Investor Quotient Canada Inc. (IQ Canada™)

🌟 Congratulations to the TiEQuest 2025 Elevator Pitch Qualifiers! 🌟 The journey of innovation and entrepreneurship is never easy, but these outstanding startups have made their mark! 💡 A huge round of applause to the teams in both the General Stream and MedTech Stream who have successfully advanced in Week 7 of the TiEQuest 2025 accelerator program. Your hard work, vision, and pitch-perfect storytelling have set you apart! Your passion and dedication are inspiring! Wishing you all the best in the next stages of the program. Keep pushing boundaries and innovating! #TiEQuest2025 #Startups #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #ElevatorPitch #MedTech #TechStartups #TiE #PitchPerfect Upasana Sharma Jeyanageswara (Jey) Narayanan Sokkappan Chris Greenfield Mahendra Naik Kanchan Kumar Nisarg Lakhmani Zahin Hussain Azhar J. Vinay Dora K Adam Straker Sai Charantimath Manaswi

Top Business Sectors in Canada Service Sector Contribution: Approximately 70% of Canada’s GDP. Manufacturing Contribution: Accounts for around 10.4% of GDP. Natural Resources Contribution: Roughly 8.2% of GDP. Finance and Insurance Contribution: Contributes about 7.1% to GDP. Agriculture Contribution: Represents about 1.5% of GDP but is a major exporter. Technology Growth Potential: Rapidly growing sector, especially in digital industries like AI, cybersecurity, and e-commerce.

In Canada, SMEs are categorized based on the number of employees Micro-enterprises: 1 to 4 employees Small businesses: 5 to 99 employees Medium-sized businesses: 100 to 499 employees Large businesses: 500 or more employees (not classified as SMEs) 15. As of December 2021, there were approximately 1.22 million SMEs in Canada, accounting for 99.8% of all employer businesses

Canada: The AI Talent Hub Canada is outpacing global giants in building AI talent! With a 38% YoY growth rate in AI talent concentration, the country is shaping the future of AI innovation. Are you ready to be part of this thriving ecosystem? #AIinCanada #TalentGrowth

In today’s fast-paced startup environment, leveraging the right technology is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity for staying competitive and efficient. The right tech stack can streamline operations, reduce manual effort, and boost overall productivity, allowing your team to focus on growth and innovation. Here’s how to maximize your startup’s efficiency by using technology effectively: 1️⃣ 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: As your team grows and projects become more complex, keeping everyone aligned can be challenging. Project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday provide a centralized platform to manage tasks, assign responsibilities, track progress, and set deadlines. These tools ensure transparency and accountability, allowing everyone to stay on the same page. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗜𝘁: Choose a tool that fits your workflow and team size. Set clear project goals, assign tasks with deadlines, and use these platforms to collaborate in real-time. Tracking progress in one place helps prevent bottlenecks and ensures timely project delivery. 2️⃣ 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Repetitive tasks like sending emails, updating spreadsheets, or handling customer inquiries can eat up valuable time. Automation tools take these tasks off your plate, reducing human error and freeing your team to focus on high-value activities that drive growth. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗜𝘁: Use tools like Zapier to automate data transfers between apps, set up automated email sequences through platforms like Mailchimp, and leverage chatbots to handle routine customer queries. Automation can significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce the burden of manual work. 3️⃣ 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: As your startup grows, so will your data and resource needs. Investing in scalable cloud solutions ensures that your infrastructure can grow with you without incurring heavy upfront costs. Cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud offer flexibility, security, and scalability as your business evolves. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗜𝘁: Start by migrating your data and operations to cloud-based services. This will reduce the need for physical infrastructure and allow you to easily scale resources up or down based on your needs. Cloud computing also provides enhanced security, ensuring that your sensitive data is protected. At IQ Canada, we help startups implement tech strategies that enhance efficiency and streamline operations. From automating workflows to integrating cloud solutions, we ensure your business is set up for scalable growth and productivity. Let’s work together to build a tech-forward, efficient startup! 🛠️ #TechForStartups #Automation #Productivity #Efficiency #IQCanada

As your startup grows, scalability is essential to maintain efficiency and profitability. It’s about building systems that can handle increased demand while allowing your business to grow seamlessly. Here’s how to scale effectively: 1️⃣ 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 Rigid systems can hinder growth. Design workflows that can adapt easily as you scale. Use cloud-based tools and agile methods to ensure your processes are flexible. 2️⃣ 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Automating repetitive tasks frees up time and reduces errors. Use tools like chatbots for customer service, automated email marketing, and CRM systems to manage leads, allowing your team to focus on high-value tasks. 3️⃣ 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 Lean operations maximize efficiency with minimal waste. Focus on continuous improvement, streamline processes, and optimize resource use to ensure sustainable growth. 4️⃣ 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 Hire only when necessary and ensure that each new team member aligns with your company’s vision. Prioritize roles that drive growth, such as sales or product development. At IQ Canada, we help startups create scalable business models with flexible processes, automation, and lean operations to support sustainable growth. Let’s design your business for success! 💡 #Scalability #BusinessGrowth #Automation #StartupSuccess #IQCanada

Achieving 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁-𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝘁 (𝗣𝗠𝗙) is crucial for startup success. It’s the point where your product meets a real need in the market, and customers are willing to pay for it. Here’s how to systematically reach PMF: 1️⃣ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 Understand your target audience, their pain points, and the market landscape through surveys, interviews, and data analysis. This insight will guide your product development. 2️⃣ 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗩𝗣 Build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with core features and test it with real users. The goal is to gather feedback quickly and improve based on actual customer needs. 3️⃣ 𝗕𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁 Flexibility is key. If your product isn’t resonating with the market, be prepared to pivot—whether it’s adjusting features, pricing, or even targeting a different audience. 4️⃣ 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀 Track customer retention, satisfaction, and engagement. A good indicator of PMF is when most users say they would be "very disappointed" if they couldn’t use your product anymore. At IQ Canada, we help startups navigate the journey to PMF with expert guidance on market research, product development, and iteration. Let’s ensure your product fits the market! 🎯 #ProductMarketFit #MVP #MarketResearch #StartupSuccess #Entrepreneurship

Your pitch deck is your first opportunity to impress potential investors. It’s not just about sleek slides—it’s about telling a story that convinces investors to back your vision. Whether you’re raising seed funding or Series A, here are the key elements for a winning pitch deck: 1️⃣ 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Clearly outline the problem your product solves, and explain how your solution stands out from the competition. Use data and real-world examples to make it relatable. 2️⃣ 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 Investors need to see the scale of the opportunity. Present data on your market size and growth potential using visuals like charts and graphs. 3️⃣ 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Share metrics like revenue growth, user acquisition, or key partnerships. Demonstrating traction is crucial to showing investors that your startup has real momentum. 4️⃣ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Investors want to understand the financial potential. Offer a clear business model and projections, highlighting key metrics like customer acquisition cost (CAC) and lifetime value (LTV). 5️⃣ Introduce Your Team and Roadmap Investors invest in people. Highlight your team’s expertise and provide a roadmap with key milestones for future growth. At Investor Quotient Canada Inc. (IQ Canada™) , we specialize in helping startups craft pitch decks that tell a compelling story and highlight your potential for growth. Let’s create a pitch deck that captures investor attention! 📊 #PitchDeck #InvestorPitch #StartupFunding #FundingStrategy #Entrepreneurship

Your team is the backbone of your startup's success, and building the right team can be the difference between thriving and struggling. For early-stage startups, hiring isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about finding people who share your passion, complement your skills, and are ready to build something from the ground up. Here are some key factors to consider when assembling your dream team: 1️⃣ 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Passion can’t be taught. You need a team that is excited about your startup’s mission and driven to help make it a reality. In the early stages, passion and alignment with your company’s vision are often more important than specific technical skills. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗜𝘁: During interviews, look for candidates who not only have the skills but also resonate with your startup’s goals. Ask about their long-term aspirations and why they’re excited to work on your project. You want people who are genuinely invested in your vision. 2️⃣ 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: As a founder, you bring your own set of strengths, but it’s crucial to build a team that fills in the gaps. Whether you’re strong in business strategy but lack technical expertise or vice versa, hiring complementary skills ensures a well-rounded team that can address all aspects of your business. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗜𝘁: Identify the areas where you or your co-founders might be lacking. Be intentional about bringing in talent with expertise in areas such as finance, operations, marketing, or engineering. Complementary skills create a balanced leadership team that’s capable of tackling diverse challenges. 3️⃣ 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝗻-𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: It’s easy for startups to focus solely on technical talent, but success requires a balance of both technical and non-technical roles. Engineers and developers bring products to life, but marketing, operations, and business development are essential for scaling. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗜𝘁: As you scale, consider hiring across functions that drive business growth. A good mix of creative, operational, and technical talent helps to innovate and execute at every level. Hiring in these areas early on gives your startup a strong foundation for growth. At IQ Canada, we specialize in helping startups build strong, dynamic teams by connecting founders with the right talent. Whether you need technical experts, senior management, or passionate problem-solvers, we can help you assemble a team that’s poised for success. Let us help you find your perfect fit! 🤝 #StartupTeam #Hiring #Leadership #TeamBuilding #StartupSuccess

Your startup’s 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗺 𝗩𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 (𝗠𝗩𝗣) is more than just a prototype—it's your first opportunity to showcase the core value your business brings to the market. An MVP is a stripped-down version of your product that focuses on solving a key problem for your target customers. By prioritizing core functionality over bells and whistles, you can get your product into the hands of users faster, gather feedback, and make data-driven decisions to improve it over time. Here’s a deeper dive into how to build a strong MVP: 1️⃣ 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: An MVP should address a critical pain point for your audience. It’s important to define the core problem that your startup is solving. If you try to tackle too many features at once, you risk losing focus. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗜𝘁: Identify the single most important problem that your product solves. Use customer interviews, surveys, and research to ensure you’re hitting the right target. The problem should be clear, and your MVP should address it effectively with a streamlined solution. 2️⃣ 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗜𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Complexity can bog down the development process and delay launch. A successful MVP includes only the necessary features to make the product work. This gives you a faster launch time and allows you to gather real-world feedback from users as quickly as possible. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗜𝘁: Focus on developing only the essential features that demonstrate your product’s unique value proposition. Remove any unnecessary functionality that doesn’t contribute to solving the core problem. 3️⃣ 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁, 𝗜𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Launching your MVP is just the beginning. Your goal is to collect user feedback, identify improvements, and iterate quickly. This cycle allows you to refine your product based on actual market demand before investing heavily in full-scale development. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗜𝘁: Gather insights from users through surveys, analytics, and usability testing. Use that data to drive your development roadmap and make incremental improvements. The MVP process should be agile, allowing you to pivot if needed. At IQ Canada, we specialize in guiding startups through every phase of MVP development—from ideation to market testing and beyond. Our team of experienced product managers and developers helps you stay focused on what truly matters, ensuring that your MVP is positioned for success. Let us help you transform your vision into reality! 🚀 #MVP #ProductDevelopment #StartupTips #Innovation #LeanStartup #Entrepreneurship