Powering the
Next Generation of Black Women Founders

FoundHers is a Venture Studio for Innovative Tech Startups
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Our Focus

FoundHers Innovation Labs is a 3-month hybrid venture studio designed to power the next generation of 15 Black women founders scaling tech-enabled businesses. We provide education, resources, and connections to position you for venture capital funding and long-term success.

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Tailored curriculum for scaling tech businesses

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Access to venture coaches and industry experts

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Business showcase upon program completion

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Networking opportunities with investors and partners

RESEARCH INSIGHTS

The Truth about being a Black Woman Founder in Canada

Our research represents the thousands of data points on Black females founders across Canada. Our goal is ultimately increase the number of capital funded businesses founded by Black Female organizations.
Black Women earn 59% of what men (on average) earn
Over 60% of Black Women founders are between 25 and 39 years old
58% of Black Women founders have a Bachelor's degree or higher
More than 77% of Canadian Black Entrepreneurs live in Toronto, Vancouver, & Montreal.
62% of Black Women founders are seeking investment capital for their businesses
40% of all Venture Capital went to just 10 companies in Canada in 2017
2/5 Black Women Founders indicated that they lost substantial revenue as a result of Covid-19
44% of Black Women Founders identified that they are in the “Growth” phase of their business, while 24% are in the start up phase

Why this study

Why Pitch Better developed the FoundHers Research Report

Frustrated by the lack of black founders start-ups in Canadian incubators/accelerators or in other local innovation ecosystem events, the aim of this report is to help address the data gap issues and the lack of market information available for black-led / black-serving women’s organizations in Canada.

Black women founders surveyed


Members of the research team


Focus group participants


Our team

Courses taught by industry leaders around the world

Alfred Burgesson

Founder & CEO of The Tribe Network
Born in Ghana and raised in Nova Scotia, Alfred is a thoughtful leader who enjoys social entrepreneurship and is passionate about building bridges between people, places and ideas.

Thierry Lindor

Ceo & Co-founder at Happly.Ai
Thierry Lindor is an entrepreneur with a diverse background in various industries. Thierry is the co-founder of Happly.Ai, a platform that matches entrepreneurs with funding and economic opportunities. 

Peta-Ann Leon

Founder & CEO of Leon DesignS
Peta-Ann is a dedicated marketing and sales professional with a strong track record in exceeding goals and launching innovative, results-driven initiatives.

Blair Kelsie

CTO at Alto
Blair has over 20 years in the tech industry, playing key roles in high-profile companies like Vendasta and SkipTheDishes, where he helped develop the MVP, built the first tech team, and guided a $200M acquisition.

What we offer

As business consultants, we help companies and organizations in a wide variety of industries and fields. Our services are designed to assist our clients achieve their goals and improve their performance, increase their revenue and build a stronger, more sustainable business.
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Online Learning

Learn from the best with our award-winning online courses. Gain access to our world-class education and learn from the best in the business. We’re here to help you achieve your goals. Unlock your potential.

Business Consulting

We give you the knowledge, tools and support to grow your business. We'll help you develop your ideas into a well-structured plan, and offer a variety of services to help you achieve your goals.

Process Excellence

We’ll start by getting to know you and your business better. This includes a detailed look at your current operations, including your team, processes, technology and metrics. This is only the beginning of a journey towards lasting success.

Our Courses

Our focus is

#blackwomen | #business | #tech | #opportunity

We will help you unlock your inner potential so you can excel in your professional field.
Learn to use all the related tools, walk into a job and be a rockstar from day one.

Application Live

July 2, 2024

Application Deadline
August 28, 2024

Program Start Date
September 5, 2024

Pitch Competition

November 30, 2024

Application Process

Submit initial application form

You will learn how to develop, organize and implement a content marketing strategy, analyze and measure the effectiveness of content marketing, write compelling copy, set a strategic framework when writing.

Video pitch submission

You will learn how to develop, organize and implement a content marketing strategy, analyze and measure the effectiveness of content marketing, write compelling copy, set a strategic framework when writing.

Interview with selection committee

You will learn how to develop, organize and implement a content marketing strategy, analyze and measure the effectiveness of content marketing, write compelling copy, set a strategic framework when writing.

Final selection & cohort announcement

You will also learn how to put the ideas presented to you into action and build your own personal brand through content marketing.

Testimonials

"The startups emerging from FoundHers labs show incredible promise. The founders are tackling important problems with innovative solutions.

This program is

uncovering a wealth of underrepresented talent that has been overlooked for too long."

Josh Stobbard

"FoundHers labs is filling a crucial gap in the tech ecosystem by empowering Black women entrepreneurs.


Their program provides the resources, mentorship, and connections these innovators need to succeed in the digital and green economy. We're proud to support this initiative."

Josh Stobbard

"FoundHers focus groups back in 2021 transformed my entrepreneurial journey. So I’m excited to apply for FoundHers labs to experience the tailored curriculum, community of experts, and network of high growth businesses, which I know will give me the knowledge and confidence to take my tech startup to the next level.I'm grateful for the doors this program has opened."

Josh Stobbard