District Digest
August 19, 2020
Local Marketing Startup Hits $1M Revenue After Pivot
Halifax-based intent data providers, LeadSift has increased its revenue to $1 million after CEO Tukan effected a key pivot plan for the company’s continuity. Using data analytics, LeadSift helps small and medium-sized B2B technology firms find sales prospects. The company broke the $1 million annual revenue threshold from $60,000 in 2017 to a 118 percent growth seen in 2019 and averaged a 6 percent monthly growth before COVID. CEO Das Tukan attributed his company’s resilience to the ability of employees to align effectively.
Transport Canada Awards $2.4M Contract to GIT
Last week graphene research firm, Graphite Innovation and Technologies (GIT), landed a $2.4 million deal with Transport Canada to build technology targeted at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and underwater noise pollution generated by marine vessels. GIT’s task in the project will be to investigate marine coating innovations on indigenous-owned and operated vessels. "This project with Transport Canada will be a key driver in revolutionizing Canada’s position as a green leader in the marine space and will help to reshape the global shipping industry. Our coatings provide a green alternative to traditional marine coatings, offering greatly reduced environmental impact above and below the sea," said Marciel Gaier PH. D. Chief Technical Officer at GIT.
ACOA Backs Dispension Industries Expansion With $500k
Manufacturers of biometric opioid dispensing kiosks, Dispension Industries, have received repayable support of $500,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to build five more units in communities across Canada. The kiosk which uses palm vein-biometrics to identify registered users and dispense controlled amounts of regulated products was first deployed in Vancouver and will be expanding to Dartmouth, NS, London, ON, Vancouver, and Victoria, BC. “The major benefit ... is that it’s a scalable, low-cost and data-driven way to provide people with access to a safe supply of prescribed medication,” said Corey Yantha, President and CEO of Dispension
Nxtgen Care Advances Presence in US Care Homes
Senior home care technology providers, Nextgen care is increasing its U.S. footprints with a plan to focus on unoccupied homes. In collaboration with a major U.S care home, the company intends to install its technology in 50 facilities across five states and believes the focus on unoccupied facilities will reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 during the setup process. The platform uses wearable Bluetooth devices to monitor and assess the type and quality of residents’ social interactions on assisted living campuses.
Pricing, Costing, & Sales Forecasting for Startups
Do you have a great product and not sure how to price it? Learn to set the right price for your product or service based on constraints of cost, competitors, capability, and customers. In this workshop participants will get to understand the role of pricing and price leverage in profitability; understand the role of cost, competitors, capability, and customers in setting your ideal price.
Shift Key Labs
Get Mentorship Support from The Shift Key Labs
ShiftKey Labs is a collaborative space hosted by the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie in partnership with Saint Mary’s University, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, the Nova Scotia Community College, and Volta Labs. As well as hosting and mentoring resident start-ups, ShiftKey Labs coordinates a diverse program of sessions and initiatives to encourage, develop and promote the entrepreneurial and innovative talents and ambitions of students, many of which include industry and alumni partners. ShiftKey Labs is focused on supporting the next generation of tech leaders.