What is the Neotech Mission?
Neotech is an early identifier of innovative, disruptive technologies and a business incubator for sustainable competitive business models. Market inefficiencies that create technology opportunities drive and inspire us. We look for technologies that have the potential to effect dramatic change and adoption, not slight or incremental adjustments to current models and standard approaches.
We operate a network of technology businesses in the early stages of development. Through a unique ‘Start-up to Scale’ approach we establish and accelerate the growth of innovative businesses in partnership with New Media and Telecom companies. We test many ideas and bring the best to market, attracting the human and financial capital necessary to turn them into marketable, sustainable companies.
We operate our portfolio companies until they are Venture Capital-Ready. After Series A investment, our implications are normally limited to a position on the board.
Neotech is committed to treating its employees, companies, partners, and community with complete fairness, respect, and integrity.
How long has Neotech been in business?
Neotech was founded in 2003 by Montreal entrepreneurs Daniel Robichaud and Carl Fugere.
Where is Neotech located?
Neotech's headquarters are located in the Montreal Multimedia District adjacent to the historic Old Montreal. We also maintain a presence in Silicon Valley as well as partnerships with other business incubators throughout the world. The work environment is designed to foster an open, collaborative process of communication and information-sharing between Neotech employees and with our seedling companies.
What is the difference between Neotech and a Neotech Seedling Company?
Neotech is a private company employing a team that provides support to the portfolio of start-up (seedling) companies. Employees of Neotech are compensated by Neotech and receive Neotech benefits.
Neotech Seedling companies are companies that are developed from disruptive technologies in their markets and are selected or created by Neotech. They are legally separate entities managed by independent teams of executives who report to their respective board of directors. Employees of Neotech Seedling companies are compensated by the seedling company itself (not by Neotech) and receive that company's benefits.
What are the disruptive technologies that Neotech seeks?
Disruptive technologies are innovative technologies that apply new sustainable models and processes to their existing competitive space. They disturb regular approaches by introducing new, disruptive paradigms that effect dramatic change and adoption, not slight or incremental adjustments to current models and standard approaches.
Neotech looks toward pioneering market revolutions that will lead to sustainable competitive business models. Neotech is an early identifier of innovative, disruptive technologies.
Though we fund all types of computer startups, Neotech is especially interested in web-based applications in the New Media and Telecom space. The technologies need to be scalable, white-label and provide recurring revenues.
What resources does Neotech provide to its businesses?
In addition to seed capital, Neotech provides a full range of resources and services to infuse start-ups with the support they need to rapidly introduce innovative products and services to the market. Resources include office space and services, development teams, graphic design, marketing and branding, competitive research, legal services, accounting and business development support and services. Neotech can also provide strategic alliance development with new technology partners, within our portfolio and beyond. In addition, Neotech provides advice on strategy and corporate governance issues.
What type of professionals do you have at Neotech?
All types of professionals make up the Neotech group: from designers, engineers and developers to sales, marketing, finance and human resource professionals. Whether a CEO or in customer support, the Neotech group works together to take our technology companies – and partners – as far as they can go. One good idea has the potential to change the market – it just needs the right team to make it happen.
What is the Neotech goal within the investment industry?
Neotech strives to be the preferred and most recognized source of seed funding in the global community. As good serial entrepreneurs, we work with integrity and for the betterment of our portfolio companies and our partners alike. We constantly deliver, working to make sure all parties are confident in the deals they make, now and in the future. At later stages, investors (especially venture capitalists) tend to know one another. It’s in everyone’s advantage to make sure we work together to present strong, sustainable companies – from when we’re signing a flagship partner-client to when aggressively seeking Series A financing.
How much will Neotech invest?
The Neotech goal is to get you through the first phase of major company growth right up to and through Series A investment. This usually means that Neotech will work to help you build an impressive company and business case, with a proven sales model, and are ready to raise a round of investment (typically $3 to 15 million). After Series A investment, Neotech can introduce you to later-stage investors and, in some cases, even acquirers.
Neotech makes investments (typically less than $100,000) in return for stakes in the companies funded. All venture investment partners supply a varied combination of money and help. Neotech believes start-up companies are most productive when they can spend most of their time developing their technologies and commercializing them and not performing so much adminstration. Neotech provides more help, opportunities and hands-on-experience than money. With our New Media and Telecom partners, Neotech brings companies to market, focusing on revenue and growth leading to Series A investment.
We don’t need money. Why consider Neotech?
Start-ups funded by Neotech don’t always need money – but that isn’t our focus. Companies we work with typically want us to open doors with our technology, New Media and Telcom partners, to create opportunities and to profit from Neotech experience. Neotech works aggressively to bring disruptive technologies to market, creating scalable opportunities, accelerating growth and establishing recurring revenue – with the objective of bringing you through your first (Series A, $3-15 million) round of investment.
Neotech offers an extensive array of advice in all areas – areas that will help you succeed in ways we’ve been doing for years.
Do we need to write a business plan?
Having a business plan will help you but is not necessary when you meet with Neotech. Personal meetings are preferred, as are demos if available. Set up a meeting here.
We have already been working on our start-up. Will Neotech still be interested?
Whether you have started or not, Neotech is always interested in hearing about new, disruptive technologies. If you have an innovative idea and want to go to market, Neotech wants to meet with you.
We haven’t incorporated yet. Is that okay?
Neotech can help you get properly incorporated and with the right paperwork. Technology law is difficult and involves schedules that you need to know about. Neotech works with experienced lawyers able to address our portfolio companies’ needs with incorporation, partnerships, patents, trademarks, user agreements, sales agreements and more.
What happens at Neotech once I’m selected?
Neotech helps establish start-ups from different stages of their development. When you become a part of the Neotech portfolio, you can expect us to open doors with New Media and Telecom partners, to create opportunities and to profit from Neotech experience.
Challenges you’ll have at this point can range from wondering what to call the company to how to sign a deal. In the first few months, Neotech works through your challenges with you and prepares you for partnership with a major flagship client.
Neotech will begin preparing you for meetings with Venture Capitalists and work with you on your pitches, presentations and negotiation. We spend much more time teaching founders how to pitch their startups, and how to close a deal once they've generated interest and established revenue. We’ll then set up meetings where you feel confident and ready.
In Summary
Neotech, specializes in providing seed capital within a business incubator environment. Neotech enters to grow seedling companies with high potential. Neotech is a new kind of business incubator - from idea to commercialization - that provides seed capital, venture capitalist guidance and experience in the global New Media and Telecom space.