During Lift’ Off 2017, 5 startups gave Winnipeg a sneak peek into their big dreams.
On June 20, contestants pitched their platform to a crowd at the Fort Garry Hotel before being grilled by industry professionals—Dragon’s Den style. We hoped to discover startups that could benefit Winnipeg apartment renters. We weren’t disappointed.
Fastnet Communications
Going up against Canada’s 5 major telecommunications companies, 2nd place winner Mark Loewen has a fierce battle cry: Internet that is 10x faster than the competition. Fastnet Communications‘ can be installed in minutes, rather than days. Good news: Winnipeg apartment renters are their specialty customer.
On entrepreneurship: “In the beginning, it doesn’t feel like there is any reward. You have to go through these long periods where there’s no validation, you’re not making much money, and you have to keep the family happy. It’s passion overall that drives us.” -Mark Loewen, founder Fastnet Communications
Mark Loewen, Fastnet Communications
M3 Aerial Productions
Matthew Johnson of M3 Aerial Productions bring you the “Uber of drones.” Johnson touted his drone pilot training program as a solution to the dangerous and unregulated market of for-hire drone pilots. Once certified through Johnson’s program, you can register on M3’s online platform, so those who need drone work can easily find reputable pilots.
On entrepreneurship: “Right now it’s about working all the time—100 hours a week. I enjoy it, it’s kind of a thrill. The Winnipeg start up community is super supportive.”- Matthew Johnson, M3 Aerial Productions co-founder
Matthew Johnson, M3 Aerial Productions
Canada Plow
3rd place winner Bryce Brousseau is so dedicated to his snow clearing business that he confessed to drinking a litre of anti-ice to prove he doesn’t use toxic chemicals. Canada Plow‘s custom snow-clearing machine can clear a Winnipeg apartment driveway before you can say “get the shovel” (under 20 seconds to be exact.) Check out Canada Plow’s run on Dragons Den.
On entrepreneurship: “I believe if you just build the right team, the rest will follow. Winnipeg’s startup community will be very good in the near future. There are some incredible people who are humble and hardworking.”- Bryce Brousseau, Canada Plow founder
Bryce Brousseau, Canada Plow
Brick Storming
Kristen Klassen is a PhD grad with a love for toys. Her business, Brickstorming, uses customized Lego kits to help treat depression and anxiety. What sounds like fun and games could be part of the solution to long wait times to see mental health professionals.
On entrepreneurship: “At the mental health clinic where I worked, I was stifled in how I could approach the problem. I’ve always had an interest in play, so when I finally had the opportunity to put it together…it wasn’t so much about being an entrepreneur, although being my own boss did appeal to me.”- Kristen Klassen, Brickstorming founder
Kristin Klassen, Brickstorming
Callia
Next time you need a bouquet in a hurry, 1st place winner Catherine Metrycki wants you to think of Callia. Metrycki is breaking into a 7.6 billion dollar industry by catering flowers to the digital generation. Choose from a handful of bouquets online, complete the order in a few clicks and receive “Canada’s only luxury flower box”.
The former marketing executive even gave the crowd a Callia discount code—genius.
On entrepreneurship: “I think the best advice that I received was that you just have to do it. Last year, this was just an idea. It’s never going to be perfect, it’s never going to be right but you just have to do something and it kind of just snow balls from there.”- Catherine Metrycki, Callia founder
The Winner’s Circle
2017 Venture Challenge winners (left to right) Mark Loewen, Fastnet Communications (second place), Catherine Metrycki, Callia (first place) and Bryce Brousseau, Canada Plow (third place). (Photo source: Leif Norman)
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