Latest from Launch: BC Innovation Hall of Fame, Launch Builders Recap, & Members Milestones

Vancouver, BC, August 29, 2024From Launch CEO Ray Walia’s induction into the BC Innovators Hall of Fame to groundbreaking demos presented at Launch Builders — these milestones highlight a period of significant achievement. Join our newsletter to stay updated on these and other exciting developments!

Launch CEO Ray Walia Inducted in BC Innovators Hall of Fame

Ray Walia, CEO of Launch Academy, has been celebrated with an induction into the BC Innovators Hall of Fame, according to Business in Vancouver (BIV).

This prestigious honor, awarded by the BC Tech Association in partnership with the Government of British Columbia, acknowledges leaders who have made impactful contributions to the province’s technology and innovation sector, enhancing BC’s economic vitality.

Learn more about this recognition here!

Media & Events

On July 24, 2024, Launch Academy hosted the latest Launch Builders event at Microsoft Vancouver, bringing together founders, innovators, and business leaders. The event featured six standout presenters — Michael Yagudaev, Steve Pineau, Tobias Dunn-Krahn, Jacob Shadbold, Kip Warner, and Procheta Nag — who provided an exclusive glimpse into the future of technology, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in action. See event recap here.

Alex Chuang, Co-Founder of Launch Academy, has won his second Auggie Award in the “Best Web3 Implementation” category. This prestigious award, recognized globally in the AR & VR industry, was earned through his venture, Shape Immersive, for their collaborative project with Sephora Universe. The award highlights the successful partnership of Sephora Universe among industry leaders, including SEPHORA, Surreal Events, BLVCK PiXEL, Publicis Media, and Digitas North America. See the winners here.

Member & Alumni Milestones

We love celebrating the successes of our community members.

  • Congratulations to Launch alumni, Thinkific, for being named one of Canada’s Best Workplaces in Technology for 2024 by Great Place to Work Canada! See the full list of winners.
  • Launch alumni, Covalent, has secured $5 million in a strategic funding round led by RockTree Capital, with participation from CMCC Global, Moonrock Capital, and Double Peak Group. This funding will enable Asian developers to leverage Covalent Network’s Ethereum Wayback Machine and extensive dataset, driving innovation and scaling opportunities in the blockchain space. Check out their latest updates here!
  • Our alumni and friends at Toronto-based fintech startup, KOHO, have introduced new offerings for renters: rent reporting “to help users build credit history, earn cash back on rent, and get tenant insurance.” Learn more here.
  • Congratulations to our member, Maplerad, for being named one of the top 100 ODF companies for 2024, marking their second year on this prestigious list! Maplerad simplifies global payments for African businesses through their innovative platform, providing seamless access to global currencies and diverse payment methods. See the full list of winners here.

 

 

These represent just a glimpse of the noteworthy milestones and accomplishments that have shaped our recent path. As we continue our journey, we eagerly anticipate bringing you more narratives of innovation, teamwork, and progress. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected for further updates from Launch!

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Launch's International Maple Accelerator Program

Launch is a designated organization of the Canadian Government’s Startup Visa Program & the Global Skills Strategy Program. Launch’s Maple Program is designed to help emerging tech companies expand their business to North America. We help tech companies identify the best path for immigration for their team and their families through Startup Visa, Express Entry, Provincial Nomination, or Global Talent Stream. For more information visit launchacademy.ca/maple.