What is this?

Game On is an experiment in acceleration.

But not just startup acceleration. We’re trying to accelerate Canadian founders both as individuals and as leaders.

We’re trying to change founder metabolism.

How does it work?

Game On is a 3-week program that takes place in the heart of San Francisco. The goal of the program is to evoke a mindset shift in early-stage founders by exposing them to the velocity and intensity of Silicon Valley’s ecosystem through mentorship, speakers and intentional experiences.

Founders will work together in a purpose-built space in one of San Francisco’s premier co-working locations, Werqwise, alongside dedicated mentors focused on helping them change gears.

Each day, we’ll have experienced founders, Silicon Valley investors and Canadian expats join us to share their stories and offer advice. There will also be evening and weekend activities designed to foster connections with others in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Logistics

When/where does it take place?

The program takes place in San Francisco from Monday, January 5 through Friday, January 23. Participating founders should plan to be in San Francisco from Sunday, January 4 through Saturday, January 24.

This is a fully in-person program, so founders must be able to commit to being present for the duration of the program (though we expect them to come-and-go during the days as they attend meetings and build connections in Silicon Valley).

How much does it cost?

Thanks to the generous support of our partners, including Fasken Emerging Tech, Google Cloud, the Government of Canada Trade Commissioner Service, the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco and Werqwise, there is no cost to founders to participate in this program.

Founders must cover their own transportation, lodging and meals (it’s up to you to make it to San Francisco and find a proverbial couch to sleep on).

On working days, you’ll have access to coffee, teas and snacks at Werqwise (plus beer after 4:00pm). We’ll also have an opening dinner, closing networking event and a few other surprises along the way.

What is the time commitment each day?

You should anticipate spending 1-2 hours each day on activities related to the program (if you participate in all of the recommended activities).

Each activity is designed to provide added leverage to you as a founder and, ultimately, to the business you’re building. That said, we fully expect for you to stay focused on building your startup while you’re with us. Everything is optional and it’s ultimately up to you as a founder to choose how to spend your time while in San Francisco.

Requirements

Who is this program open to?

This program is open to early-stage Canadian founders building high-growth tech startups.

What exactly do you consider a high-growth tech startup?

If your goal is to build Canada’s next billion-dollar tech company, then we want to hear from you.

What stage of company are you looking for?

We don’t have hard requirements in terms of what funding you have (or have not) raised, how much revenue you have (or have not) generated, and so on. But our intention is to focus on founders who are earlier in their journeys.

One aspect of our hypothesis is that the earlier we work with founders, the more significantly we can impact their trajectory (and that of their company). Our selection process will reflect that.

We haven’t incorporated a company yet. Can we apply?

Yes! Though we will ask questions to make sure that this is on the path to becoming a real company soon.

Is it really only open to Canadian founders?

Yes. This program is for Canadian founders and/or founders of Canadian companies.

Do all cofounders have to attend?

It is our strong preference that all cofounders participate.

In our experience, a program like this has the biggest impact when all cofounders experience it together. (Conversely, such programs can have a detrimental effect on the cohesiveness of a company if some founders participate while others do not.)

How will you select participants?

We’re searching for highly ambitious founders who are relatively early in their journeys trying to build billion-dollar companies. Our selection process is focused on identifying founders who fit that mold and whom we will believe are likely to thrive in this program.

A subset of applicants will be invited to participate in interviews. From there we will select the program participants.

Other Questions

Is this an investment program?

No. There are no financial investments tied to this program.

Will I meet Silicon Valley VCs?

Yes, you will meet Silicon Valley VCs as part of this program.

That said, this is not an “investor readiness” or “investor matching” program. Fundraising will be discussed, but it is not the focus of the program.