Montreal Tech Watch

Yesterday, the Montreal Startup community was invited in Fasken Martineau’s offices. It was an opportunity to meet other tech entrepreneurs, as well as designers, developers, and of course StartupWeekend partners.

With the promise of launching a real startup, with a product and a business model, in a weekend competition, and at the end a selection by experienced judges, the formula has been proven multiple times in the USA, Canada, and all over the world. As a matter of fact, many newcomers who have been to other StartupWeekends in other countries have always asked why there were nothing organized in the city.

StartupWeekend Montreal has now 4 major partners: the business school HEC Montréal, the law firm Fasken Martineau, the early stage venture firm Real Ventures, and the BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada). Beyond the financial support, they are giving substantial support by also providing key mentors, event space, and of course an extensive business and executive network to make sure participants get help during and after the weekend.

Other Montreal, Toronto, and international organizations have joined in. It’s great to see schools like Dawson College, incubators from Montreal (Bolidea) and Toronto, local CLDs, SAJE, reso investissements, and of course user groups such as MontrealPython, MtlGirlGeeks or MTLStartupTalent joining in the party.

Mentors were also announced at the event yesterday: Olivier Cabanes (Bolidea), Chris Arsenault (iNovia Capital), Shawn Kernes (CTO Beyond The Rack), Mark McLeod (RealVentures / FounderFuel) and many others. Expect at least 3-4 mentors in each domain of expertise, with the majority being serial entrepreneurs, executives or expert consultants.

Follow the StartupWeekend site for more information and updates! There are still a few designers and developers available on the main site, and for those who know how the right people, there are still also a few entrepreneur tickets.