Scott Russell discusses Start-up funding, Accelerator Programs, and Clean Tech

In Episode 19 of Start Podcast host Margaux Miller spoke with Scott Russell, Co-Founder and CEO of SolarSkyrise, about start-up funding, accelerators, and clean tech. 

“Real Estate owners aren’t able to quantify the value of side space on a building” Scott noted, “the goal of SolarSkyrise is to help reduce building emissions while making building owners more money”. The company achieves this by analyzing data and working with architects, engineers, and real estate owners to provide them with new revenue streams from unused vertical real estate. 

Over the course of the podcast, Margaux asked Scott a series of questions related to all things entrepreneurship; from getting access to funding, to pitching to investors, to dealing with start-up stress. Below are some of the key questions Scott answered. 

Tell me about some of the local resources that you have accessed and the local entrepreneurial community in Winnipeg.

The one that we have worked with the most and know best is North Forge. From the very first time we met them, they asked “how can we help you grow?”- which was great. We now have office space through North Forge, it’s been great to become a part of that community. It’s really just about getting out and meeting more people, finding people that you can look up to, and associating with them. North Forge was a fantastic place for us to do that. 

 How does someone become a part of that local entrepreneurial community in Winnipeg?

Going to events, networking, and meeting new people is really the key to becoming a part of the entrepreneurial community in Winnipeg. Seeking out programs, like North Forge, that host networking events so that you can speak with others in the entrepreneurship community is critical. After that, you should aim to create real connections with people at networking events as much as possible. 

What does it take to get accepted into an accelerator program? 

It’s a combination of things. They’re typically concentrated in a specific area or space, like Clean Tech or Property Tech. They want to see companies that they can help influence, they’re looking for companies that are in the earlier stages, but with enough traction. Essentially, they’re looking for three key things: a solid team, some amount of product-market fit, and a market that’s large enough to get them excited.  

What does innovation mean to you?

Doing things better. Not necessarily different, but better. 

To hear more on start-up grants, accelerator programs, and managing the work-life balance as an entrepreneur, find the full episode on the links below! 

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Google Play

To catch more interviews with local entrepreneurs in Winnipeg, check out https://startpodcast.ca/