YorkU (YSpace)
AcceleratorToronto · Pre-Seed–Growth
Investment thesis
YSpace operates as York University's entrepreneurship and innovation hub, putting founders at the center of its work. It provides customized mentorship by matching entrepreneurs with industry-specific mentors and subject-matter experts, and offers dedicated programming spanning technology and consumer-packaged goods, with diversity streams focused on women and Black entrepreneurs. Support is designed around the startup lifecycle, meeting entrepreneurs where they are as they grow. The hub also emphasizes leadership development, helping founders grow as business leaders while connecting them to investors and industry networks through networking events, office hours, and vetted introductions. Physical hubs foster community and collaboration.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
What they invest in
from 7 of 10 portfolio companiesAI & Machine Learning ×4SaaS ×4AdTech ×2HR Tech ×2Marketing Tech ×2Construction Tech ×1Fintech ×1Healthtech ×1
HQs:Canada×3
Portfolio companies · 10 tracked
alumni founders can tell you what the program is really like409.AI prepares expert-reviewed valuation documentation for startups and small businesses, including 409A valuations, QSBS attestation letters, and reports under standards such as ASC 718, ASC 820, IFRS 2, and UK HMRC schemes (EMI/CSOP).
AI & Machine LearningFintechSaaSCollingwood, CA
Adam Czach(Founder)in
Co-investorsTechstars
6of1 Digital is a women-led boutique digital marketing agency serving creators of content such as television shows, podcasts, films, music, and web series.
AdTechMarketing TechMedia & EntertainmentToronto, CA
Carrie Hayden(Co-Founder / Creative Strategist)inJess Carroll(Co-Founder / Creative Strategist)in
AV Marketing is a Meta and Facebook ads agency that manages ad strategy, campaigns, and creative content for premium brands, including luxury e-commerce, brick-and-mortar businesses, and high-ticket service providers.
AdTechMarketing Tech
Aashima Verma(Founder)
Able Innovations builds the ALTA Platform, a device that lets a single caregiver transfer patients at the push of a button to reduce physical strain and protect patient skin and tissue.
HealthtechMedical DevicesRobotics
Co-investorsventureLAB Innovation Centre
Abloomify is a privacy-first workforce intelligence platform that connects to 100+ business tools via API and optional metadata-only device agents to measure capacity utilization, engineering velocity, and AI coding tool ROI without screenshots or keystroke logging.
AI & Machine LearningHR TechSaaS
ActivateStaff is an AI-powered staffing platform that combines an applicant tracking system for recruiters, a client portal, and a mobile app for candidates in one suite.
AI & Machine LearningHR TechSaaS
Co-investorsACT Venture PartnersAlgebra VenturesAngel ForumCamelback VenturesCollide CapitalDesigner Fund+11 more
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companies409.ai · openpr.com · Sep 22, 2025
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has YorkU (YSpace) made?
- YorkU (YSpace) has 10 tracked investments.
- What stage does YorkU (YSpace) invest at?
- YorkU (YSpace) invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth stages.
- What sectors does YorkU (YSpace) focus on?
- YorkU (YSpace) focuses on AgTech, Consumer, Deep Tech, FoodTech, Sector Agnostic.
- Where is YorkU (YSpace) located?
- YorkU (YSpace) is headquartered in Toronto, CA.
- Who does YorkU (YSpace) co-invest with?
- YorkU (YSpace) most often shares deals with Algebra Ventures, Designer Fund, Eudemian Ventures, among 19 tracked co-investors.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
from their channelWhat Black History Means To Us
York University
Fall 2025 Convocation - Ceremony 7 (Kellogg-Schulich EMBA)
York University
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation University Commemorative Event
York University
How York University Helped NASA Study Asteroid Bennu
York University
Images
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