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2023Impact Report
Looking back at Saskatchewan’s startup landscape just a few years ago,startups lacked resources, funding and space to support their growth,causing founders to leave the province. In 2019, Conexus Credit Union established Cultivator to remove barriersfaced by founders and establish a central hub to START, GROW, andSCALE innovative tech companies. At Cultivator, we provide access toworld-class programming, mentors, investors, and resources. Over the past 5 years, Cultivator has provided support to 148companies, contributing significantly to the growth of Saskatchewan'sstartup ecosystem. Notably, venture capital in the province has surgedfrom $16M in 2018 to an impressive $136M in 2022.Saskatchewan isn’t just the place to be from, it’s the place to be. Cultivator 2023 Impact Report Page 12023 Impact Reportcelebrating5 years
FundingCompaniessupportedRevenuegenerated$83.1M503Page 2Cultivator impactto date2019 - 2023Cultivator 2023 Impact ReportPrivatefundingPublicfunding$140.4M$59.2M148Active jobs
20222020Cultivator is launched and hosts firstCultivateSK event in Feb 2019START Cohort 1First Sask Startup SummitGROW Beta Cohort w/ 11 SK startupsat 5 yearslooking backPage 3Cultivator 2023 Impact Report201920212023Moved from first location at Innovation Place tonew Conexus HQ: 2375 College AvenueCultivator supports 41 founders virtually,through global pandemicCultivator Advisory Council is formed with localtech leaders and visionariesSCALE program is establishedAnnounced venture-backed AGTECH ACCELERATOR program (Cultivator’s 4th core program in 4 years)Recognized with the Canadian Credit Union Innovation AwardFirst SCALE Graduates: MyComply and PrecisionAIInaugural Cohort 1 AGTECH ACCELERATOR,supporting 16 agtech companiesCultivator goes global and welcomes UK-basedagtech founders to Regina through partnership with Innovate UKSurpassed $100M in private capital raisedEstablished a partnership with C100,connecting founders with global tech leadersCultivator selected to run InvestorZone atStartupfest in Montreal, connecting withCanadian VCs + beyond
at 5 yearslooking backPage 4Cultivator 2023 Impact Report
Embarking on the leadership of Cultivator, I am honoured and thrilled to reflect on the resoundingsuccess of 2023 and the numerous accomplishments over the past five years. As I step into thispivotal role, my foremost commitment is to uphold and strengthen the values, legacy, and successesthat have shaped Cultivator into the thriving community it is today. This legacy will serve as afoundation for building a future defined by even greater achievements and positive impact.Looking ahead to the next twelve months, my primary focus will center around developing a strategicplan that not only preserves but enhances Cultivator's impact on founders, the Conexus family, andthe tech community. In a province abundant with resilient and innovative entrepreneurs, I aspire toelevate Saskatchewan's ranking in the tech sector, both nationally and globally. We are committed toproviding compelling reasons for individuals to choose Saskatchewan as the destination to START,GROW, and SCALE their tech businesses, fostering an environment that nurtures innovation andentrepreneurial success in our vibrant community.To achieve this, we will actively identify and bridge any value gaps within our program offering andcontinue to build out our mentorship and partner network. Recognizing the critical importance ofaccess to capital for founders, we will continue to build a robust network.In tandem, a key focus will be on aligning Cultivator with the broader Conexus roadmap. We aim toforge seamless connections to the organization and build out a business model that is underpinnedby our shared objective of championing every one of our founders' success for a thrivingSaskatchewan, and our values of being curious, courageous, confident, and committed.This strategic emphasis is not merely a pathway; it is a pivotal step in amplifying Saskatchewan’sentrepreneurs and the tech industry. We aim to ensure that these innovators have the resources theyneed to succeed. We couldn’t do this without the support and collaboration that’s been built over thepast 5 years; thank you to everyone who has given so selflessly to our community. Here's to a future defined by innovation, collaboration, and unparalleled success.Page 5Cultivator 2023 Impact ReportExecutive summary &greetungsDirectorLaura Mock
Cultivator 2023 Impact ReportCompaniessupportedPage 6New hires503Active jobs159Revenuegenerated$44MPrivatefundingPublicfunding$80.9M$15.9MFunding692023wrapped
Founders have to START somewhere. This program equips founders with essential skills,guiding them through market research, customer discovery, skill development, valueproposition creation, pitch refinement, product enhancement, and defining key startup metricsfor growth and traction. This accelerator program runs twice per year for three months. In 2023, Cultivator hosted 19 startups for Cohort 8 and Cohort 9. Page 7Cultivator 2023 Impact Report
The GROW program encourages founders to hone in on perfecting product market fit andhighlights the importance of gaining momentum and strategically narrowing targets. With aflexible rolling intake-outtake, this program allows founders to grow their teams withinCultivator's collaborative coworking environment as they aim for significant milestones.Page 8Cultivator 2023 Impact Report
The SCALE program is designed for dedicated startup founders who have a product in themarket and are experiencing rapid growth. Emphasizing the pairing of founders with expertmentors, advisors, and partners, this program is tailored to support startup scaling, substantialtraction, and the achievement of significant milestones.Page 9Cultivator 2023 Impact Report
Limbus AI is the third Cultivator company to join alumni status in 2023 (myComply andPrecisionAI graduated in 2022). Our alumni are an esteemed group of companies who haveput endless hours into their company, attending programming, participating at ecosystemevents, and have worked to GROW + SCALE their startup beyond the walls of Cultivator’s HQ. Page 10Cultivator SCALEgraduationCultivator 2023 Impact ReportCultivator has been great for us in growing our company and we are glad to have been involved withCultivator for the past 5 years. The connections to other local founders, investors, Cultivator partners,and the great space have all been aspects that we have leveraged. I think their impact is a big aspect inthe success of our company and other local startups.Co-founder, Limbus AI | Cultivator SCALE AlumniJon Giambattista
Page 11Cultivator 2023 Impact ReportThe AGTECH ACCELERATOR brings agriculture and technology together to accelerate thegrowth of agtech startups built to solve global problems. This venture capital-backedaccelerator is built with founders and farmers as the foundation– we believe this is the recipefor success. This program runs once per year, with two intensive in-person weeks in Regina, SKIn 2023, Cultivator supported a second cohort of founders. Dark Horse AG Ventures
Page 12Cultivator 2023 Impact ReportWomen intech39%33%of START programcompanies to datehave been femalefoundedof Cultivatorcompanies to datehave beenfemale founded36%of 24 Hour Startupparticipants in 2023identified as female Women in tech and business face unique challenges and obstacles, from gender bias and discrimination to unequalopportunities and capital restrictions. However, despite these obstacles, women are making significant strides andbreaking barriers. Seeing the increasing representation of women in technology and business in Saskatchewan inspiresme, and I am excited about the future as we continue to shatter stereotypes and make meaningful contributions.Founder, SolusGuard | Cultivator SCALE Cohort Serese Selanders
24 Hour Startup +4th BirthdayKick offweekSTART Cohort 8Demo Day3rd AnnualBonspielUniting thePrairiesAgribition + AnimalAGTECH AwardsF E B R U A R YA P R I LD E C E M B E RM A R C HM A YN O V E M B E RPage 13CommunityeventsCultivator 2023 Impact ReportBuilding a startup is incrediblyhard and you can't do it alone.It takes a village to raise acompany, and Cultivator hassuccessfully built a communityin Regina that gives us all abetter chance of succeeding. Co-founder, Offstreet Cultivator SCALE CohortMatt FahlmanWorld Agri-Tech Summit,San FranciscoM A R C HGrain ExpoN O V E M B E R
24 Hour Startup |AGTECHStartupFestStartupSummitFinale WeekSTART Cohort 9Demo DayBig Idea CampGlobal AgtechSummitWorld Agri-TechSummit, London J U N EJ U N EN O V E M B E RJ U L YA U G U S TJ U N ES E P T E M B E RJ U L YS E P T E M B E RPage 14Cultivator 2023 Impact ReportSCALE GraduationJ U L YAg in Motion
Page 1524 Hour Startup24 Hour Startup brings together the best and brightest entrepreneurs, developers anddesigners from across the province to pitch ideas, form teams and build a minimum viableproduct (MVP) in 24 hours. This event is an eco-system builder - providing a hands-on learningexperience for those interested in pursuing a career in tech.We hosted not one, but two 24 Hour Startups in 2023. 88Pa rti cipa nts12Te ams500+Pi tch Fin ale At tend ees42Me nto rs + Ma ven s95+Me nto r Se ssi ons
Global Agtech Summit featured atNew in 2023, Cultivator hosted Global Agtech Summit at Canada’s Farm Show. This full-daysummit connected farmers, founders, and funders to provide an exclusive look at the future ofagriculture and agtech innovation. We featured a lineup of international speakers, innovativefarmers, product launches, and hosted AGTECH ACCELERATOR Cohort 2 Demo Day.Alain Goubau - Combyne AgAllan Walters - Leaf AgricultureJanay Meisser - UFAJarrod Shin - Renewal FundsJocelyn Velestuk - Velestuk FarmsJohnny Park - WHINKim Nicholson - The Mosaic CompanyKate Brodock - The W FundKristjan Hebert - Hebert Grain VenturesKyle Scott - EmmertechPaul Rous - Regenerative VCRyan Hutchison - Crop IntelligenceSamuel Fournier - ChrysaLabsScott Day - Fall Line CapitalTanmay Bhargava - TelusFeatured guests142At te nd ees8Se ss io ns + Pa ne l s16De mo D ayPi tc he s14VC F un ds32Sp ea ke rsPage 16
StartupsummitStartup Summit connects founders, mentors, and investors from across North America throughcurated 1:1 matchups, workshops, and keynotes. Our primary objective is to equip founders withpractical insights and actionable strategies that can effectively fuel the growth and expansion oftheir startups. 11Keynotes+ P a n e l s5Workshops3Fireside C h a t s5Formal Pi t c h e s95+ 1:1 Meet i n g s380+55+FoundersTotal Att e n d a n c e25+Investors22Guest Spe a k e r s43Volunteer s4Auxiliary E v e n t sPage 17
Alina Perrault - Ethical DigitalAlthea Wishloff - Raven CapitalCatherine Metrycki - Callia FlowersClaudio Rojas - NACOCraig Elias - Bow Valley CollegeDan Simair - SkipTheDishes + PivotDouglas Soltys - BetaKitDustin Coupal - 54eDevGustavo Fernandes - AWSJared Henriques - RengaJenessa Olson - ecologiccaJennifer Chiang - AWS Jessica McNaughton - memoryKPRJordan Boesch - 7shiftsJuanita Lee-Garcia - Upside FoundationKyle Folk - GroundTruth AgLaura Gabor - Operations ConsultantLauren Arnold - Talk ShopMatt Roberts - CMD CapitalMorgan O'Brian - NACONora Jenkins Townson - Bright + EarlyPatrick Ulrich - OffstreetRob Russell - Conexus Venture CapitalSaif Hashmi - BDCTanner Goetz - HomeTeam LiveTarra Stubbins - Take It Easy GroupYvonne Cafik - Board CheckStartupsummitFeatured guestsPage 18Cultivator 2023 Impact Report
When we first joined Cultivator, we were seeking guidance and support togrow iOrders. What we found was much more than that - an inspiringcommunity, invaluable knowledge, and resources that have beeninstrumental in our development. The sessions at Startupfest, alongside theinsightful talks by various industry leaders, have not only broadened ourperspective but have also equipped us with practical tools and strategies. Being part of Cultivator has fundamentally changed how we operate atiOrders. Our approach to business strategy, team management, andinnovation has been transformed. The growth and progress we've seensince joining Cultivator have been remarkable. We cannot thank youenough for the impact you've had on both a personal and professionallevel. Your support has been a cornerstone of our success, and we lookforward to continuing this journey with Cultivator.Cultivator testimonialsCo-founders, iOrders | Cultivator GROW CohortDhanesh Udayan + Rakesh PillaiThis event is world class, it gives the much needed confidence to validateyour idea and learn the first steps of becoming a tech entrepreneur.February 202324 Hour Startup ParticipantPage 19Cultivator was an amazing launchpad for us in the Western Canadian agmarket. The team has deep roots in the ecosystem making it easy forstartups to connect with key opinion leaders and decision makers. Fromour first day in the program to this date, ChrysaLabs was able to raise $19M.Co-founder, ChrysaLabs | AGTECH ACCELERATOR Cohort 1 AlumniSamuel Fournier
Cultivator testimonialsPage 20Cultivator has always been the supporting foundation of our startup. They arethere for the good and bad. They help us remember to celebrate our winseven when our heads are down focusing on the next thing.Co-founders, Citrus Technology | Cultivator GROW CohortDavid Crossman + Andrew GottseligThis space is filled with, energy, ideas, and action. I'm forever grateful for allthe people who have come through these doors.Founder, memoryKPR | Cultivator GROW CohortJessica McNaughtonWithout a doubt, we wouldn't have had the success we've had, without thesupport of Cultivator. Their impact to our company and the community atlarge is immeasurable.Founder, SolusGuard | Cultivator SCALE CohortSerese SelandersCultivator’s unwavering commitment to fostering a community of support hasproven to be an invaluable asset. The comprehensive network they havebuilt goes beyond just resources. It's a genuine ecosystem that propelsbusinesses forward. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to be a partof their community.Founder, VariableHub | Cultivator GROW CohortAndrew Wahba
Community of supportCultivator believes that when the community comes together, we all thrive. Our collaborativeefforts extend across various sectors, including legal, accounting, mindfulness, marketing,technical expertise, and more! Our partnerships for in-residence support and ecosystemevents are key in helping Cultivator fulfill its mission of propelling startups to new heights!Page 21Cultivator 2023 Impact Report
Allison McMillianMaggie SinclairKyle FolkNeil CooperFounderGroundTruth AgCFO7ShiftsCGOConexus Credit UnionCFOConexus Credit UnionDeidre Donaldson MeyerDustin CoupalCo-Founder54eDevVP, CTOSGICultivator advisorycouncilOur advisory council is a mix of c-level leaders and second-time founders with a wealth ofknowledge and experience, including 2 exits. This group helps shape the future of Cultivator and ourfounder-first community.Kim Nicholson Kim McConnellKristjan Hebert Kari HarveyDoug ZolinskyRob RussellFormer CEO & FounderAdFarmManaging PartnerHebert Grain VenturesPrincipalEmmertechDirector GeneralPrairiesCanCEO Innovation SaskVP Agtech & InnovationMosaic CompanyJason McNameeFounder, COO, SeniorBiogeoscientist - Lucent BioAGTECHACCELERATORcounciladvisoryAs a collective group, the AGTECH ACCELERATOR advisory council shares years of experience,different perspectives within the industry, as well as extensive knowledge in the global businessmarket. We are fortunate to have this group guide our program.Page 22Cultivator 2023 Impact Report
Cultivator powered by Conexus @culivatorskcultivator.caSuite 2 - 2375 College AvenueRegina, Saskatchewan, Canada | Treaty 4S4P 0S8