Washington Technology Industry Association names 3 B.C. companies to its startup accelerator

The program helps Canadian companies accelerate their go-to-market strategies in the U.S.

accelerator

Credit: Dignii. Vancouver-based Dignii was one of 10 companies admitted to WTIA’s accelerator program

The program helps Canadian companies accelerate their go-to-market strategies in the U.S. 

The Washington Technology Industry Association kicked off its fourth Canadian B2B SaaS Market Accelerator Program this week. The program, which seeks to help Canadian startups develop their U.S. market strategies, runs for eight weeks.

This time around, the nonprofit WTIA, which is, in its own words, “dedicated to building a strong, sustainable technology sector in a thriving community,” selected 10 Canadian companies for the program.  

The successful organizations include one from Halifax (cloud-based member management system Guild), two from Saskatchewan (Saskatoon re-commerce outfit Hyon and Moose Jaw inclusive communication app VizeDi), three from Montreal (product management company Homeric, cloud analytics firm LatenceTech and carbon management biz Oxia Initiative) and, shockingly, only one from Toronto (apparel e-tailer Pronti Retail).  

The cohort also includes three Vancouver companies.  

Appara is an all-in-one legal tech company geared toward helping firms manage all their dealings within one platform.  

Dignii is a DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) expertise and data analytics firm that uses evidence-based research to develop best practices for clients like the Government of Canada and TransLink.  

Agtech company Neupeak is trying to grow a sustainable future through strawberry-harvesting robotics. 

“I participated in the WTIA accelerator over the summer and it has been hands down, the best accelerator with actionable insights as well as meaningful intros that have resulted in product feedback, market validation and customer intros,” said Humaira Ahmed, CEO of Victoria-based Locelle in a release.  

“They go beyond the traditional education model—they make connections that help you grow. As a Canadian tech company, access to the U.S. market is not as easy but WTIA made it possible.”