Throughout the program, we’re committed to being available to help you with the process and aid with any roadblocks or concerns.

If you have questions about the program, are confused about certain parts, or hit any major milestones do not hesitate to contact us on Slack or by email. You can also book a time here if needed (by request).


Ray Walia

Co-Founder and CEO - ray@launchacademy.ca

As part of the last decade, Ray has been an integral part of the movement to make Vancouver, Canada’s leading hotspot for Innovation and Technology. His impact can be measured in the startups he has founded and funded, the volume of entrepreneurs he has mentored, and the countless events he has produced to champion Vancouver’s homegrown talent as well as the amount of international attention he has garnered for the city’s tech sector.


Sam Chan

VP of Programs - sam@launchacademy.ca

Sam is the Head of Programs at Launch Academy, where he oversees the development of the incubator’s various programs. Over the years, he has advised hundreds of startups on their go-to-market strategies. Formerly, he consulted for Samsung, Microsoft, Intel, Qualcomm, and NBC on their developer relations strategies, and ran some of the largest hackathons in the world. Sam holds a BA in Communication from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.


Jean Yoon

Senior Program Manager - jean@launchacademy.ca

With a passion for video games and tech, Jean landed her first tech job at Launch Academy 4 years ago. She is also a Twitch.TV video game streamer with an accumulated view count of 5 million views, the founder of SFU’s first online video-gaming club - SFU Online Entertainment League -, and remains active in the Esports & video game scene. She is your go-to contact for the Maple Program and great food recommendations.


Camille Bonnet

Program Manager - camille@launchacademy.ca

Camille currently works as the Program Manager with Launch Academy and has been part of the team for over 3 years. Originally from France, she came to Launch Academy with a background in Human Resources in the Tech Industry, having previously worked for companies such as Ubisoft and DNEG. She has been persuaded to eat kale chips and go hiking around BC – making her an honorary Vancouverite. She is your go-to person for the Heli Program and hiking recommendations.


Elena Kiseleva

Digital content Manager - elena@launchacademy.ca

(Currently on maternity leave)

Elena developed her passion for tech by promoting a social business incubator, covering dozens of founders’ stories in digital media, and leading a content team in the US-based EdTech startup. At Launch Academy, she works on social media. In her spare time, Elena is an outdoor enthusiast. Her curiosity led her to climb Europe’s highest mountain and scuba dive in the Indian Ocean on an expedition with the World Guinness explorer.

Suggested Prompts

How can participants effectively utilize the various contact points provided to maximize their support throughout the program?

In what ways might engaging with program mentors and staff early on influence a participant’s success and experience?

What additional resources or networks could be integrated into this support system to enhance participant learning and community building?

Module Comments 0 Analytics Settings

Maple - Introduction & Onboarding (Pre-Program)

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Welcome to Maple!

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What is Launch?

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The Launch team

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Important: Onboarding

Maple - Resources

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What to expect?

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Maple program details

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Maple program breakdown

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Join Launch’s Slack Community

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Disco

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LaunchHub

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LaunchPad calendar

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Topical modules

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Payment support

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Main Start-up visa program website

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Get connected to our network

MAPLE - IGNITION

Released on February 15, 2024

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Summary (Week 1)

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Welcome to Maple IGNITION Webinar Recording (Week 1)

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Welcome to Maple Webinar Slides (Week 1)

The Startup Visa Immigration Process

Released on February 15, 2024

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Immigration - Workshop & office hour (Week 2)

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Immigration webinar slides (Week 2)

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Hire an immigration lawyer

Incorporation process

Released on February 15, 2024

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Incorporation - Workshop & office hour (Week 3)

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Incorporation webinar slides (Week 3)

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Hire an incorporation lawyer (Week 3)

MAPLE - ACCELERATION

Released on March 7, 2024

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Welcome to Acceleration!

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Example Schedule - Acceleration

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Resources

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Payment support

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Get connected to our network

Monthly company updates

Released on March 7, 2024

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Recurring deliverable: Monthly company update

Important: Deliverables

Released on March 7, 2024

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Deliverables

Deliverables: Company & Incorporation

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Company Deliverable: Company Description

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Company deliverable: Choice of immigration path

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Immigration Medical Exam

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Immigration language test

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Company Deliverable: Lean Canvas

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Incorporation deliverable: Incorporation certificate

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Company deliverable: Member chart

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Company deliverable: Capitalization table

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Company deliverable: Pitch deck

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Company deliverable: Due dilligence

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Immigration deliverable: Proof of funds

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Immigration deliverable: IMM Form 5475

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Thanks for submitting your deliverables!

Deliverables: Monthly updates

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Recurring deliverable: Monthly company update

Deliverables: Immigration - Letter of Support, Permanent Residency, and Work Permits

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Final Documents Submission

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Letter of support request

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Permanent Residency and Work Permit Submission Dates

Resources: Modules

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Modules and programming

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Interview & Press information

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Investors newsletter

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Module: Lifestyle module

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Module: Launch Your Startup

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Module: Fundraising in North America

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Module: Non-dilutive sources of funding in Canada

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Module: Traction University

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Module: Housing in Canada

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Module: Banking in Canada

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Module: Accounting requirements in Canada

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Module: Hiring in Canada & Employee Benefits in Canada

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Startup Finance: Introduction to Clearbooks

Financial Literacy Course

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FINANCIAL LITERACY

MAPLE - MOMENTUM

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Welcome to Momentum

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Additional support

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Landing Checklist Preparation

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Monthly company updates

MAPLE - PROGRAM WRAP UP

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