Is your company part of the next wave of BC’s science-driven innovators tackling global challenges?
VentureLabs is launching a new program called Perago that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by deeptech and life sciences ventures.
- Perago’s tailored support helps companies accelerate growth, make smart business decisions, and achieve market impact faster.
- Perago shortens the timeline for scaling and developing businesses.
- Perago works with deeptech and life sciences companies to streamline their journey from seed to Series A with mentor-backed expertise and established resources.
With support from
With support from
The challenge with supporting science-based companies
Science founders excel at the technical side of things but many don’t have the business knowledge and commercial expertise when it's time to scale. Perago helps deeptech companies transition from startup to investor-ready, driving business growth alongside technology development to attract customers, partners, and investors.
High Technology Risks
Longer Development Timelines
Significant Capital Needs
IP Protection
Is your company part of the next wave of BC’s science-driven innovators tackling global challenges?
VentureLabs is launching a new program called Perago that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by deeptech and life sciences ventures.
- Perago’s tailored support helps companies accelerate growth, make smart business decisions, and achieve market impact faster.
- Perago shortens the timeline for scaling and developing businesses.
- Perago works with deeptech and life sciences companies to streamline their journey from seed to Series A with mentor-backed expertise and established resources.
With support from
The challenge with supporting science-based companies
Science founders excel at the technical side of things but many don’t have the business knowledge and commercial expertise when it's time to scale. Perago helps deeptech companies transition from startup to investor-ready, driving business growth alongside technology development to attract customers, partners, and investors.
Our unique approach: A tailored pathway to success
As a deeptech company, we know your journey is different from traditional startups. Perago's approach is designed to address your unique needs, helping you move from Seed to Series A, and ultimately helping you solve the world’s toughest challenges.
Access to mentors with expertise in scaling science-based companies.
Bring your product to market with strategic guidance from experts who understand your growth hurdles to secure your path to commercialization.
Comprehensive market assessments to refine your strategies, uncover partnering opportunities, and prepare for international expansion.
Understand your target market and protect your intellectual property to confidently expand into new markets while safeguarding your assets.
Connect with investors, partners, and lighthouse customers.
Get curated access to investor events, peer group learnings, and opportunities for collaboration.
Support to build a strong, diverse, and complementary team for your company.
So you can grow and add quality people at the right time.
Featured Benefits
"Joining Perago came at the perfect time for ViewsML. We’re expanding our market segments and Perago will help connect us to the right partners through its broad network. This will save us a lot of valuable time so we don’t have to seek and build these relationships from the ground up."
Kenneth To, Co-founder and CEO, ViewsML
People Behind Perago
- CEO and Co-founder at Durwell Equine Naturals
- Former CEO and President at LifeSciences BC
- Kauffman Fellow
- 10 years as a National Research Council (NRC) Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA)
- PhD, Microbiology and Immunology from UBC
- Active Angel investor
- Raised $10 million in four ventures
- Partner, Rocket Builders
- Managing Director, Macsailing
- Former General Manager, Canadian Financing Forum
- MBA, Entrepreneurism, International Business from UBC
- 30 years of experience as an executive and entrepreneur in biotech, healthtech, finance
- Partner, Progression Capital
- Former President and Co-founder at Superna Life Sciences
- 20 years of venture capital investing in deeptech, cleantech, life sciences
- Startup entrepreneur
- 5 years in tech transfer
- Former President and CEO of UBC Seed Fund
- MBA, Management from the University of Bath
How to Apply
- BC-based company
- Have a transformative solution grounded in great science with a solid IP position
- Demonstrate market traction, secure funding, and/or show potential to be market-ready
- Coachable founder(s)/company leader(s)
1. Application Form
Life sciences and deeptech companies can apply to Perago throughout the year. Shortlisted companies will be invited to a panel discussion.
2. Referral
Companies identified with high growth potential by VentureLabs or its partners may go through the referral track.
Questions? Contact perago@venturelabs.ca.
With support from
Q: Can companies that are not affiliated with SFU apply to Perago?
A: Yes, Perago is not limited to SFU-affiliated companies. While SFU VentureLabs has accepted companies from Western Canada, Perago is specifically for BC-based companies. The program focuses on deeptech and life sciences ventures, but companies with innovative, high-growth potential outside these areas are still encouraged to apply. If a company doesn’t fit Perago’s criteria, they may be referred to another accelerator or considered for the VentureLabs Scale Up accelerator, which is open to a broader range of startups.
Q: What types of industries does Perago support?
A: Perago is focused on science-based ventures, particularly in life sciences, cleantech, deeptech, robotics, and AI/machine learning. The goal is to support companies with a product with a strong science/ engineering foundation, and a defensible IP position that addresses significant real-world problem.
Q: If a company uses AI in part of its product but is not fully science-based, would it qualify for Perago?
A: It depends on the specific application. Perago supports a broad range of sectors, but for SaaS-based companies, there needs to be a novel scientific position within their space. The application process will help determine fit.
Q: How does Perago find specialized resources for companies?
A: Perago assigns each company a lead mentor from its existing pool, but if additional expertise is needed, we will actively recruit specialized mentors or bring in industry experts from BC and outside of Canada. We have already started leveraging entrepreneurs within the program who have specialized skills to support their fellow founders. The application process plays a key role in identifying company needs, ensuring that if the right expertise isn’t available internally, Perago will use its broad network to find the necessary resources.
Q: How long is the Perago program?
A: Perago is not cohort-based and does not have a fixed duration. Companies remain in the program as long as they continue to progress and meet their goals. Participation in the overall program is ongoing until a company reaches a point where it has grown beyond the available support, typically when securing Series A investment or significant market traction. Even after graduating, many companies maintain connections with VentureLabs.
Q: What are the costs and benefits of joining Perago?
A: The membership fee for the Perago program is $400 + GST per month (rent for the co-working space is extra). One key benefit of Perago is access to PitchBook. Perago will provide guidance on how to effectively use PitchBook, leveraging expertise from industry professionals. Funding from Pacifican and Innovate BC has also enabled Perago to enhance its resources, providing additional support to participating companies.
Q: What is the application process for Perago?
A: Perago follows a rolling application process, meaning companies are accepted over time as space allows. To apply, companies must first submit an application. Next, applicants present to a selection panel, where they outline their business, answer questions, and receive feedback. If accepted, Perago works with the company to develop a customized support plan based on its specific needs. Companies may also be referred through VentureLabs if they meet the program’s criteria. Perago prioritizes deeptech and life sciences ventures that demonstrate strong market traction, a clear path to Series A funding, and defensible intellectual property. Additionally, coachability and a willingness to collaborate are key factors in the selection process.