1855 Whitby
1855 Whitby is a not-for-profit technology accelerator and coworking space in Whitby, Ontario, providing mentorship, advisory, and flexible workspace to high-potential technology startups and international companies entering the Canadian market through the Durham Region auto corridor.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersWhitby, Canada
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What 1855 Whitby does
1855 Whitby is a not-for-profit technology accelerator and coworking space operator based in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, operating from the restored 1873 Provincial Land Registry Office at 400 Centre St S. Founded in April 2019 through a private-public partnership between the Town of Whitby (with late CAO Peter LeBel as co-founder) and Jason Atkins, CEO of 360insights, the organization explicitly positions itself as Durham Region's first and only technology accelerator. Its mission is to support high-potential technology companies in early revenue growth stages through mentorship, advisory, investment facilitation, and access to a specialized knowledge ecosystem, addressing what the founders describe as a commercialization gap in the Canadian startup landscape.
The core product portfolio comprises six offerings: Scale Your Start-up (the flagship accelerator program focused on measurable commercialization outcomes rather than curriculum-based teaching), Co-working (flexible workspace including hot desks starting around $50/month for mail services, private offices, team rooms, and pay-as-you-go boardrooms on 6-12 month minimum terms), 1855 MASTERCLASS (a thought leadership series featuring speakers such as Dan Martell, John Warrillow, Bruce Croxon, and IBM executives), Expand to Canada (international market entry support), 1855 Fund, and Pitch Days. 1855 does not develop proprietary technology products; its core technology is the accelerator programming itself delivered through a mentor bench that includes board members who are founders of 360insights, Search Engine People, Predictive Success, and geekspeak commerce.
Revenue is generated through three streams: subscription coworking rental fees, accelerator programming fees, and sponsorship/naming rights (with BDO as the largest monetary sponsor and official naming partner of the facility, branded "1855 BDO Accelerator"). Customer segments include domestic high-potential tech startups, entrepreneurs and small businesses seeking flexible workspace, and international companies entering Canada (exemplified by South Korean smart mobility firm Autocrypt, which established its Canadian HQ at 1855 in January 2022 via partnership with Toronto Global and Invest Durham). The organization has 1-10 employees, is governed by a board that deliberately blends government (Whitby CAO) and private industry representatives, and operates with strategic sponsors including BDO, TD Bank, BDC, 360insights, Ontario Tech University, and Durham College.
1855 Whitby firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- 1855 Whitby
- Legal name
- 1855 Whitby
- Website
- https://1855whitby.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- 1855 Whitby is a not-for-profit technology accelerator and coworking space in Whitby, Ontario, providing mentorship, advisory, and flexible workspace to high-potential technology startups and international companies entering the Canadian market through the Durham Region auto corridor.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where 1855 Whitby is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Whitby
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
1855 Whitby business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Coworking Space Rental: Revenue generated from renting flexible workspace including hot desks, private offices, boardrooms, and meeting rooms to startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. The facility offers various space types with different contract terms.
- Accelerator Programming: Revenue from supporting high-potential technology companies through structured accelerator programming that includes mentorship, advisory services, and access to investment networks. Companies apply to scale their startups through the program.
- Sponsorship and Naming Rights: Strategic sponsors like BDO provide monetary investments in exchange for naming rights and branded programs. Sponsors influence 1855 strategy and play an important public role in communicating the 1855 mission and value.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Mail Address Service |
| Subscription | Monthly | Hot Desk and Office Space |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Boardroom and Meeting Room Rental |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels6 records
1855 Whitby product offering
Product offeringCore offering
1855 Whitby operates as a technology accelerator and coworking space provider, delivering mentorship, advisory services, and structured programming to help high-potential technology companies commercialize and scale. It also offers flexible workspace rentals (hot desks, private offices, boardrooms) and hosts a thought leadership Masterclass series featuring industry leaders. Revenue is generated through coworking subscriptions, accelerator program fees, and sponsor/naming rights contributions.
Product overview
1855 Whitby is Durham Region's first and only technology accelerator offering a suite of programs including Scale Your Start-up (accelerator mentorship and advisory), Co-working (flexible workspace), 1855 MASTERCLASS (thought leadership series), Expand to Canada (market entry support), and investment services (1855 Fund, Pitch Days). The accelerator operates from a historic 1873 building in downtown Whitby and focuses on supporting high-potential technology companies during early revenue growth stages through mentorship, advisory, investment, and specialized knowledge services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Scale Your Start-up Accelerator program that helps high-potential technology companies achieve measurable commercialization outcomes including exit, revenue growth, and user adoption through mentorship, advisory services, and access to a tech-savvy ecosystem. Designed for established tech startups in early revenue growth stages.
- Co-working Flexible workspace offering including hot desks, private offices, meeting rooms, and team spaces with amenities such as Wi-Fi, parking, coffee, and kitchen access. Located in the restored historic 1873 Provincial Land Registry Office in downtown Whitby.
- 1855 MASTERCLASS Thought leadership series featuring best-in-class industry leaders with proven track records of success to inspire, empower, and equip the business community with tools for growth. Past speakers include Dan Martell, John Warrillow, Bruce Croxon, and Arcade Fire members.
- Expand to Canada Program helping international technology companies establish and grow their operations in the Canadian market, including assistance with partnership access, business introductions, and ecosystem integration. Demonstrated by supporting South Korea-based Autocrypt to establish its Canadian headquarters at 1855.
- 1855 Fund Investment program for investors seeking to participate in funding high-potential technology startups within the accelerator ecosystem. Connects investors with vetted portfolio companies in the 1855 network.
- Pitch Days Platform for startups to present to investors, providing opportunities for funding and investor engagement within the 1855 accelerator ecosystem.
Companies that use 1855 Whitby
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
1855 Whitby technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
1855 Whitby partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Invest DurhamcoreDurham Region Economic Development (Invest Durham) partners with 1855 to support local businesses and grow the innovation ecosystem. The partnership provides access to government resources, economic development support, and helps create an innovative community. Invest Durham supports investors and businesses by working alongside partners to create jobs of the future.
- Town of Whitbycore1855 Whitby is a strategic initiative funded by the Town of Whitby, with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Peter LeBel as one of the two visionary founders. The Town made an extensive retrofit and investment in the historical facility and formed a private-public partnership. The Mayor and CAO actively support the accelerator's mission to grow innovation and technology in downtown Whitby.
- Ontario Tech UniversitymajorOntario Tech University is a strategic partner providing access to research capabilities, engineering talent, and automotive innovation projects. The university is heavily involved in ongoing automotive projects with GM and hosts the Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) where companies can access world-class testing facilities and collaborate on electric vehicle and autonomous vehicle research.
- Durham CollegemajorDurham College is a strategic partner providing access to skilled talent and workforce development. The college is involved in ongoing automotive projects and contributes to the talent pipeline for companies in the Durham Region innovation ecosystem.
- 360insightscoreFounded by Jason Atkins, CEO of 360insights (Durham's largest technology company). 360insights is one of Canada's fastest growing tech companies and a founding partner of 1855. The company provides executive mentorship, thought leadership content, and staff participation in events like the Masterclass series.
- Toronto GlobalmajorToronto Global works to attract international businesses to the Durham Region and collaborates with 1855 to bring foreign investment to the area. The partnership helps companies like Autocrypt transition smoothly into the regional economy and provides business introductions and ecosystem capabilities.
- Spark CentreminorRegional innovation center partnership supporting the startup ecosystem in Durham Region. Board member Brion Hendry previously served as Treasurer and Board Member at Spark Centre.
- KOTRAminorKOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) partnership helps facilitate Korean technology companies entering the Canadian market, supporting companies like Autocrypt.
- geekspeak commerceminorE-commerce services agency based in Whitby, Ontario founded by Isaac Wanzama. Board member representation bringing expertise in eCommerce and digital marketing.
- Search Engine People (SEP)minorCanada's largest search marketing agency founded by Jeff Quipp. Board member representation providing digital marketing expertise and mentorship to 1855 members.
- Predictive SuccessminorFounded by David Lahey, Predictive Success provides hiring and talent assessment expertise. Board member representation contributing knowledge on building entrepreneurial teams and best hiring practices.
- Abilities CentreminorLocated in Durham Region, the Abilities Centre is a community partner supporting the innovation ecosystem and inclusive business development.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
1855 Whitby competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Velocity (University of Waterloo): University-linked startup incubator and accelerator providing workspace, mentorship, and programming for tech founders. Comparable in combining university-driven talent access with accelerator and coworking offerings, anchored in a different Ontario region.
- DMZ (Toronto Metropolitan University): One of Canada's largest technology accelerators, based in Toronto, offering startup programming, mentorship, and access to investors and corporates. Comparable as a Canadian tech accelerator targeting growth-stage startups, though operating at substantially greater scale and brand recognition.
- Communitech: Kitchener-Waterloo-based innovation hub running accelerator programs, founder support, and corporate innovation services. Comparable as an Ontario-based tech accelerator with strong public-private partnership roots, although serving a different regional cluster.
- MaRS Discovery District: Toronto-based innovation hub supporting science and tech ventures with programming, capital connections, and curated office space. Comparable in operating a combined accelerator-plus-workspace model in the same Ontario market, but at significantly larger scale and broader mandate.
- Creative Destruction Lab (CDL): Toronto-headquartered seed-stage program for massively scalable, science- and technology-based ventures affiliated with the Rotman School of Management. Comparable as a high-profile Canadian accelerator, but focused on a more specialized, equity-aligned cohort model.
Direct peers
- Workhaus: Canadian coworking and flexible-office provider operating premium shared workspaces in the Greater Toronto Area. Comparable in offering tiered coworking, private offices, and meeting rooms with a GTA footprint, providing a benchmark for the coworking revenue stream of 1855.
- Spark Centre: Regional innovation center serving Durham Region that provides accelerator programming, mentorship, and support to tech startups. Directly comparable as a geographically overlapping innovation hub, and 1855's leadership (Brion Hendry, Dennis Croft) has historical ties to Spark Centre.
- Innovation Factory (Hamilton): Regional innovation center and accelerator serving the Hamilton area with mentorship, programming, and founder support. Comparable as a mid-sized Ontario accelerator with similar public-private partnership dynamics and a focus on commercialization outcomes for early-revenue startups.
- Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC): Toronto-based technology accelerator providing mentorship, advisory, and investor connections to early- and growth-stage Canadian startups. Comparable as a Canadian tech accelerator serving similar founder personas with a focus on commercialization and scale.
Emerging players
- Founder Institute: Global pre-seed accelerator and startup formation program running cohorts in multiple cities including Toronto. Comparable in targeting founders at the earliest stages with structured programming, though operating a distributed model rather than a single regional hub.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
1855 Whitby social profiles
Digital presence1855 Whitby financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
1855 Whitby leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
1855 Whitby funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
1855 Whitby 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 1855 Whitby
What does 1855 Whitby do?
1855 Whitby operates as a technology accelerator and coworking space provider, delivering mentorship, advisory services, and structured programming to help high-potential technology companies commercialize and scale. It also offers flexible workspace rentals (hot desks, private offices, boardrooms) and hosts a thought leadership Masterclass series featuring industry leaders. Revenue is generated through coworking subscriptions, accelerator program fees, and sponsor/naming rights contributions.
Is 1855 Whitby a public or private company?
1855 Whitby is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was 1855 Whitby founded?
1855 Whitby was founded in 2019. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is 1855 Whitby based?
1855 Whitby is headquartered in Whitby, Canada, in the North America region.
How does 1855 Whitby make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Coworking Space Rental is the primary driver. The others are accelerator Programming and sponsorship and Naming Rights.
Who are 1855 Whitby's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Velocity (University of Waterloo), DMZ (Toronto Metropolitan University), Communitech, MaRS Discovery District and Creative Destruction Lab (CDL). Direct peers are Workhaus, Spark Centre, Innovation Factory (Hamilton) and Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC). Founder Institute is listed as an emerging player.
Does 1855 Whitby have an API?
No public API is recorded for 1855 Whitby.