The results are in! Startup Canada is thrilled to unveil the top 4 finalists of the 2025 Startup Global Virtual Pitch Competition!
These bold, early stage entrepreneurs rose to the top from an impressive field of innovators across the country, all vying for a share of the $70,000 cash prize pool and a coveted spot at the national finals in Mississauga this October.
Their pitches wowed the judges with vision, grit, and game-changing potential. Ready to meet the startups that are shaping the future? Here they are:
Samantha Lee – CEO/Founder, Joeydolls
Kien Lamson – Co-Founder, Fathom Storage Ltd
Vishar Yaghoubian- CEO & Founder, Toothpod
Adrian Simone – CEO and Co-Founder, GrownStone
We’re also proud to spotlight the additional finalists who made it into our top 10! This is also an incredible group of entrepreneurs whose ideas and impact truly stood out. While they didn’t advance to the final four, their work deserves a special honourable mention.
Mikhaïl NGASSA – Founder & President, KHERÖS Sport inc.
Justin Asgarpour – CEO, EyecareX Technologies Inc
Binjal Pradhan – Founder and CEO, ChloroNova
Edgard Villanueva – Cruz – CEO, Turtle Island Connection
Kyle Collier – Co-founder & CEO, Neobanc Inc
Chelsee Pettit – Founder, aaniin retail inc.
The competition featured entrepreneurs from across Canada striving to scale their businesses globally. Each finalist will now have the opportunity to further refine their business strategies and gain additional exposure within the Canadian and global startup ecosystem.
The level of innovation on display was truly inspiring, with entrepreneurs presenting real-world solutions that have the potential to make a meaningful impact across industries. The finalists will advance to the Startup Global Pitch Competition Grand Finale later this year at the Startup Canada Tour stop in Mississauga on October 21, 2025, where they will compete for the grand prize and gain national recognition on a larger stage.
A special thank you is needed for our incredible Startup Global presenting partners: UPS, and Export Development Canada, our program partners, TD and FITT, and our Community Partners GS1 Canada, Communitech, and WeBC.