At the recent Communitech Startup Bootcamp Founder Showcase, Sensible Vascular, a startup co-founded by medtech veterans Kevin Macwan and Purvish Soni, won a $2,000 audience prize for their innovative thrombectomy device designed to more effectively and safely remove brain clots. Macwan highlighted their journey, stating, “We quit our jobs about a month ago.” Their commitment has involved extensive work, often during evenings and weekends, to bring their vision to reality in the challenging medtech industry.
Hosted in downtown Kitchener, the showcase featured brief pitches from 12 early-stage founders, marking the culmination of a six-week program that helped entrepreneurs validate their ideas and refine their business strategies. Sheldon McCormick, CEO of Communitech, reassured founders, emphasizing the support offered by the organization and the community around them.
The Startup Bootcamp, launched in fall 2024, aims to empower first-time founders. Throughout the program, participants engaged with coaches and experts to develop skills in customer discovery, business model design, and market sizing. Angela Bruce, Startup Program Manager, noted the courage it takes to pitch publicly, while Christina Wood, VP of Founder Programs, emphasized the importance of community support for startups.
Numerous startups presented their innovative solutions during the showcase. Notably, Taiwo Oyewole’s Vuga Tech introduced a tire-deflation device designed to combat car theft, addressing the alarming rate of vehicle thefts in Canada. Puneet Gupta shared insights about his fintech venture, Aequify, aimed at helping expats navigate complex cross-border financial issues, stemming from his personal experience with the challenges of relocating.
In addition to these, several other startups were showcased:
The City of Kitchener has renewed a $500,000 annual investment in Communitech, aiming to bolster early-stage founders and promote equitable entrepreneurship. Mayor Berry Vrbanovic emphasized the importance of supporting the local innovation community, remarking on the evolution from a manufacturing hub to a breeding ground for new ideas.
For many founders, including Sensible Vascular, this showcase signifies a stepping stone into the entrepreneurial world. Macwan, reflecting on their achievements, spoke of their ongoing efforts to reach the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage and gain regulatory approval. The recognition from the showcase serves as validation of their vision's significance, inspiring continued dedication to their mission.
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