From Freelancer to Founder: How ventureLAB Catalyzed the Rise of a Leader in Higher Ed Tech

When Andrew Klotz entered ventureLAB in 2017, he envisioned transforming virtual tours, not initially aiming for a B2B enterprise. His ideas matured into Circuit Virtual Tours, a leading SaaS platform revolutionizing how colleges and universities attract prospective students online. Today, Circuit caters to numerous educational institutions across North America, alongside global clients in commercial real estate and senior living, with a primary focus on higher education.

The shift in student expectations coupled with rising competition has prompted colleges and universities to deliver engaging digital experiences. Traditional virtual tour solutions often fall short, being simplistic, difficult to use, lacking personalization, and resource-intensive. Circuit addresses these limitations by offering a user-friendly platform that captivates prospective students and eases staff workload.

As Klotz articulates, “We saw an opportunity to not just digitize campus visits, but to turn them into a strategic enrollment channel.” Circuit's platform effectively transforms passive browsing into active exploration, redefining the digital marketing landscape for higher education.

Klotz's entrepreneurial journey commenced as a freelancer seeking to develop a viable company. Support from ventureLAB proved crucial, providing a community of founders and expert mentoring. With a simple PowerPoint deck, Klotz and co-founder Jordan Teichmann secured $60,000 in Smart Start funding from Ontario Centres of Innovation, allowing them to build their minimal viable product (MVP) and test it with real users. Their collaboration with ventureLAB continued as they moved into the IBM Innovation Space, refining their business model and product offerings.

Garry Chan, Head of AI Initiatives at ventureLAB, played a vital role as a strategic advisor throughout their growth. His mentorship assisted Klotz in establishing objectives, refining product strategy, and taking calculated risks for expansion. The duo’s initial target audience comprised a few early adopters in Ontario, but Circuit has since become the leading virtual tour platform for nearly 100 institutions in North America, including notable partnerships with Conestoga College, Seneca College, Algonquin College, and Carleton University.

Circuit's influence has broadened internationally, with respected institutions like Texas A&M, UW–Madison, and CalTech now part of its growing clientele. Notably, it has been recognized as the #1 easiest-to-use virtual tour software on G2, boasting an impressive 4.9/5 customer rating. Its intuitive platform, seamless integrations with CRM systems and websites, and strong performance outcomes contribute to its rising prominence in the education technology sector.

The success of Circuit demonstrates the power of innovation combined with community support. What commenced as a fledgling idea has grown into a trusted tool for digital engagement in higher education. Klotz reflects on the significance of fostering a supportive ecosystem, attributing much of their success to the mentorship and network facilitated by ventureLAB, allowing them to evolve from concept to a defining force in the industry.

In summary, Circuit Virtual Tours exemplifies how a visionary idea, bolstered by community resources and strategic partnerships, can transform an entire sector, shifting how institutions engage with prospective students in a digital era.