Powering the next
generation of Founders
in the Digital
& Green Economy
FoundHers Innovation Labs is a Venture Studio
for Innovative Tech Startups
Our Focus
FoundHers Innovation Labs is a 3-month hybrid venture studio designed to power the next generation of diverse women-led founders scaling tech businesses within Canada. We provide education, resources, growth opportunities to position you for venture capital funding and long-term success.
Tailored curriculum for scaling tech businesses
Access to venture coaches and industry experts
Business showcase upon program completion
Networking opportunities with investors and partners
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
The Truth about being a Diverse Woman Founder in Canada
FoundHers Innovation Labs was created to close the funding and data gaps for women founders—especially diverse women in Canada—by equipping them with the education, resources, and networks needed to scale tech-enabled businesses and succeed in the venture capital landscape.
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 diverse female start-ups within the innovation sector in Canadian, the aim of this report was to help address the data gap issues and the lack of market information available for diverse-led organizations in Canada.
Diverse Women Founders Surveyed
Focus Group Participants
Members of the research team
OUR TEAM
Courses taught by industry leaders
Cierra Madore
Strategist, Accenture
Cierra is a consultant in Accenture's Strategy practice with experience consulting across banking, communications and technology, retail, private equity, public and non-profit sectors.
Thierry Lindor
Entrepreneur
Thierry’s journey as an entrepreneur began in real estate, only to migrate towards technology with the launch of a modern media company, Influence ORB, which aimed to bridge the gap between companies and influencers.
Tobi Akinwumi
CEO, Kola Innovations
Tobi Akinwumi is a fractional product and technology leader who helps companies turn bold ideas into market-ready products.
Cecilia Barnes
Commercial Lawyer, Lawson Lundell
Cecilia is a commercial lawyer and a member of Lawson Lundell's Corporate Commercial and Technology groups.
What we offer
We offer a 3-month hybrid venture studio for women founders scaling tech-enabled businesses, combining online learning, hands-on business consulting, and process excellence support. Through expert-led sessions, tailored resources, and strategic connections, we help you refine your business model, streamline operations, and position for venture capital funding and sustainable growth.
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
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
May 15, 2025
Application Deadline
August 18, 2025
Program Start Date
September 5, 2025
Pitch Competition
December 5, 2025
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.
Interview with selection committee
Video pitch submission
Final selection & cohort announcement
Join us in shaping Canada's tech future.
Partner with us, invest in impact, or support our founders.
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."
"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."
"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."