Vancouver AR and VR Startups Accelerate Go-to-Market Plans with WTIA

The Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) has launched a Canadian XR Startup Market Accelerator program to help prepare Canadian virtual reality, augmented reality and voice-related startups for expansion into the U.S. market.

The eight-week virtual program will include a mix of curriculum, introductions and mentorship to help participants grow their entrepreneurial skills and begin market validation in the United States.

Among the ten Canadian startups selected for the first cohort are a handful from Vancouver including Cela, Eyexpo, Virtro Technology, and weshowup.

“The greater Cascadia region has grown into a hub of XR market leaders with the likes of Microsoft, Facebook and Google in Seattle; plus, Electronic Arts (EA) and Finger Food Studios in Vancouver,” Brandon Lee, Consul General of Canada in Seattle, told GeekWire.

“This XR Startup Market Accelerator program provides a great opportunity to further develop the region as an industry leader, coupling cultural and economic links between Canada and the Pacific Northwest.”

The accelerator includes workshops on sales, fundraising and other stage appropriate topics, customized to the individual organizations.  The program also provides mentorship and coaching designed to help with localization efforts and U.S. go-to-market strategies.

Photo by stephan sorkin on Unsplash