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Launch Academy

Accelerator

Vancouver · Pre-Seed–Series A · 7 people tracked

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Investment thesis

Launch Academy operates as a tech incubator and accelerator supporting early-stage founders. Since 2012 it has incubated over 6,000 entrepreneurs from more than 100 countries, running programs such as its LaunchPad Program, Revenue Factory course, and fundraising education to help startups vet ideas, test business models, and scale. It emphasizes community, mentorship, and networking, with alumni progressing to seed and Series A stages. The organization also runs Traction Conference, a global event bringing together tech leaders to share growth and marketing advice.

Source: firm website, verified Sep 26, 2026.

Stage
Pre-Seed–Series A
HQ
Vancouver, BC, CA
Founded
2012
Portfolio companies
6

Team · 7 people

from the firm's website
Alex Chuang· Co-Founder & CSOin

Alex Chuang is an entrepreneur, designer, and growth hacker who has launched products across crowdfunding, e-commerce, SaaS, and marketplaces, sold his first startup in 2013, and mentors Vancouver entrepreneurs. He was recognized for social entrepreneurship and named among BC's Top 30 under 30.

Ray Walia· Co-Founder & CEOin

Ray Walia is a Vancouver tech ecosystem builder who has founded and funded startups, mentored many entrepreneurs, and produced numerous events championing the city's tech sector.

Roger Patterson· Co-Founder

Roger Patterson is a serial high-tech entrepreneur with over 17 years in software and telecom, having founded and run three high-tech companies after working at Nortel and Newbridge Networks.

Camille Bonnet· Program Manager

Camille Bonnet, originally from France, has a background in HR in the tech industry, having worked at companies such as Ubisoft and DNEG before moving to Vancouver.

Elena Kiseleva· Digital Content Managerin

Elena Kiseleva works on social media at Launch Academy, with prior experience promoting a social business incubator and leading a content team at a US-based edtech startup.

Jean Yoon· Senior Program Manager

Jean Yoon started her tech career at Launch and is also a Twitch game streamer and founder of SFU's first PC gaming club.

Sam Chan· VP of Programsin

Sam Chan is Head of Programs at Launch Academy, overseeing program development and advising startups on go-to-market strategy. He previously consulted for Samsung, Microsoft, Intel, Qualcomm, and NBC on developer relations and ran large hackathons.

What they invest in

from 2 of 6 portfolio companies

Consumer ×1Fintech ×1Marketplaces ×1Travel & Hospitality ×1

HQs:Mexico×1Nigeria×1

Portfolio companies · 6 tracked

alumni founders can tell you what the program is really like
Flutterwaveflutterwave.comin𝕏

Flutterwave builds payments infrastructure, technology, and tools for businesses and banks to make and accept payments across Africa.

FintechLagos, NG

Adeleke Adekoya(Founder)inOlugbenga GB Agboola(Founder)inIyinoluwa Aboyeji(Managing Director)inOlugbenga Agboola(Founder)inWill Szczerbiak(Director)Joseph Saunders(Director)

Co-investorsGlynn Capital ManagementGreycroftOmidyar Network4DX VenturesAAF Management Ltd.Accelerate Africa+54 more

Local Adventureslocaladventures.travelin

Local Adventures is a platform for booking outdoor adventure experiences led by passionate local guides across the Americas and Europe.

ConsumerMarketplacesTravel & Hospitality

Moisés Vera(Founder)in

Co-investorsTech Wildcatters

Other

Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.

BloombaseLaterSmartArmThinkific

Portfolio news

latest coverage across their companies

Frequently asked questions

How many investments has Launch Academy made?
Launch Academy has 6 tracked investments.
What stage does Launch Academy invest at?
Launch Academy invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
What sectors does Launch Academy focus on?
Launch Academy focuses on Fintech, Media & Entertainment, Sector Agnostic.
Where is Launch Academy located?
Launch Academy is headquartered in Vancouver, CA.
Who does Launch Academy co-invest with?
Launch Academy most often shares deals with B Capital Group, DCVC (Data Collective), Greycroft, among 42 tracked co-investors.

Media · Podcasts & interviews

featuring the team

Cutting through health hype with AI | Ray Walia, FCPA, FCMA ...

Ray Walia, FCPA, FCMA · Ray Walia · linkedin.com

Founder Journey goes global! As Ray Walia, CEO Launch.vc ...

Launch Academy · Ray Walia · facebook.com

StartUp Canada Visa- Ray Walia, CEO, Launch Academy

Thebrandglobaltv · Ray Walia

Blockchain Interviews - Ray Walia, CEO of Launch Academy on Traction Conference

Crypto Coin Show · Ray Walia

Blockchain Interviews with Ray Walia, CEO Launch Academy

InvestmentPitch Media · Ray Walia

A Founder's Story. Creating the World’s First Laundry Robot — Joshua Rabanne, Laundrx

Launch Academy

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