Description

• Pre-Seed & Early Stage: FRV targets ventures in their earliest phases, including those at the "idea or patent" stage, prototypes, or those with early revenue.
• Venture Type: It is industry-agnostic but primarily focuses on technology-enabled ideas with high impact.
• Method: Founders apply through a digital form on the Front Row Ventures website.
• Materials: Submissions typically include a pitch deck and a summary of the founding team’s vision.
• Timeline: The entire process—from initial application to the wiring of funds—typically takes approximately two months. 
  
  

Eligibility

• Founder Profile: At least one member of the founding team must be a currently enrolled student (undergraduate or graduate) or a recent graduate (within the past 12 months).
• Geography: Startups must be affiliated with a Canadian university.
• Tech Component: Ventures must have a significant technology-based component or ambitious tech-enabled ideas. 

Process

1. Student-Led Sourcing: Student scouts and investment associates across Canada analyze over 800 startups annually.
2. Due Diligence: Student teams manage the entire vetting process, including writing due diligence reports and conducting interviews.
3. Investment Decision: The final decision to back a company is made by the student-led investment teams.
4. Support Phase: Once invested, the firm provides operational and strategic resources to help the company scale. 
   
   

What an Applicant can Obtain

• Capital: Initial funding to develop ideas and launch businesses.
• Mentorship: Access to a network of world-class mentors, advisors, and experienced investors.
• Operational Support: Resources for business development, hiring, and refined training processes.
• Follow-on Connections: Direct introductions to larger venture capital firms and global companies for subsequent raises.