Supply Chain Tech Vertical returns to Montreal Accelerator as Global Hub

The Founder Institute, the world’s largest pre-seed startup accelerator; BCF Ventures (https://www.bcfventures.vc), a Canadian Corporate Venture Capital Fund specialized in B2B Enterprise; Scale AI (https://www.scaleai.ca), Canada’s leading AI-powered Supply Chain Supercluster; and OVH Cloud (https://www.ovh.com/ca/en/), a leadering European cloud provider servicing 1.6 million customers worldwide; are collaborating to announce the next iteration of the Supply Chain Tech Vertical accelerator in Montreal. This pre-seed acceleration program establishes Montreal as the global hub for the Founder Institute’s Supply Chain Tech initiatives, and aims to inspire and support early-stage entrepreneurs by providing:

• Direct investment of $10,000 from BCF Ventures in up to 3 Canadian AI-Supply Chain startups who complete the program
• Several "Supply Chain Fellowships" Awarded to the Top Supply Chain-Tech Applicants, allowing them to participate in the program for free
• Feedback and Mentorship from 20+ top Supply Chain Tech Experts in Silicon Valley, Boston, Chicago, Montreal and beyond
• A Global Support Network of Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Advisors specialized in Supply Chain from the Founder Institute’s Network
• Over USD$3 MM in Partner Deals and Resources

By joining the Founder Institute Montreal supply chain initiative alongside BCF Ventures and Scale AI, OVHcloud will act as a useful support system for program participants. In addition to graciously providing startups with up to $150,000 CAD of free credits for its cloud services, OVHcloud will equally offer up to 20 hours of technical advisory services in the form of office hours. Startups will enjoy mentorship from experienced professionals and access to co-marketing opportunities through OVHcloud’s global network. With a strong historical presence in Europe, OVHcloud is the perfect gateway for startups that would like to expand and benefit from OVHcloud’s expertise and coaching in this highly regulated environment.

"COVID-19 exposed major weaknesses in supply chains across the planet. Supply chain solutions in 2021 are critical to the global recovery and building for greater resiliency across the world,” says Adeo Ressi, Founder & CEO of the Founder Institute. “I can’t think of a better startup ecosystem than Montreal for our global Supply Chain program, and I’m confident we can help entrepreneurs build a better future for us all."

The goal of the Supply Chain Tech Vertical program is to help build more than 20 promising supply chain tech startups in 2021, and help further establish Montreal as a global epicenter for supply chain innovation.

Sergio A. Escobar, Lead Director at Founder Institute Montreal and CEO at BCF Ventures, notes:

"Founder Institute has been a driving force for empowering innovative startups around the world. Their ability to select, train and boost amazing entrepreneurs is unique, and we are thrilled to invest in startups focusing on Supply Chain Technology."

Julien Billot, CEO of Scale AI, Canada’s AI supercluster, underlines:

"Integrating AI within the supply chain is key to boost productivity across industries in Canada, by transforming the way we produce and move goods and services. We are proud to extend our collaboration and support to Canadian start-ups in partnership with the Founder Institute as we aim to stimulate innovation, unleash the potential of the industry and foster the next generation of successful Canadian AI flagship businesses."

Amy Pollard, Startup Program Manager for OVH Cloud, added:

"OVHcloud is thrilled to join forces with the Founder Institute, BCF Ventures & Scale AI by providing free cloud resources to support the growth of entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of global supply chain. Montreal is a prime location for startups to bolster AI-powered technologies and this partnership will serve as a key driver to keep the momentum going."

Launched in 2014 by Sergio Escobar and LP Maurice, the Montreal Founder Institute has produced over 55 companies that have collectively raised several million dollars in funding. Notable alumni of the Montreal program include FightCamp, Unito, Streamline Genomics, Jitbase, Allset, and many more. The 2021 Virtual Montreal program will count the addition of Ben Melchionno as a new co-director, and is supported by Fasken and Richter.

From the Montreal Winter 2020-2021 cohort, the Scale AI Supercluster chose Leapsaver as a startup eligible to receive the $10k investment from BCF Ventures - learn more about Leapsaver in their video below, from the cohort's April Graduation Announcement.