VentureLabs
SFU VentureLabs is a Vancouver-based tech accelerator run by Simon Fraser University that provides commercialization programming and local manufacturing support to BC-based science, deeptech, and cleantech startups.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersVancouver, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What VentureLabs does
VentureLabs (legal name: SFU VentureLabs) is a Vancouver-based technology accelerator operated by Simon Fraser University, founded in 2012 to provide commercialization programming to early-stage companies. The organization serves 11-50 employees and targets BC-based startups in science, deeptech, and cleantech sectors, focusing on the pain point of transitioning from prototype to scaled production without going offshore.
Through a June 2026 partnership with Manterra Technologies, VentureLabs extended its offering with a Local Manufacturing Support service that gives portfolio startups access to a 52,000-sq.-ft. Metro Vancouver facility. The facility delivers precision plastic molding and advanced 3D-printing certified for medical, automotive, and industrial production standards, leveraging Manterra's nearly 40 years of manufacturing experience. The combined accelerator-plus-manufacturing model is positioned to shorten production timelines, strengthen domestic supply chains, and support high-value job creation in British Columbia.
VentureLabs' revenue mechanics are not publicly disclosed; pricing is partnership-based and the organization captured $2.5 million in funding from Pacific Economic Development Canada in January 2025. The entity operates as a subsidiary of Simon Fraser University rather than an independently capitalized company, with no external equity investors identified in the available sources.
VentureLabs firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- VentureLabs
- Legal name
- SFU VentureLabs
- Website
- https://venturelabs.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- SFU VentureLabs is a Vancouver-based tech accelerator run by Simon Fraser University that provides commercialization programming and local manufacturing support to BC-based science, deeptech, and cleantech startups.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
VentureLabs industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Startup Accelerator
- NAICS
- Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)
- SIC
- Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Entrepreneurship, Startup Incubation & Pitch Programs (EDAMAKAK), Business Planning, Pitching & Competitions (Pitch Decks, Demo Days) (EDAMAHAB)
Keywords
Where VentureLabs is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Vancouver
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
VentureLabs business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D
VentureLabs product offering
Product offeringCore offering
VentureLabs runs a startup accelerator program for science-based, deep-technology, and clean-technology ventures, providing cohort programming and mentorship. It pairs this with on-demand advanced-manufacturing support through its Manterra Technologies partnership, offering precision plastic molding and 3D-printing services to help BC-based founders move from prototype to small-batch production within the province.
Product overview
VentureLabs is a single unified accelerator program operated by Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. The core offering is its commercialization programming for BC-based science, deeptech, and cleantech startups. Through a partnership with Manterra Technologies, the program has expanded to include local manufacturing support services, combining mentorship and business development with precision plastic molding and advanced 3D-printing capabilities at Manterra's 52,000-sq.-ft. facility.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- VentureLabs Accelerator Program A startup accelerator program targeting British Columbia-based science, deep-technology, and clean-technology ventures, providing cohort programming, mentorship, and commercialization support.
- Local Advanced Manufacturing Support (via Manterra Technologies) Advanced-manufacturing support delivered through the Manterra Technologies partnership, providing precision plastic molding and 3D-printing services to BC-based startup founders for prototype-to-small-batch production.
Companies that use VentureLabs
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
VentureLabs technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
VentureLabs partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Manterra TechnologiescoreVentureLabs has partnered with Manterra Technologies to provide BC-based startups with local manufacturing options rather than offshore production. The collaboration combines VentureLabs' commercialization programming with Manterra's manufacturing capabilities, including a 52,000-sq.-ft. facility offering precision plastic molding and advanced 3D-printing certified for medical, automotive, and industrial standards. The partnership aims to help startups transition from prototype to scaled production while keeping operations in British Columbia. Manterra operates a facility in Metro Vancouver with nearly 40 years of manufacturing experience.
Recent moves3 records
Expansion highlights3 records
VentureLabs competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Creative Destruction Lab: Canadian-based accelerator focused on massively scalable, science-based startups. Directly comparable to VentureLabs as both serve deeptech founders with structured commercialization programming rooted in Canadian academic and government ecosystems.
- Techstars: Global accelerator network running mentorship-driven programs for technology startups. Comparable to VentureLabs in program structure, cohort-based delivery, and focus on helping early-stage companies commercialize and scale.
- Y Combinator: The largest global startup accelerator offering seed funding and intensive mentorship. Comparable to VentureLabs as a direct competitor for technology startup founders seeking accelerator-driven commercialization support.
Broad incumbents
- SOSV: Multi-stage global venture fund running vertical-specific accelerator programs (e.g., HAX for hardware, IndieBio for biotech). Comparable to VentureLabs as a deeptech/hardware-leaning accelerator investor with structured programming.
- Plug and Play Tech Center: Large global innovation platform running industry-specific accelerator programs and corporate partnerships. Comparable as a broad incumbent offering accelerator-style programming and corporate-startup matchmaking.
- MaRS Discovery District: Large Canadian innovation hub supporting science, technology, and social ventures with programming, capital, and partnerships. Comparable as a broader Canadian ecosystem player serving similar startup segments.
Regional players
- Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre: British Columbia-based accelerator focused specifically on cleantech and climate-tech ventures. Comparable to VentureLabs as a BC-rooted accelerator targeting one of the same verticals (cleantech).
- Innovation Factory (Hamilton): Ontario-based regional accelerator providing commercialization support and mentorship to startups. Comparable as a Canadian regional accelerator model parallel to VentureLabs' provincial mandate.
Emerging players
- Highline Beta: Canadian corporate venture and accelerator builder creating programs with enterprise partners. Comparable to VentureLabs in delivering structured startup programming tied to corporate capability providers.
Others
- Entrepreneurship World Cup / GIST Network: Global pitch and entrepreneurship support programs for science and tech founders. Comparable to VentureLabs in supporting early-stage founders through pitch competitions and entrepreneurship enrichment programming.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks4 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
VentureLabs social profiles
Digital presenceVentureLabs financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
VentureLabs leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
VentureLabs funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
VentureLabs M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about VentureLabs
What does VentureLabs do?
VentureLabs runs a startup accelerator program for science-based, deep-technology, and clean-technology ventures, providing cohort programming and mentorship. It pairs this with on-demand advanced-manufacturing support through its Manterra Technologies partnership, offering precision plastic molding and 3D-printing services to help BC-based founders move from prototype to small-batch production within the province.
Is VentureLabs a public or private company?
VentureLabs is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was VentureLabs founded?
VentureLabs was founded in 2012. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is VentureLabs based?
VentureLabs is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, in the North America region.
Who are VentureLabs's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Creative Destruction Lab, Techstars and Y Combinator. Broad incumbents are SOSV, Plug and Play Tech Center and MaRS Discovery District. Regional players are Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre and Innovation Factory (Hamilton). Highline Beta is listed as an emerging player. Entrepreneurship World Cup / GIST Network is listed as an others.
Does VentureLabs have an API?
No public API is recorded for VentureLabs.
What industry is VentureLabs in?
VentureLabs's product category is Startup Accelerator. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSANAAAM, Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated), with a secondary code of EDAMAKAK, Entrepreneurship, Startup Incubation & Pitch Programs. Its NAICS code is 5417 and its SIC code is 8742.