Game On leader Chris Neumann calls the program an “acceleration experiment.”
Former partner at Panache Ventures Chris Neumann has created a new accelerator program aimed at introducing early-stage Canadian tech startup founders to Silicon Valley.
Through Game onwhich he calls an “acceleration experiment” not only for startups but also for individuals and leaders, Neumann hopes to “change the metabolism of founders.”
“In my experience, Canadian founders can compete with any founders in the world. But there is a real speed gap that we need to close.”
Chris Newman
Game on
“In my experience, Canadian founders can compete with any founders in the world. But there is a real speed gap that we need to close,” Neumann told BetaKit. “What’s more, many Canadian founders who want to connect with the Valley don’t know where to start.”
Neumann's hypothesis is that Game On can have a positive impact by helping Canadian tech entrepreneurs “shift gears” early in their startup journey by introducing them to Silicon Valley, as well as facilitating meaningful regional connections with potential customers, partners, fellow founders and investors.
Applications for Game On are now open and close on November 15th. The three-week in-person program will take place from January 5 to 23, 2025 in San Francisco.
Neumann, a tech industry founder turned investor, has spent nearly a decade connecting international entrepreneurs to Silicon Valley (including through his work with Commonwealth Ventures), hosts Game On.
It is implementing the program in collaboration with Fasken Emerging Tech, Google Cloud, the Government of Canada Trade Commissioner Service, the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco and Werqwise.
Selected participants will work together at Werqwise alongside dedicated mentors, participating in additional activities designed to support their professional development and the growth of their companies as they continue to build. Neumann says seasoned tech entrepreneurs, Silicon Valley investors and Canadian expats will share stories and advice daily.
Game On will also host evening and weekend events designed to foster connections with industry peers in the region, including an opening dinner and private networking event.
The program is open to ambitious early-stage Canadian founders creating high-growth technology startups, with no stringent startup funding or revenue requirements.
While the program will be offered to participants free of charge, participating entrepreneurs will be required to pay for their own transportation, room and board, although founders will have access to coffee, tea and snacks (plus beer in the evenings) at Werqwise on weekdays.
“I think one of the greatest advantages Silicon Valley has over other startup ecosystems is speed,” Neumann said. “And the speed gap between Silicon Valley and the rest of the world has only widened since AI arrived on the scene. The goal of this program is to try to close that gap.”
Image provided Unsplash. Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel.
