theaccelerator.tech is Calgary’s first accelerator program focused on high growth startups. It launched its first cohort in the fall of 2016 and has recently launched its second batch! .TECH caught up with its co-founder, Thomas Battle, to delve into the Canadian startup space, the future plans of theaccelerator.tech and how .TECH extension is working for them.
Why did you create theaccelerator.tech?
The idea to create The Accelerator came after we had experienced some of the world’s best accelerator programs; especially the ones in Silicon Valley. We knew that this type of program was definitely needed in Canada. We truly believe in Canadian startups and now we are doing something to help them get to the next level!
Tell us about some of the startups that are engaged with theaccelerator.tech.
We have just launched our second batch with some of the most innovative startups such as Sprout Rewards – a customer loyalty platform, Purposs – a global online-2-offline services platform, Hauul – a cargo pick up and drop service, Acuspire – a scientific method to job matching, Harbour Meals – healthy meal deliveries, and a few more. You can see all of them here.
Thomas Battle
Why did you choose a .TECH domain name for your brand?
We are really looking to grow the innovation and tech culture here in Canada. Thus, the .TECH domain really spoke to us.
How do startups and partners resonate with your website name, theaccelerator.tech?
I believe that our domain really resonates with our target market. Through a .TECH domain, we are able to show exactly who we are looking at and best able to support. This streamlines the application process and helps us reach the right people!
How has the journey been so far with theaccelerator.tech? What are your future plans?
We successfully graduated our first cohort in March and now we have moved on to our second batch! We have some amazing companies here and we can’t wait to help them grow!
Pieter Boekhoff
Tell us about the founders of theaccelerator.tech.
The Accelerator was founded by Pieter Boekhoff and me.
Pieter Boekhoff is the CEO & Founder of Nobal Technologies. Pieter is the 2016 Startup Canada Entrepreneur of the Year (Prairies), one of Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 (2014), Mount Royal Horizon Award Winner (2014), one of Canada’s 10 “Mentor Rock Stars” (2013), Globe and Mail Top 20 Up and Coming Entrepreneurs (2012), Breakout Business of the Year Finalist (2012), Small Business of the Year Finalist (2013). Pieter also founded AcceleratorYYC, a non profit organization for the support, mentorship, and development of entrepreneurs in Calgary and Alberta. AcceleratorYYC recently merged with Startup Calgary; and has parlayed into a bustling community and coworking space as well as The Accelerator, Calgary’s first accelerator program focused on high growth startups which launched its first cohort in the fall of 2016.
I am the COO of Nobal Technologies. With Nobal, I have lead the project teams to successfully execute projects with major international fashion brands around the world. While completing my MBA at Dalhousie University, I helped grow the Halifax Innovation Ecosystem in collaboration with The Norman Newman Centre for Entrepreneurship.
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