North Forge’s founders will be granted access to additional top-tier legal services courtesy of McKercher LLP.

WINNIPEG, February 15, 2024 – McKercher LLP, one of the prairie’s most innovative and technology-forward law firms has joined North Forge’s arsenal of legal partners in a strategic partnership aimed at fostering innovation and providing additional legal support to North Forge’s start-up community.

This partnership marks a significant collaboration between two industry innovators, each bringing its strengths to the table. North Forge Technology Exchange has a proven track record of nurturing start-ups and driving technological advancements through its growing ecosystem of entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts. Meanwhile, McKercher LLP offers comprehensive legal services to clients across various sectors and has served as a long-standing legal partner for all the major technology incubators in Saskatchewan, as well as a trusted advisor to prairie angel investment funds and other startup ecosystem support programs. McKercher has assisted start-ups with raising more than $40 million in capital.

“From the beginning of our technology and high-growth startup group, we have focused on a simple goal: be there to support founders when they need it most. This relationship with North Forge allows us to continue helping founders grow and scale their startups. North Forge has demonstrated a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, the needs of founders, and the importance of support for startups in a number of areas. We can’t think of a better partner in Manitoba for empowering founders to tackle their legal and business issues. We’re excited to get to work and help some world-class founders” – Joe Gill, McKercher LLP

McKercher LLP sees this partnership as an opportunity to contribute to the success of innovative ventures by offering legal counsel tailored to the challenges faced by technology-driven companies. In the past McKercher has dedicated over 1,500 hours of legal services to over 250 start-ups helping them with everything from initial setup through customer contracting through hiring employees and on to capital raising and acquisition transactions.

“Start-ups and entrepreneurs demonstrate exceptional dedication, resilience, and innovative thinking. While they possess brilliant ideas, they often require extra support to transform these concepts into scalable companies. Our collaboration with McKercher LLP aims to offer these businesses the necessary resources and expertise, enabling them to expand their companies, and contribute significantly to the growth of Manitoba’s economy,” said Joelle Foster, President and CEO of North Forge.

Together, North Forge and McKercher LLP will aim to contribute to the overall economic development of the prairies by supporting innovators and entrepreneurs. The partnership signifies a commitment to fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem where North Forge tech start-ups have access to preferred legal advisors.

For more information, please contact:

North Forge Technology Exchange – Media contact
Whitney Moir
Program and Communications Director
wmoir@northforge.ca
C: 1-204-761-7894
P: 1-204-262-6400

McKercher LLP – Media contact
Monica A. Pollard
Director of Marketing and Communications
m.pollard@mckercher.ca
P: 1-306-664-1306

About North Forge Technology Exchange:
North Forge Technology Exchange is a non-profit incubator accelerator that works with startups across Canada and globally in technology, STEM, and advanced manufacturing from the ideation stages through to acceleration. They fuel Canada’s innovation economy, providing founders with experienced mentors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, award-winning growth coaches, and a unique, online four-stage Founders program. They have worked with over 330 companies and have created over 1,900 jobs. Armed with North America’s largest non-profit fabrication lab (FabLab), they operate out of 35,000 square feet across Innovation Drive and Innovation Alley in Winnipeg, Manitoba. North Forge is also a designated Incubator by the IRCC for the Start-up visa program

About McKercher LLP:

McKercher LLP is one of Saskatchewan’s largest, most established law firms, with offices in Saskatoon and Regina. The firm’s deep roots and client-first philosophy have helped them rank in the top 5 in the Prairies by Canadian Lawyer magazine (2023/24). With integrity, experience, and capacity, their over 80 lawyers provide a full range of innovative solutions for their clients’ diverse legal issues and complex business transactions.