Black or a woman can tap into additional programming benefits.

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Startups with at least one Black or woman-identifying Co-Founder can receive additional support.

BLACK FOUNDERS WOMEN FOUNDERS

Pre-Incubator

WHO IT'S FOR:

Tech founders who are validating a business idea, establishing an MVP, and securing their first customers. At a minimum, founders should have an early prototype.

WHAT IT IS:

Establish your minimum viable product, validate your idea and secure customers with the DMZ’s Pre-Incubator Program. Plus, get a chance to secure an exclusive spot in the DMZ Incubator after graduation to receive $10K in entry grant funding, 18+ months of additional support and exciting perks.

• 12+ hours of curated on-demand content on 8+ topics
• Hands-on support, including 1:1 meetings with Experts-in-Residence, curated workshops, progress check-ins, and founder meetups
• $470K+ in perks from 80+ partners
• Exclusive invites to industry networking events and workshops.
• Startups with a Black founder receive a $5K grant
• Opportunity to gain accelerated acceptance into the DMZ Incubator to receive $10K in entry grant funding, 18+ months of additional support, funding, DMZ office space, and more!

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Exclusive platforms with additional support for:

BLACK FOUNDERS WOMEN FOUNDERS

Incubator

WHO IT'S FOR:

Venture-backable pre-seed and seed-stage startups with a full-time founder, early traction, and proven product-market fit.

WHAT IT IS:

An 18-month equity-based program that takes a customized approach to each founder: execute a go-to-market strategy, acquire lighthouse customers, gain media exposure, explore global expansion, prepare for the next round of startup funding, and much more.

• Receive a $10K entry grant.
  • Companies with a Black founder receive an additional $10K grant.
  • Companies solving supply chain issues receive an additional $5K grant through Supply AI.
• Access additional grants for hiring, travel, in-house Startup Legal Support, and more.
• Meet 1:1 with 20+ Experts-in-Residence, in-house subject matter experts and dedicated support from Program Leads.
• Receive fundraising strategy support, pitch coaching, and introductions to investors in the DMZ's Venture Capital and Angel Investor networks.
• Discover workshops and peer-to-peer sessions to share insights, lessons learned, and best practices.
• Enjoy dedicated office space in the heart of downtown Toronto with amenities like weekly catered lunches, daily breakfast, unlimited snacks and coffee, front desk services, showers, a game room, a nap room, and more with the best startup community in the world.
• Access 130+ exclusive benefits valued at $900K

The DMZ Incubator takes a 2.5% equity stake in common shares from startups in exchange for programming.

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Exclusive platforms with additional support for:

BLACK FOUNDERS WOMEN FOUNDERS