DMZ, Google Partnership Gives Start-ups Access to Acceleration Program

On June 19, 2019, the DMZ at Ryerson University (the “DMZ”) and Google announced a partnership granting current and former DMZ-based start-ups access to Google-certified experts through the Google Developer Launchpad. This “global acceleration program” was designed by Google to help start-ups build and scale products by connecting them with people, networks and technology.

According to Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of the DMZ, “Google Developers Launchpad is a powerful global program for entrepreneurs and this partnership with DMZ will only increase the rate of success and growth of our start-ups”. Going forward, DMZ start-ups will be able to receive equity-free advice from experts who are well-versed in technology, machine learning, product design, media relations and more.

The partnership accompanies the news that Google Mentor Day 2019 will be held at the DMZ Sandbox on July 20, 2019. The day-long event will provide all Canadian entrepreneurs access to Launchpad’s services.

The Launchpad has already mentored almost 300 start-ups globally. Naveen Nigam, Google’s head developer of ecosystems in North America, says “Google’s partnership with DMZ will allow Canadian tech entrepreneurs to access Launchpad’s diverse pool of mentors, global network of investors, and fellow tech entrepreneurs.”

Goodmans is proud to be partnered with the DMZ as “legal counsel in residence” to their startups. Through this partnership Goodmans provides legal advice, mentorship and networking opportunities to assist the DMZ start-ups in maximizing their potential. It has been a tremendous relationship to date and continues to grow based on exciting new relationships such as this new Google partnership.