Kootenay, B.C. – The Kootenay Investment Challenge has culminated in CertiCraft Technologies Incorporated receiving $40,000 in capital investment from the graduating cohort of 11 newly trained impact investors. The Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) brought the 10-week long place-based investment challenge to the region through a partnership with Spring Activator and Valhalla Private Capital.
CertiCraft is on a mission to help craft growers transition into and thrive in the new legal cannabis market. CertiCraft’s seed-to-sale makes operational compliance simple, with guided workflows and one-click reporting. Reporting regulations for the cannabis industry can be extremely complicated and tedious, but with Certicraft’s software this process is simplified. The $40,000 capital investment will enable Certicraft to expand its marketing and sales efforts as it expands and supports more businesses.
Twelve Kootenay region tech entrepreneurs applied for the Kootenay Investment Challenge, with seven companies competing in the initial pitch event before 11 early-stage impact investors. Throughout the Challenge, these new investors explored the basics of impact investing, grew their investment networks, and collectively chose the top Kootenay tech business for investment. The pitch finale culminated the Challenge, showcasing three outstanding local entrepreneurs. Alongside Certicraft, event participants also heard pitches from Happy Gut and Versafile Inc.
“What an incredible experience this has been for the entrepreneurs, investors and the entire region! This challenge was the first of its kind for the Kootenays and we saw such an outpouring of support from our communities and partners. I am so proud of all the companies for their hard work and pitches. This is just the beginning and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for new challenges and impact investments.” – Melanie Fontaine, Executive Director, Kootenay Association for Science and Technology
“We are truly proud and grateful at Spring Activator to have met such an incredible group of investors, founders and partners through this program. It really felt like community building since the start and everyone contributed so much to it. I feel that strong foundations have been built and we will continue to see great things coming out of KAST and the Kootenay team. Well done to all!” – Davina MacPhail, Investment Program Manager, Spring Activator
The Kootenay Investment Challenge is a place-based version of Spring Activator’s Impact Investor Challenge. The program brings together two intersecting cohorts, one composed of investment-ready local startups and the other of investors looking to impact our region. These two cohorts have gone through weeks of training from industry-leading experts and advisors, learning the ins and outs of seeking and granting investment funds.
Learn more about CertiCraft Technologies Incorporated by visiting their website.
About the partners
About KAST
Since 1998, KAST (Kootenay Association for Science & Technology) has led our region’s economic development through technology and innovation. We are the only non-profit tech association serving the entire Kootenay region. Our main offerings are the Venture Acceleration Program, the Nelson Innovation Centre and Youth Programming.
About Spring Activator
Spring empowers impact entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem influencers to connect and change the world through innovation. For entrepreneurs in the idea stage to raise their first investment round, we provide the tools, training, and network to validate and launch their business, gain traction, and raise capital with the goal of changing the world. For investors, Spring delivers tailored programming, networking events, and access to deal flow to angel investors who are focused on early stage impact ventures. Spring has reached more than 50 communities on 5 continents and continues to serve investors, entrepreneurs, and partners at every stage of their journey. More information at www.spring.is.
About Valhalla Private Capital
Valhalla is a full-service corporate finance firm focused on early-stage entrepreneurs. With the largest angel network in Western Canada, a suite of investment funds, education, training & mentorship programs, and M&A advisory services, Valhalla serves the entire lifecycle needs of entrepreneurs who operate businesses and entrepreneurs who invest in businesses. More information at www.valhallaprivatecap.com.
