A Significant Achievement for Invest Ottawa and Trellis: First Client Company to Progress Through the IO Venture Path

June 13, 2025 – Ottawa, ON – Invest Ottawa (IO) proudly announces that Trellis has become the first client company to successfully navigate the IO Venture Path program, graduating from the IO Accelerator and advancing to IO ScaleUp. Co-founded in 2019 by Fahim Sheikh, Krishna Vemulapali, Denis LeClair, and Dominic Plouffe, Trellis is an AI-driven software platform aimed at enhancing e-commerce profitability through advanced advertising automation, dynamic pricing, and data-driven insights.

Trellis's Journey with Invest Ottawa

Trellis embarked on its journey with Invest Ottawa in 2020 by joining the IO Ignition program. Their swift progress through IO Venture Path showcases their commitment and effectiveness in leveraging available resources. “Trellis is a great example of a company that’s not just thinking big – they’re driving real results,” remarked Michelle Younes, Director of Venture Programs at Invest Ottawa. Moving into IO ScaleUp represents a significant step toward amplifying their global impact.

The IO Venture Path: A Framework for Growth

The IO Venture Path offers a structured support system for tech startups in the National Capital Region, comprising three vital programs aimed at promoting growth and financial independence:

1. IO Ignition: A ten-week bootcamp tailored for early-stage companies to help validate ideas and lay a solid business foundation.

2. IO Accelerator: Designed for startups with market traction, this program aids in securing funding, achieving product-market fit, and enhancing operational capabilities.

3. IO ScaleUp: Aimed at high-growth firms ready to expand internationally, this phase focuses on scaling operations and leadership, with a target revenue of $100 million.

Trellis’s Growth and Achievements

Trellis joined IO Accelerator in January 2021 with a small team of 12, having raised angel funds and aimed to reach their first $100K in annual recurring revenue (ARR). Since then, they have scaled to a team of 40, experiencing exceptional growth, recognized as Ottawa's fastest-growing company in 2024, and achieving a remarkable 343.75% revenue growth over three years.

Entering the IO ScaleUp program will equip Trellis with strategic resources to enhance their brand presence, integrate with new marketplaces (including Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify), and further expand their global footprint.

CEO Remarks

Fahim Sheikh, CEO of Trellis, emphasized the significance of Invest Ottawa’s support: “Invest Ottawa has been instrumental to Trellis’ success—from world-class advisors to high-impact networking programs. Having worked in major tech hubs, I can confidently say that Ottawa’s tech talent is exceptional, contributing to its emergence as a leading tech space for digital commerce.”

Invest Ottawa’s Mission

Invest Ottawa serves as the primary economic development agency for Canada’s Capital Region, dedicated to fostering economic growth and job creation. Their mission centers around realizing Ottawa’s potential as an innovative and inclusive city while delivering comprehensive programs aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and firms. This includes training, mentorship, and assistance in securing foreign investment.

Additional Achievements

Since its inception in 2013, Invest Ottawa has aided nearly 14,000 companies, leading to the creation of over 14,700 jobs and helping firms raise $1.86 billion in capital. They manage Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s innovation hub, and oversee Area X.O, focused on next-gen smart mobility and connectivity technologies.

About Trellis

Trellis specializes in advertising automation and analytics, connecting brands with customers across major e-commerce platforms. Their solutions deliver high-impact strategies for maximizing revenue and enhancing customer engagement.

For further inquiries, please contact Patrick Kenny, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Invest Ottawa.