Launched in 2022, Startup Atlantic has quickly become a key supporter to Atlantic Canada’s innovation ecosystem. Composed of a network of founder-focused accelerators, incubators, investors, government, and ecosystem builders, Startup Atlantic is dedicated to supporting the growth and success of entrepreneurs across Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia.
The Startup Atlantic coalition works to help founders connect with all the resources they need to start and grow great businesses, while promoting Atlantic Canada as a fast-growing global ecosystem to watch.
“The people and organizations that make up Startup Atlantic are founders at heart, and also very much community builders. The premise of Startup Atlantic is to ensure the actors across our ecosystem are highly connected for the purpose of supporting the region’s founders and startups with a strong, collaborative network. Startup Atlantic is also about promoting Atlantic Canada as a great place to invest, to start and grow your business, and to enjoy the unique and very special east coast lifestyle that we all cherish.”— Doug Robertson, CEO Venn Innovation and Startup Atlantic Chair
“Startup Atlantic helps drive innovation and strengthens the Atlantic ecosystem by supporting a coalition that offers opportunities for collaboration, connectivity, and navigation. It’s about filling the gaps, boosting our brand, and building a strong community of startups where innovative ideas can thrive and make areal impact on the region’s future.”— Lindsay Murray, Executive Director, Startup Atlantic
Atlantic Canada is home to over 800 innovative companies, employing over 6,500 people and exporting products worldwide. There are also over 65 supportive organizations such as incubators, accelerators, funders and investors, and mentors available for founders. This startup ecosystem, the only one in Canada that spans four provinces and two time zones, covers a geographic area equivalent to the size of France and Germany combined. This unique and diverse regional collaboration is a testament to the vibrant, entrepreneurial spirit that defines Atlantic Canada.
“Atlantic Canada attracted us with venture capital, non-dilutive dollars, research partners, talent, ocean access and an incredibly welcoming business community. This is the ideal region for us to develop our ocean climate technology.”- Mike Kelland, CEO and Co-Founder, Planetary Technologies
Recently, Startup Atlantic organized its largest mission to Startupfest 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, from July 10-12. Over 60 Atlantic Canadian companies, accelerators, incubators, and investors participated, showcasing the region’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
Led by Startup Atlantic, the mission effectively highlighted Atlantic Canada as a thriving hub for startups and an excellent environment for business growth.
Startup Atlantic has been participating in Startupfest and Atlantic Venture Forum since its origin. This has provided our community of innovators the opportunity to learn, network, pitch, and connect with decision-makers, mentors, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs. These opportunities not only inspire innovation but also help build successful businesses.
This coalition helps with navigating available Atlantic resources through its website at www.startupatlantic.ca, and provides important updates to the ecosystem with its extensive database of innovators.
Startup Atlantic is made possible through the support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
