Waterloo Startup Funding 2025

Home to the University of Waterloo and its legendary co-op program, the Waterloo region punches above its weight with exceptional engineering talent and a strong culture of entrepreneurship. The birthplace of BlackBerry created a thriving tech ecosystem.

$1.8B+
Ecosystem Size
1,800+
Active Startups
$950K
Average Funding
3
Unicorn Companies

Why Start Up in Waterloo?

Key Strengths

  • Top-tier engineering talent (University of Waterloo)
  • Strong AI and quantum computing research
  • Lower costs than Toronto (30 min away)
  • Exceptional co-op program pipeline
  • BlackBerry alumni network
  • Perimeter Institute for theoretical physics

Top Industries

AI & Machine Learning
Quantum Computing
Enterprise Software
Hardware & IoT
Cybersecurity
Automotive Tech

Waterloo Funding Programs

Government grants, tax credits, and local programs available to Waterloo startups

Ontario SR&ED Tax Credit

3.5% provincial + 35% federal

Provincial tax credit combining with federal SR&ED

Communitech Programs

Up to $200K

Various support programs for tech startups

Velocity Fund

Up to $125K

Pitch competition for university startups

Regional Municipality Grants

Varies by program

Local government support for innovation

Waterloo Accelerators & Incubators

Programs that provide funding, mentorship, and resources to help your startup grow

Velocity

Student and alumni startups

Up to $125K + workspace

Communitech

Tech startups across sectors

Programs + investor access

Concept

Hardware and IoT startups

Facilities + mentorship

Rev N

Social impact ventures

Resources + acceleration

Active Investors in Waterloo

VCs, angels, and investment firms actively funding Waterloo startups

Golden Triangle Angel Network

Angel Network

Early-stage tech startups

Radical Ventures

VC Fund

AI and machine learning

Real Ventures

VC Fund

Seed-stage companies

BDC Capital

Government VC

Tech companies

iNovia Capital

VC Fund

Early to growth-stage

Waterloo Success Stories

Inspiring companies that started and scaled from Waterloo

Clearpath Robotics

Robotics

Leading autonomous vehicle technology company

Kik

Messaging Platform

Acquired by MediaLab, 300M+ registered users

D2L

EdTech

Learning platform serving 15M+ learners globally

ApplyBoard

EdTech

Valued at $4B+, helps students study abroad

Waterloo Startup Resources

Coworking Spaces

  • Communitech Hub
  • Velocity Garage
  • The Working Centre
  • Catalyst137
  • CBRE Workplace

Universities

  • University of Waterloo
  • Wilfrid Laurier University
  • Conestoga College

Key Events

  • True North
  • Communitech Events
  • Velocity Demo Days
  • Waterloo Innovation Summit
  • Tech Leadership Conference

Ready to Fund Your Waterloo Startup?

Access SR&ED tax credits, local grants, and connect with Waterloo's investor community

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