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Ep 07: Lessons Learned Running the Velocity Incubator with Mike Kirkup

June 13, 2017 By Gary Will

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For over four years, Mike Kirkup was the director of Velocity—the startup incubator at the University of Waterloo. It’s been a huge addition to the Waterloo startup community since opening in 2008. He stepped down just over a year ago to become CTO at Encircle—a Velocity graduate—and on this week’s show looks back at lessons learned from Velocity’s growth (and how a huge space for Velocity Garage quickly became too small).

I also take a quick look at some new data on Canada’s venture capital industry from a BDC report released last week, and catch up on the Canadian government’s Innovation Superclusters Initiative (ISI) after attending a information session. Only five superclusters are going to be selected and the front runners seem pretty clear. Is there even any point for anyone else to apply?

Press play to listen or subscribe with your favourite podcast app.

Links:

  • Velocity
  • Velocity on Twitter (@UWVelocity)
  • Mike Kirkup on Twitter (@mikekirkup)
  • Encircle
  • Velocity Fund Finals (Livestream archive)
  • Innovation Superclusters Initiative (ISI): Frequently asked questions
  • Canada’s Venture Capital Landscape (BDC)
  • VC & PE Canadian Market Overview 2016 (CVCA)

Filed Under: Episodes Tagged With: canada, clusters, incubators, venture capital, waterloo region

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jwvkerrJaren Kerr@jwvkerr·
April 15, 2021

Magnet Forensics, a cybercrime software maker stacked with Blackberry alumni, has filed for an IPO. Story with @SeanSilcoff:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-magnet-forensics-files-for-first-waterloo-based-ipo-in-15-years/

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GaryWillGary Will@GaryWill·
April 14, 2021

I had it pretty easy. My vaccine experience consisted of answering the phone, saying "sure, tomorrow's fine" and then arriving at the scheduled time. Got the shot in 10 minutes. Now in my 15-minute post-shot wait.

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