QueerTech Launches Inaugural Cohort for Groundbreaking Accelerator Program for 2SLGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurs

MONTREAL, APRIL 8, 2025 — QueerTech is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural QueerTech QT Founders Qatalyst Program. This innovative 12-week program, supported by significant funding from Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), the Government of Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, will empower 18 promising queer-led startups with the resources, mentorship, and community needed to scale their businesses. The QueerTech Qatalyst Accelerator addresses the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem, from funding disparities to discrimination, while providing comprehensive business development support. The program combines company building fundamentals, growth acceleration strategies, and founder wellbeing with a dedicated focus on queer identity and community. "2SLGBTQIA+ founders face significant barriers in entrepreneurship, from limited access to capital to lack of representation in investor networks," said Naoufel Testaouni, Co-Founder and CEO of QueerTech. "With the support of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), the Government of Canada and our corporate partners, we're creating a safe, affirming, and powerful ecosystem for queer entrepreneurs to thrive." The Business Case for Queer Founders Despite receiving only 0.5% of venture capital funding, 2SLGBTQIA+ founders consistently outperform industry averages: 36% more jobs created compared to non-LGBTQ+ founded startups 44% more successful exits demonstrating superior business outcomes 114% more patents showing higher innovation rates "These statistics aren't just impressive—they reveal a systemic underinvestment in one of the most productive founder demographics in tech," said Eustacio (Andy) Saldaña, Co-Founder and COO of QueerTech. "The QueerTech Qatalyst Accelerator addresses this funding gap by connecting exceptional queer entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build world-class companies." When combined with Canada's innovation ecosystem, including over $4 billion in government innovation funding in 2024, the potential for these founders to excel in key sectors like AI, CleanTech, AgriTech, BioTech, Digital Health, Web3, and Advanced Manufacturing represents an unprecedented opportunity for investors and partners. Shaping Canada's Tech Identity QueerTech is actively shaping Canada's distinctive tech identity beyond Silicon Valley influences and US dependency. By creating pathways for 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals to not only be included but to actively drive innovation through their diverse perspectives and lived experiences, the Qatalyst Accelerator represents a crucial step in building a tech ecosystem as diverse as the Canadian people themselves. This program ensures queer voices bring unique solutions to complex problems, ultimately strengthening Canada's position in the global tech landscape. The participating founders represent a new generation of Canadian innovation that draws strength from diversity rather than conformity. About the Program The intensive curriculum includes weekly web classes on topics ranging from product market fit and financial planning to legal considerations and mental health support specifically tailored for queer founders. Each session is led by industry experts and successful entrepreneurs who understand the unique journey of 2SLGBTQIA+ business leaders. Participants will benefit from: Expert-led weekly sessions focusing on critical business development areas Personalized mentorship from seasoned business leaders Peer community and collaborative learning Access to investors and potential corporate partners A final Pitch Day to showcase their ventures Meet the Inaugural Cohort Following a rigorous selection process, QueerTech is thrilled to announce the 18 innovative startups selected for the inaugural cohort, which began on April 7: ABE Care - An end-of-life care platform connecting individuals with compassionate providers and offering innovative planning tools to ensure a dignified and peaceful transition for clients and their families. BetterTable - A food tech company helping commercial kitchens cut food waste, lower carbon emissions, and boost profitability through on-site audits, online training, and smart waste-reduction solutions. Carthalis - A health AI company helping people make informed health decisions and reduce reliance on overburdened clinical systems by using specialized algorithms and large language models to deliver timely insights from text, images, audio, and wearable data. Chromatic Data - A data tech company empowering social impact investing, consumer research, and media teams with responsible AI-driven synthetic data solutions to amplify impact, optimize strategies, and unlock revenue opportunities. Design Machines Inc. - A design tech company building AI-driven solutions that transform complex ideas into structured, actionable systems—empowering businesses to grow through advanced design infrastructure. Elite Explore - A travel tech company making the leap from inspiration to itinerary effortless with a platform that simplifies recommendations and builds custom travel plans tailored to every kind of explorer. Emergency Management Logistics Canada (EMLCanada) - An emergency logistics tech company building directory-based solutions that strengthen community capacity and resilience through connection and preparedness. Fem Entity - A digital wellness gateway designed to connect women with trusted health and wellness providers while integrating AI-driven solutions to personalize care and streamline access. Flowva - Your smart library for discovering, organizing, and managing work tools. Your Digital Life Simplified. LOCVM - A health staffing platform that streamlines connections between doctors and clinics to facilitate temporary coverage and short-term work opportunities, making it easy to balance work and life in today's demanding healthcare environment. MECE Academy - An AI-powered platform that revolutionizes consulting interview preparation by simulating the rigor of MBB interviewers, providing instant, targeted feedback, and benchmarking candidates' performance against top consulting firm standards. Orgmatch - A stakeholder engagement company helping brands build trust with their audiences by providing software tools for impact assessment, partner matching, and storytelling to enhance external partnerships. PFMS.ai - An AI operations tech company empowering ecommerce businesses with a powerful backend solution that streamlines workflows, eliminates bottlenecks, reduces costs, and delivers the impact of a full ops team from day one. Prompta AI - An AI-powered transformation intelligence platform helping organizations succeed in change initiatives, culture shifts, and digital transformation. Simply Sweet Games (SSG) - A video game studio creating casual premium games that resonate broadly—especially with women—SSG is committed to inclusivity, accessibility, and thoughtful design, setting new standards in the gaming industry. The Empowerful Project - Supporting young people healing after  mental health crises, turning post-discharge care into something creative, comforting, and human. Tiny Ghost Studios - A storytelling tech company redefining author income and creative control with interactive 3D narratives, scalable AI, and author-owned IP - building the ultimate community where authors create, readers play, and stories connect us all. trippl - A travel tech company transforming local economies by connecting tourism, data, and travelers through a white-label trip planning platform that equips DMOs with visitor insights and offers travelers a personalized, seamless planning experience. The cohort represents diverse industries including healthtech, AI, and gaming, with founders from across Canada. Investor Perspectives Leading venture capitalists from QueerTech's Board of Directors, and the QT Founders Advisory Board, have emphasized the critical importance of this program for the startup ecosystem: Bobbie Racette (she/her), Founder & CEO, Virtual Gurus & Board of Directors Chair, QueerTech:"The QueerTech Qatalyst Accelerator addresses a significant gap in the startup ecosystem. By providing targeted support to 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, we're not only fostering diversity but also unlocking tremendous economic potential. The businesses in this cohort represent the kind of innovative thinking that drives exceptional returns." Mandy Potter (she/her), Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Misfit Ventures:“As investors, we recognize that diverse founders often face unique challenges accessing capital and networks despite building compelling businesses. This program creates a pathway for exceptional queer-led startups to connect with the resources they need to scale, which is why our firm is proud to support this initiative.” Program Support The program is made possible through significant funding from Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) and the Government of Canada, underscoring the organization and government's commitment to fostering economic opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. "The CGLCC is proud to support the QueerTech Founders Accelerator as part of our mission to create economic opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ businesses in Canada," said Tyler Demers, Director, Grants & Program Development at CGLCC. "By investing in these innovative founders, we're helping build a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that benefits all Canadians." This program’s funding is part of the Government of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program. Program Timeline The QueerTech Founders Accelerator will launch April 2025, with weekly sessions running through June. The program will culminate with a showcase Pitch Day, where founders will present their ventures to investors, corporate partners, and the broader startup community. -30- About QueerTech: QueerTech is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to queering the Canadian tech ecosystem. Since 2016, QueerTech has been fostering entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to access employment, professional development, and meaningful connections in the technology industry. The organization is also a national leader in workplace inclusion advocacy and progressive 2SLGBTQIA+ equity, diversity, and inclusion policy facilitation. Contact Information For more information about the QueerTech Founders Accelerator Program, partnership opportunities, or to arrange interviews with program leadership or participating founders, please contact: Lauren Hicks, Media Lead, QueerTech (media[at]queertech.org) Media Assets: Downloadable Press Release, visual assets, and founder information