Deadline: July 31, 2026
Applications are open for the SoCal – Canadian Black Tech Express 2026. The Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles, in partnership with The Daraja Collective, is proud to launch the fifth cohort of the SoCal – Canadian Black Tech Express, an initiative offering connections to business development and investor contacts in Southern California to early-stage, ‘tech’-focused Canadian companies that are led by entrepreneurs who are a member of the Black or BIPOC community.
This year, they are excited to welcome the cohort to Los Angeles during #LATechWeek from October 12-16th for dedicated programming during one of the biggest weeks of the year in the L.A. tech ecosystem. The program is designed to increase the number of export-ready Canadian businesses operated by visible minorities doing business in the U.S.
Benefits
- Companies accepted into the program with $100K CAD+ ARR and at least 1 total full-time employees are eligible to have up to 50% of travel costs for the trip covered.
Eligibility
The program is open to Canadian startups that meet the following application criteria:
- Early-stage Canadian ‘tech’ companies led or operated by a Black entrepreneur (or at least one Black member in the management team)
- Companies already generating revenue or have raised venture funding (preferred ARR of over CAD $100,000 and/or previous funding secured in Canada via venture capital or angel investors, etc.)
- Priority given to those seeking seed – Series A funding in October 2026 – historically, most cohort companies have been actively or preparing to raise between 500k and 10 million USD.
- Participants are required to attend all elements of in-person programming, and 5 weeks of virtual prep (1-2 hours a week) from August 24 – September 30
- Companies actively looking for opportunities in the SoCal market (potential local investors, mentors, strategic partners, clients) with a well-defined Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or Service
Application
All companies that apply will have their pitch decks reviewed by General Partners from three separate Southwest US-based venture funds investing in Black-owned/led tech startups: Black Ops Ventures, DVRGNT Ventures, and MUSA Capital.
For more information, visit SoCal – Canadian Black Tech Express.
