We are excited to announce that our 2023 Fellows experience - where 20 of Canada’s most promising early-stage startups gain access to leaders who are shaping the most important companies in the world - is open for nominations!
Through our Fellowship, these founders gain unparalleled access to the best Bay Area entrepreneurs, operators, and investors. The Fellowship’s flagship event, 48Hrs, features two days of intensive mentorship, high-calibre networking, and venture guidance in the Valley.
Our annual Fellowship empowers early-stage founders through mentorship and a strong community of like-minded entrepreneurs who share our belief in the power of innovation to create positive change.
This signature mentorship program was born over 12 years ago with “48Hours in the Valley” and was rebranded in 2021 to incorporate a full year of mentorship and networking.
“It is inspiring being surrounded by driven entrepreneurs that raised the bar for me. I appreciated how transparent people were when sharing their challenges and was able to leverage their learnings into smart decisions for my company. My C100 association has translated into a prestige that will be valuable during fundraising.” Félix Bélisle Dockrill, Axya ( Fellows 2022)
The alumni network encompasses exemplary Canadian companies like Ada, Borrowell, Bridgit, ApplyBoard, Sonder, Frank + Oak, FinanceIt, Float, Mejuri, Wealthsimple, and many more.
Hear from some of C100'S 2021 Fellows
For Fellows 2023, we are looking for 20 Canadian-led tech startups that are global in ambition, have proven traction and are investor-ready, between seed and Series A.
“It’s very important to share with peers those fundamental questions you can’t share with anyone else, big decisions you make about your own business, whether it’s about hiring, strategic planning for your raise, or whatever. There’s a level of openness in that circle and a level of professionalism and care for delivering value that is huge.” Sophie Perseval, Wondeur.ai (Fellows 2021)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Fellows nomination and application process:
How can a founder be nominated to be a C100 Fellow?
Prospective founders must be nominated by an active C100 charter member, member, partner, or 48Hrs/Fellows alumnus in order to apply. Nominations open on March 27, 2023, and close on April 21, 2023. Nominators have unlimited submissions.
Nominated founders will receive an email notification that they have been nominated along with a unique application link. This link is connected to their account only and cannot be shared with others. Once they are nominated, founders have until April 28, 2023, to apply.
What kind of founder benefits the most from a C100 fellowship?
The ideal founder is Canadian or building a startup in Canada, is community-minded, and is building technology to make a significant impact in the world. They’re building the next Shopify, solving climate change, curing diabetes, or rebalancing financial access for the next 3 billion, and want to do it together with the C100 community.
We welcome founders with diverse perspectives, expertise, and experiences, spanning different industries, customers, and products, from a variety of ages, cultures, and genders.
What can Fellows expect from the experience?
Once the selection is complete, Fellows will have a chance to connect with their fellow founders virtually. Then in September, they will all attend 48Hrs, our two-day intensive networking and mentoring event in the Valley. After that, there will be further opportunities for mentoring and networking throughout the year.
“48Hrs was very exciting. The feeling of being part of a unique cohort of great entrepreneurs and being on panels with fellow colleagues in the same space as me, that’s a great way to introduce ourselves to the C100 community.” Louis Brun, Sollum Technologies (Fellows 2021)
What are the key dates?
March 20 - Nominations and Applications Open
April 6 - Fellows Virtual Information Session - register here
April 21 - Nominations Close
April 28 - Fellows Applications Close
June 20 - Fellows 2023 Announced
Sept 20 - 22 - 48Hrs event in the San Francisco Bay Area
October to April 2024 - Ongoing Fellows 2023 programming
For more information about the program and the nomination process, watch our Fellows 2023 Info Session. If you have any questions about this signature mentorship experience, please contact our team at connect@thec100.org.
