The application deadline for the L-Spark enterprise software incubator passed Friday at midnight, and after conversations with 160 startups, 79 have are moving forward with their applications, managing director Leo Lax said.
Mr. Lax called it a “great response,” adding that the organization’s brand is becoming better known in the market.
The incubator’s application is very interactive, according to Mr. Lax, based on L-Spark’s desire to give its applicants the chance to present themselves “in the best way possible.”
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“As soon as the applicant opens the application and indicated they are starting the application process, we reach out, speak to them and give them better understanding of how we can help them make sure their company is going to be presented in the most positive light to the selection committee,” he said.
Because the process is so hands-on, Mr. Lax said L-Spark officials already have an idea of the quality of the applicants.
And it’s high, he added.
“I would say, probably as many as 30 per cent of the applicants were acceptable to us with their initial profile,” he said.
While applicants came from across the country, and some from south of the border, Mr. Lax said the majority are from Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.
L-Spark leaders are now selecting the applicants that will advance to the incubator pitchfest, to be held March 24.
In the meantime, the L-Spark accelerator is in full swing with a demo day coming up on April 14. And while the accelerator and incubator do their work, Mr. Lax said the L-Spark mentors are available for a session with any entrepreneur who may have an issue they need help sorting out.
“It’s our way to make our community much more robust,” he said.
