Shred Capital

To all our friends in the Atlantic Canada Region and beyond:

In the World’s Most Innovative Companies 2023, SMU's Josh Domingues & Flashfood ranked #1 in the Social Good Category. Josh advocates for sustainability, being socially concerned, helping the poor, reducing food wastage, and reducing landfill waste. He just raised $12.3 million for his startup and continues contributing to sustainability and growth.

This event is a great opportunity to meet him and participate in a very exciting Q&A. Venture Grade is hosting the event on Wednesday, Mar 29, 1:30 - 3:00 pm at Burke Theatre A223 Inglis Street, Saint Mary's University, Halifax. The event is open to everyone and an excellent opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs, VCs, students, and the community. Shred Capital is one of the sponsors, and our growth associate from this region is excited to welcome you all on March 29!

Use this link to register and save your space: https://loom.ly/rc-tR50

Meet Josh Domingues: CEO and Founder of Flashfood Flashfood - Save on grocery bills & reduce landfill waste. World’s Most Innovative Companies, 2023 and ranked #1 in the Social Good Category

"Are you taking advantage of government support for technological and digital adoption?"

In 2023, several industries are expected to offer excellent investment opportunities for both local and foreign investors. The technology sector in Canada is ranked first in the top five industries that are worth considering. The industry is proliferating, and the tech startup scene is expected to continue with such an increase in 2023.

The Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) department launched the Digital Adoption Program in 2022, meaning that entrepreneurs can take advantage of those distinct programs to improve their digital infrastructure.

54% of the Canadian decision-makers have taken government aid to adopt new technology in the past 12 months - the highest among countries participating in the survey below ( American respondents: 45% & French respondents: 39%)

By disrupting traditional industries and finding new solutions, tech start-ups are changing the game and leading the way toward a better future. The McKenna Institute recognizes the importance of digital technology and continues to foster economic growth by advancing digital technologies in New Brunswick and stimulating communities to thrive in a digital world.

Our partner Matt Toner shares his thoughts about the potential and value of digital transformation in the Maritimes that is still unseen due to those big players. However, there is something in the Maritimes worth pushing. Check out the pattern and mentality that can change the existing start-up ecosystem of the Maritimes: https://tj.news/telegraph-journal/102049392

COMMENTARY: It's time to try Moneyball theory in the Maritimes | TJ.news Matt Toner calls for a stronger culture of 'yes' in the Maritimes.

In this episode of "What Freaks Out Founders", we chat with the CEO, Founder & Product Developer of PLAEX Building Systems Inc., Dustin Bowers.

Dustin chats with us about being inspired by his grandfather, who knew that there was always a way to fix something rather than throw it away, and how that has led him to try and take on the virtuous and monumental task of trying to make the world a better place, even in a small way, for his children and the next generation.

Available on Spotify or any of your favourite platforms!

http://ow.ly/r7Tt50MlU6X

#004 - Dustin Bowers: Making the World a Better Place, One Brick at a Time Listen to this episode from What Freaks Out Founders on Spotify. In this episode of "What Freaks Out Founders", we chat with the CEO, Founder & Product Developer of PLAEX Building Systems, Dustin Bowers. Dustin is a very interesting guy who took a bit of an unexpected path towards being a startup fo...

What is the outlook for VR/AR sectors in 2023 and beyond? With the return to physical, in-person interactions, audiences' expectations for hybrid physical and VR/AR experiences have skyrocketed.

From museums to classrooms, from theater to opera, the integration of enhanced, tech-infused experiences is now a must.

VR, paired with the thriving gaming industry, is leading the way in creating immersive experiences. Social VR, referred to as the "metaverse," is also gaining popularity, with tech giants such as Apple and Disney investing heavily in their ecosystems.

Disney is even taking it a step further by launching a global studio dedicated to exploring AR experiences in their theme parks and adding augmented content to their attractions.

Both AR and VR have the potential to transform 2D content into a 3D participatory experience, but their biggest challenge remains to match that potential. Removing technical hurdles is just the first step, and the industry must now focus on sustaining, expanding, and scaling these hybrid experiences.

As David Cecchetto, a professor of critical digital theory at York University in Toronto puts it: "In VR, in particular, the industry needs to consider both the scalability of the technology, as well as the experience itself."

Scalability refers not only to mass adoption but also to forging new content expressions and modes of engagement. Both the boundaries of hardware and content need to be pushed to advance.

Congratulations to the team from Mikan House for successfully closing one of the financing rounds from the Canada Media Fund!

In this episode, we chat with Christy Silvestri, President & Co-Founder of QuickFacts Inc, a software platform designed to improve business operations and efficiencies of insurance brokerages.

Christy is a first-time founder who found herself at the helm of a startup after working as an insurance broker for over 15 years.

Available on Spotify or any of your favourite platforms!

http://ow.ly/H79N50MlTuO

#003 - Christy Silvestri: Rolling with the Punches as a First-Time Founder Listen to this episode from What Freaks Out Founders on Spotify. In this episode, we chat with Christy Silvestri, President & Co-Founder of QuickFacts Inc., a software platform designed to improve business operations and efficiencies of insurance brokerages. Christy is a first time founder who found...

Congratulations to the team from Story City for successfully closing one of the financing rounds from the Canada Media Fund!

Congratulations to the team from Zoltech Studios for successfully closing one of the financing rounds from the Canada Media Fund!

On this episode of "What Freaks Out Founders", we're lucky enough to speak with a serial startup founder, Derek Szeto.

After a successful exit and a big win with his first startup, Red Flag Deals, Derek ventured back into the corporate world for a short while before catching the startup bug again as the Co-Founder and CEO of Walnut Insurance.

Available on Spotify or any of your favourite platforms!

http://ow.ly/RHCm50MlQgp

#002 - Derek Szeto: Always Keeping Your Eyes Open for Opportunities Listen to this episode from What Freaks Out Founders on Spotify. On this episode of "What Freaks Out Founders", we're lucky enough to speak with serial startup founder, Derek Szeto. After a successful exit and a big win with his first startup, Red Flag Deals, Derek ventured back into the corporate w...

Congratulations to the team from Room 322 Games for successfully closing one of the financing rounds from the Canada Media Fund!

What are the top 6 technology investments prioritized by Canadian businesses in 2023?

According to the research from Capterra, Canadian businesses have been investing in strengthening their supply chain operations, customer relationships, and cybersecurity measures in response to supply chain issues and rising cyber threats.

They have also prioritized IT investments, human resources, and learning tools to find and retain talent in a competitive job market. Companies seek strategic advice on recruiting and retaining employees in the volatile job market.

From the survey of Canadian businesses, the target investment areas are:

Supply chain management - 44%
Cybersecurity - 43%
Sales-related/CRM software - 41%
IT management - 37%
HR and learning management - 36%

Congratulations to the team from Simulacrum Interactive for successfully closing one of the financing rounds from the Canada Media Fund!

On this episode of "What Freaks Out Founders", our guest is Al-Karim Kimjhi.

Al-Karim is the CEO & Co-Founder at Propra, doing some fascinating stuff in the property management software space. Al-Karim comes to us with some extensive entrepreneurial and real estate experience, including developing and operating mid-scale hotel portfolio and managing residential rental properties.

Available on Spotify or any of your favourite platforms!

http://ow.ly/HBQ950MlNGO

#001 - Al-Karim Kimjhi: From Building Codes to Source Code Listen to this episode from What Freaks Out Founders on Spotify. On this episode of "What Freaks Out Founders", our guest is Al-Karim Kimjhi. Al-Karim is the CEO & Co-Founder at Propra, who are doing some really exciting stuff in the property management software space. Al-Karim comes to us with some...

Congratulations to the team from Sunset Visitor 斜陽過客 for successfully closing one of the financing rounds from the Canada Media Fund!

What awaits the Canadian industries in 2023? The economic slowdown is persisting, but Canadian businesses maintain their resilience.

The transportation industry is expected to rebound in 2023 due to the removal of COVID-related restrictions and the return of business travel.

The life sciences industry might see increased M&A activity, with the COVID-19 pandemic driving demand for online healthcare and telemedicine.

SaaS companies must prove the resilience of their recurring revenue business model.

The healthcare industry is expected to see continued pressure on reimbursement and pricing, leading to a focus on cost containment and operational efficiency.

The financial services industry will experience continued low-interest rates and a focus on digital transformation.

The engineering and construction industry has been impacted by supply chain issues, inflation, and labor availability, but material supply and strong bookings suggest 2023 earnings growth.

The e-commerce industry is expected to resume strong growth as the COVID-19 comparable period ends.

Energy services companies will focus on cash harvesting and shareholder-friendly capital allocation in 2023.

This week, our partner Matt Toner is joining the InnovateNB Celebration, organized by TechImpact!

We couldn't be more excited to meet outstanding entrepreneurs from and contribute to the fast-growing Atlantic Ecosystem.

Meet us at the event!

The Second Season of the Shred Capital podcast 'What Freaks Out Founders' is now out! You can find it on all of your favourite platforms:

https://anchor.fm/what-freaks-out-founders

Our podcast explores the fears, anxieties, and challenges that plague founders of all types, and discusses ways to recognize, confront and harness those fears into positive, actionable steps.

We appreciate the 7 incredible guests that joined us this season:

Al-Karim Kimjhi from Propra
Derek Szeto from Walnut Insurance
Christy Silvestri from QuickFacts Inc
Dustin Bowers from PLAEX Building Systems Inc.
Harrison Smith from Dear Life
Jens Heitland from Heitland Innovation
Stephen Goddard from TrojAI

Hosted by Matt Toner, Partner at Shred Capital.

What Freaks Out Founders • A podcast on Anchor The podcast that explores the fears, anxieties, and challenges that plague founders of all types, and discusses ways to recognize, confront and harness those fears into positive, actionable steps to overcome them that can end up benefiting you and your team in profound ways.

Venture funding across Canada plunges into two-year lows, shifting investor sentiments from FOMO to uncertainty.

In BC, the investments declined by 54% in Q3 compared to Q2 and by 92% year over year. The 'megadeal' level funding is nowhere to be seen, with investors staying on the sidelines or targetting earlier stages.

On the other hand, Web3 and CleanTech showed significant growth, transitioning from the testing stage to the core verticals.

There is still high enthusiasm leading into 2023, with ferocious investors preparing to revitalize the investment levels.

On the second day of Banff Venture Forum 2022, Angela Hamilton from Shred Capital had a fantastic opportunity to join the "Women in Tech" Fireside Chat with Gloria Moore and Bobbie Racette.

Meet Byron Seef from Shred Capital at the "Meet the Investors" panel at Banff Venture Forum 2022!

Meet the Shred Capital team at the beautiful Banff Venture Forum 2022!

Shred Capital is looking for our first Growth Associate to help us process more good client prospects than we can currently handle, and bring method to our work!

Know anyone who might be interested in taking on this challenge?

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/1041344222

Have you ever wondered what impact US-based Venture Capital has on Canada? In Q1 2022, US funds distributed $1.28B, with Canadian VCs investing $303M (23% of the US total).

US investments are still the primary drivers of Canadian entrepreneurship, especially in the early & later startup stages.

CleanTech received $478M, overtaking both FinTech & BioTech, traditionally in the top 3 sectors.

This change of behavior and transition to the pre-pandemic levels of investments tells a complicated story of the everchanging markets and the new sector priorities.

Our friends at Sunset Visitor 斜陽過客 are announcing their first title 1000xRESIST, published by Fellow Traveller.

1000xRESIST is a hyper-cinematic, narrative adventure coming to PC and Switch in 2023!

Make sure to add the game to your wishlists and follow their progress:

https://bit.ly/1KXRSteam

1000xRESIST - Game Reveal Trailer 1000xRESIST: a hyper-cinematic, narrative adventure coming to PC and Switch in 2023!💠 Wishlist today: https://bit.ly/1KXRSteamRelive the memories of a god. ...

Canadian Venture Capital investments are normalizing back to the Pre-Pandemic levels, with $1.65B invested in Q2 2022.

Interestingly, Q2 set two new records: most money ever deployed into Seed stages ($263M) & the second highest deal count (104).

The figures start to mirror 2020 as the world returns to normal. The capital is deployed very cautiously, typically into existing portfolio companies. Pre-Seed investments, however, took a significant dive.

Will 2022 continue to match 2020 trends, or are we on the verge of seeing another outlier?

Meet Shred Capital at the Game Discovery Exhibition - GDX 2022 in Edmonton! You don't need to be in Montreal to be a successful game producer!

We are bringing funding to Alberta's gaming industry, creating a new wave of gaming studios. All aspiring Game Producers in Alberta, reach out to us at [email protected] and meet us at !

Our portfolio company Tipbox is coming out of the initial proof-of-concept stage after closing Friends and Family Round and staffing up the first full-time team.

We are looking for an experienced Product Manager to hit our next milestones. Details below:

http://ow.ly/R0pq50JLSHg