Village Gamer

Communitech’s HYPERDRIVE program is hosting startup recruiting events in Vancouver and Toronto this month to encourage applications from some of Canada’s most promising entrepreneurs. The Vancouver event November 14 fittingly coincides with Global Entrepreneur Week which runs until November 18, the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life and drive economic growth.

“Entrepreneurship is the foundation of the new economy, driving grassroots innovation that can lead to commercial successes,” said Steve Currie, Communitech’s VP of Venture Services. “HYPERDRIVE is intended to provide seed to Series A funding for startups, and help them build a solid foundation from which to establish successful businesses.”

Applications are open for HYPERDRIVE’s second cohort of up to 10 companies to be selected to participate in the two-year mentoring program. The Vancouver startup recruiting event is being held in conjunction with the British Columbia Technology Industry Association (BCTIA) and will be held at Steamworks Pub, 375 Water Street in Vancouver tonight, November 14 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The Toronto recruiting event is slated for November 20 at the office of Polar Mobile, 156 Front Street West, Suite 610 starting at 6 p.m.

Currie says Communitech is looking for the most promising startups and is encouraging participation in the program from beyond Waterloo Region — from across Canada and around the world. Communitech’s HYPERDRIVE program’s goals coincide with the vision of Global Entrepreneur Week which inspires people worldwide to explore their potential as self-starters and innovators.

“Attracting the best and brightest startup entrepreneurs to Waterloo Region to create more successful Canadian companies is what it’s all about,” said Currie.

HYPERDRIVE launched in the spring of 2012, and the first cohort of seven companies is six months into its two-year mentoring program. The next cohort of startup companies is being recruited now for selection and launch by February 1, 2013. Each cohort program begins with a three-month sprint to get companies off and running, and that sprint culminates with a week in the heart of the financial district in New York meeting with funders, partners and potential customers.