The Programs: How Platform Calgary Helps Founders Start, Grow, and Scale

Behind every startup milestone is a moment of support: a connection made, a skill learned, or guidance that helps a founder take the next step.

Platform Calgary’s programming provides a tiered pathway that supports founders from the initial spark of an idea through to global scaling. By lowering barriers for early-stage entrepreneurs and providing high-performance coaching and sector-specific connections for growing companies, these programs help founders move from idea to traction and build businesses that can scale.

Together, they strengthen Calgary’s innovation ecosystem by helping more founders start, grow, and succeed.

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Tech Talent Development: A thriving tech ecosystem starts with people

A thriving tech ecosystem starts with people. Talent development initiatives focus on bridging the gap between skilled individuals and the rapidly growing needs of Calgary’s tech sector—helping founders find the talent they need while creating pathways for individuals to build careers in technology.

Key activities, including Tech Talent Tuesdays, provide opportunities for job seekers to engage directly with startups and gain insights into the evolving needs of the tech sector.

Platform Calgary also works closely with ecosystem partners like The Knowledge Society (TKS) and YELL Canada to support the next generation of innovators, alongside initiatives like the 10X Future Founders Scholarship, introduce youth and students to entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation early in their journey.

Large-scale connection events like ConnectED Expo further strengthen this pipeline by linking startups and employers with students, graduates, and emerging professionals exploring careers in the tech sector.

Together, these initiatives help ensure Calgary continues to build the talent base required to support a growing innovation economy.

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Early Stage Support: Supporting the First Step Into Entrepreneurship

Early-stage programming focuses on helping aspiring founders navigate the startup ecosystem and build the skills needed to move from idea to validated product.

Platform Calgary’s “front-door” services provide rapid navigation into the ecosystem through community events and early-stage programming that develops the human side of innovation—building confidence, entrepreneurial skills, and connections to the broader tech community.

In 2025, 819 prospective entrepreneurs engaged with early-stage programming, taking their first steps toward building and launching new ventures.

These initiatives help lower barriers for first-time founders and support the steady flow of new ideas entering Calgary’s innovation ecosystem

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Venture Growth: Helping Startups Gain Traction and Scale

As founders move beyond the earliest stages, the focus shifts toward building sustained growth. Platform Calgary offers programs specifically designed to support startups that are gaining traction and preparing to scale.

Key programs include:

• Alberta Catalyzer – Pre-acceleration support for startups ready to grow
• Platform Incubator – A 12-month program helping early-stage founders scale intentionally
• Venture Mentor Services of Alberta (VMSA) – Mentorship for founders at the scale-up stage
• Peer-to-Peer Program – Connecting professionals in the same functional role across local tech companies to share knowledge and solve common challenges

Since 2022, 375 founders have participated in this stage of programming, including 151 founders in 2025 alone.

These programs help founders move from early traction toward sustainable growth, strengthening Calgary’s pipeline of scaling companies.

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Investor Development: Unlocking Capital for the Next Generation of Companies

Access to capital is essential for startup growth, and Platform Calgary continues to strengthen Calgary’s venture ecosystem through targeted investor programming.

The National Bank Investor Hub provides founders with funding literacy, coaching, and direct connections to investors through initiatives like the Raising Capital 101 and 201 series.

Between 2023 and 2025:

• 121 investor events were hosted
• 360 investors engaged with the ecosystem
• 400 founders participated
• 800+ attendees joined investor-focused programming
• 55 founders were matched directly with investors

This work contributes to a growing venture landscape. Platform Calgary member companies have now secured over $1 billion in cumulative investment, with $323 million raised in 2025 alone.

By connecting founders with investors and helping them refine their capital strategies, Platform Calgary is strengthening Calgary’s ability to build globally competitive companies.

Programs That Build Momentum

Taken together, Platform Calgary’s programs form a connected pathway:

Idea → Launch → Grow → Scale

Each stage reinforces the next, helping founders progress through the innovation journey while strengthening the ecosystem around them.

As Calgary’s tech sector continues to grow, these programs ensure that entrepreneurs have the support, mentorship, and connections needed to build companies that create jobs, attract investment, and shape the city’s innovation future.

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👉 Download the full 2025 Platform Calgary Impact Report to explore the programs, stories, and impact behind Calgary’s growing innovation ecosystem.

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