Funding Cake

The federal government is investing nearly $16.5 million into 13 businesses and organizations across the Greater Toronto Area as it looks to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption and help Canadian companies bring new AI technologies to market faster.

The funding was announced by Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). The investments support projects spanning healthcare, energy management, manufacturing, legal technology, financial services, construction, transportation, and research.

Among the recipients are startups developing AI-powered healthcare platforms, next-generation drug discovery tools, energy optimization software, and solutions designed to improve productivity across industries.

1. Cosm Medical ($1,987,825)

Toronto-based Cosm Medical will use the funding to accelerate the clinical and commercial rollout of its Gynethotics™ platform. The AI-driven system designs and manufactures patient-specific gynecological devices, replacing traditional one-size-fits-all approaches with personalized solutions tailored to individual patients.

Founded in 2017, the company is building a precision platform for pelvic health and women’s healthcare.

2. DMD Building Systems ($1,700,000)

Scarborough-based DMD Building Systems will invest in advanced manufacturing equipment, robotics, and automation technologies while developing an AI software application for engineering teams. The new platform is designed to extract structured information from non-standard formats, improving data organization and streamlining engineering workflows throughout the building design process.

3. Edgecom Energy ($575,000)

Edgecom Energy will use the funding to accelerate development and commercialization of its AI Energy Co-Pilot platform. The Toronto company combines machine learning and real-time operational data to help large energy consumers optimize energy use, improve efficiency, and reduce operating costs.

4. Future Fertility ($555,239)

Future Fertility is commercializing a new AI-powered technology aimed at improving the assessment of endometrial receptivity, an important factor in fertility treatment outcomes. The Toronto company is already recognized globally for its AI-powered fertility technologies, which are used in more than 300 clinics across 35 countries.

5. MarkiTech ($500,000)

Oakville-based MarkiTech will advance its AI-powered healthcare platform, CliniScripts. The solution automates clinical workflows and operational processes, helping healthcare providers improve efficiency while reducing administrative workloads.

6. MinuteBox ($700,000)

MinuteBox will add advanced AI capabilities to its cloud-based entity management and registry services platform. Based in Thornhill, the company serves law firms and in-house legal teams, providing digital compliance, transaction management, and corporate registry solutions.

7. Naryant ($536,403)

Oakville-based Naryant is modernizing its fleet management systems through AI-driven technologies designed to improve operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. The company develops software and data solutions that help organizations leverage analytics and business intelligence tools to improve decision-making.

8. Private AI (Limina) ($2,000,000)

Private AI, operating as Limina, received one of the largest investments announced. The Toronto company will scale its sensitive data infrastructure platform, helping organizations in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, insurance, and financial services deploy AI solutions while maintaining compliance and protecting sensitive information.

9. ProteinQure ($1,800,000)

ProteinQure will use the funding to commercialize an AI-powered targeted drug delivery platform. The Toronto biotechnology company specializes in AI-driven protein drug discovery and has developed what it describes as the first AI-designed peptide drug currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials.

10. Fiscal.ai ($1,521,327)

Toronto-based Fiscal.ai is developing an AI-powered platform that transforms unstructured corporate filings into structured financial data. The platform aims to make institutional-grade financial insights more accessible to investors, analysts, developers, and financial research teams.

11. Trax ($394,000)

Trax will develop and commercialize an AI-powered digital platform designed to accelerate building permit approvals. The software performs AI-assisted compliance checks against building codes and regulations, helping municipalities and construction professionals streamline the approval process.

12. Vector Institute ($4,000,000)

The largest recipient of the funding announcement, Toronto-based Vector Institute, received $4 million to launch a Data Readiness, Model Development, and Deployment program. The initiative will help startups transform AI concepts into commercial products by improving data quality, developing AI models, and supporting deployment strategies.

13. VisFuture ($200,000)

North York-based VisFuture will develop a natural-language AI platform that helps small and medium-sized businesses access real-time operational data. The solution is designed to provide immediate insights across sales, inventory, and finance systems, enabling faster decision-making while reducing reliance on technical teams. The investments highlight continued government support for Canada’s rapidly growing artificial intelligence sector. While healthcare and life sciences accounted for several projects, the funding also reflects the increasing adoption of AI across industries including manufacturing, construction, legal services, transportation, finance, and energy.

With nearly $16.5 million being deployed across the region, the funding is expected to help companies accelerate commercialization efforts, create high-value jobs, and strengthen Canada’s position as a global AI innovation hub.

Entrepreneurship is skyrocketing fast, especially as layoffs continue across the tech sector. One idea that shows up often is to think of yourself like a company. Even if you are employed, you are still building skills, income streams, and optionality.

The reality is, many people get caught off guard by layoffs. Having something on the side is no longer just a “nice to have,” it is a practical way to reduce risk and build toward your own thing.

The best way to launch a startup is often to start it on the side. This keeps pressure low, makes it cheaper to experiment, and lets you validate ideas before committing fully. You do not need to incorporate, hire, or overbuild anything early on. The goal is simple, make your first dollar and see if there is real demand.

Here are some practical side hustles that can help you keep your main focus intact while building something of your own.

1. Service-based idea

Many founders start with this approach. Instead of building a product right away, they offer a service that solves a real problem. This could be web design, copywriting, social media management, SEO, or building simple automations for small businesses.

The main advantage is immediate cash flow. You are trading skills for income, which gives you breathing room while you explore and validate your startup idea. Over time, many founders notice repeated patterns in client work and turn these services into productized offerings or SaaS tools.

2. Consulting/Teaching

If you have expertise in a specific area, consulting or teaching can be a strong starting point.

This could be one-on-one consulting, group coaching, workshops, or even online courses. The key is to package what you already know in a way that helps others solve a clear problem.

Some founders start by simply sharing insights online, then converting that attention into paid consulting calls or structured programs. You do not need a complex setup at the beginning, just clarity on the problem you solve.

3. Full-time Job! (Crazy to juggle both)

This is the most demanding option, but also one of the safest financially. Many founders build their startup nights and weekends while still employed. It provides stable income, benefits, and enough runway to experiment without immediate pressure. The tradeoff is time and energy. Eventually, if your startup gains traction, you will need to make a decision on whether to go all in. But in the early days, this is often the lowest risk path to getting started.

4. Sell something like e-commerce or affiliate!

E-commerce is one of the most accessible ways to start testing products quickly. You can begin with niche products, dropshipping, or simple branded goods. The goal is not to build a massive brand immediately, but to learn what people actually buy. Modern tools make it easy to launch a store quickly and test demand. If something works, you scale it. If not, you pivot without major losses.

5. Flipping stuff off e-bay (Gary Vaynerchuk style)

Buying and reselling items remains a powerful way to learn business fundamentals.

This could involve finding undervalued products locally, sourcing from online marketplaces, or reselling collectibles and electronics.

It builds skills in pricing, negotiation, and market timing. Many entrepreneurs credit flipping as their first real exposure to real-world supply and demand dynamics.

6. YouTube Channel

Content creation is a long-term play, but it can become a strong asset.

A YouTube channel lets you build an audience while sharing your journey or expertise. Over time, it can turn into ad revenue, sponsorships, or even customers for your startup.

The biggest advantage is compounding reach. One video can continue generating views and opportunities long after it is published.

7. Ubering

This is one of the most straightforward ways to generate flexible income quickly.

Driving or delivery work provides immediate payouts and flexible hours, making it useful for filling income gaps while building something on the side.

While it does not directly scale into a startup, it can fund early experiments and reduce financial pressure during transition periods.

8. Dog walking business

Local service businesses can be surprisingly reliable and easy to start.

Dog walking, pet sitting, or basic pet care can begin through neighbors, referrals, or local platforms. If you enjoy animals, this becomes a flexible and consistent income stream.

It also builds foundational business skills like trust, communication, and repeat customer relationships.

9. Throw events & parties!

Events are becoming an increasingly strong way to build income and network at the same time.

You can start small with niche meetups, workshops, or community gatherings. Over time, these can evolve into ticketed events or sponsorship-backed communities.

For founders, this is especially valuable because it helps you meet potential customers, partners, and investors in a natural setting.

10. Sports Instructor

If you have experience in a sport, coaching can be a great local income stream. This could be the sport of your choice. Many communities actively look for part-time instructors, especially for kids and beginners. It starts as a simple service, but can expand into group training, clinics, or even digital coaching content over time.

Building a startup does not have to mean going all in from day one. In many cases, the smarter path is building while staying financially stable, learning what works, and gradually increasing commitment as traction appears. The goal is not just to survive the early stage, but to give yourself enough runway to discover what is actually worth building.

Every startup needs funding to get off the ground. Whether it’s a few hundred dollars for a domain name and website hosting, purchasing software tools, building a prototype, or covering early operating expenses, launching a business often requires upfront investment long before revenue begins to flow.

While many founders turn to personal savings, friends and family, or investors, one of the most attractive sources of startup funding is non-dilutive capital. Unlike venture capital or angel investment, non-dilutive funding allows founders to access financial support without giving up ownership or equity in their company.

Fortunately, Toronto entrepreneurs have access to a growing number of grants, fellowships, and funding programs designed to help startups launch, validate ideas, develop products, and scale their businesses. Here are some of the top startup funding opportunities available to founders in Toronto and across Ontario.

1. Starter Company Plus

Starter Company Plus is a small business grant program that helps entrepreneurs start, grow, or purchase an existing business. Delivered through local Small Business Enterprise Centres across Ontario, the program combines training, mentorship, and financial support.

Successful applicants can receive grant funding to help cover business expenses while also gaining access to workshops, business planning resources, and ongoing guidance from experienced advisors. The program is particularly well suited for early-stage founders and first-time entrepreneurs looking to validate and launch their businesses.

2. Inventor to Founder Fellowship

The Inventor to Founder Fellowship supports researchers, innovators, and technical founders who are looking to commercialize breakthrough technologies and transform innovative ideas into venture-backed companies.

Participants receive funding, mentorship, and access to experienced entrepreneurs who help bridge the gap between invention and business creation. The fellowship is ideal for founders emerging from universities, research institutions, or deep-tech sectors who need support turning intellectual property into a scalable startup.

3. Entrepreneurship & Innovation Fund

The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Fund provides financial support to organizations and initiatives that strengthen Ontario’s innovation ecosystem. Through various streams and partnerships, the fund helps accelerate entrepreneurship, support startup growth, and encourage innovation across multiple industries.

Startups may benefit indirectly through programs, incubators, accelerators, and ecosystem partners that receive support through the fund. It plays an important role in expanding resources available to entrepreneurs across the province.

4. i.d.e.a. Fund

The i.d.e.a. Fund was created to support high-potential startups led by founders from equity-deserving communities. The program helps entrepreneurs access capital, mentorship, training, and strategic support needed to grow innovative businesses.

In addition to funding, founders gain access to a network of advisors, industry experts, and ecosystem partners. The program focuses on creating more inclusive opportunities within Canada’s startup ecosystem while helping businesses reach commercialization and growth milestones.

5. Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF)

The Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF) supports Ontario-based life sciences companies that are developing innovative health technologies, biotechnology solutions, medical devices, diagnostics, and other healthcare innovations.

The fund is designed to help companies advance product development, achieve commercialization milestones, and accelerate growth. By providing non-dilutive funding, LSIF helps promising life sciences startups move closer to market while strengthening Ontario’s position as a leading health innovation hub.

6. Circular Food Innovators Fund

The Circular Food Innovators Fund supports startups and organizations developing solutions that reduce food waste, improve sustainability, and create circular economy opportunities within the food sector.

Funding is available for innovative projects that help divert waste, improve resource efficiency, develop sustainable food systems, and create environmental impact. The program is particularly attractive to food-tech startups, sustainability-focused ventures, and companies building technologies that support a more circular food economy.

Access to funding can make a significant difference during the early stages of building a startup. While customer revenue should always be the ultimate goal, grants and fellowship programs can provide valuable non-dilutive capital that helps founders test ideas, build products, hire talent, and reach important milestones without giving up ownership in their company.

For Toronto founders, these programs represent some of the most promising funding opportunities available today and are worth exploring as part of any startup funding strategy.

Ontario is investing $5 million in 10 emerging life sciences companies through the latest round of its Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF), a program designed to help homegrown health technology and biotechnology ventures bring new medical innovations to market.

The funding, announced by the Ontario government, will provide up to $500,000 to each recipient company to support commercialization efforts, business growth, and job creation. The initiative forms part of Ontario’s broader Life Sciences Strategy, which aims to strengthen the province’s position as a global hub for health innovation and biomanufacturing.

The selected companies are developing a range of technologies spanning artificial intelligence, cancer diagnostics, drug discovery, pharmacy infrastructure, reproductive healthcare, and next-generation therapeutics.

“Through strategic investments like the Life Sciences Innovation Fund, our government is advancing Ontario’s leadership in this vital sector by accelerating the path to market for made-in-Ontario technologies,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Companies Receiving LSIF Funding

1. Esphera SynBio Inc. (Ottawa and Hamilton)

Esphera SynBio is developing its ExoGen™ platform, which enables the creation of in vivo immunotherapies aimed at treating cancer and chronic diseases.

2. Kare Chemical Technologies (Mississauga)

The pharmaceutical manufacturer is advancing a patented platform designed to develop non-psychoactive alternatives to opioids for pain management, obesity, and neurodegenerative conditions.

3. Myomar Molecular Inc. (Sudbury)

Myomar is building what it describes as the first non-invasive, urine-based diagnostic test for monitoring muscle degeneration and improving muscle health management.

4. MyStoria Inc. (Kitchener)

The digital health startup is developing a care coordination platform that helps patients organize medical records and navigate reproductive healthcare services.

5. mDETECT Inc. (Kingston)

mDETECT has developed a DNA-methylation liquid biopsy technology intended to improve the early detection and ongoing monitoring of metastatic cancers, including lung, breast, and prostate cancer.

6. NodeAI (Hamilton)

NodeAI is creating an AI-powered platform that assists clinicians in identifying lymph nodes, predicting malignancy, and improving biopsy guidance for cancer care.

7. ScriptRunner Innovations Inc. (King City)

The company is building AI-powered pharmacy infrastructure that streamlines operations and enables pharmacies to offer an Amazon-like prescription delivery experience.

8. Stoked Bio (Hamilton)

Stoked Bio combines machine learning with biological research to discover new therapeutics targeting drug-resistant infections, microbiome-related diseases, cancers, and Parkinson’s disease.

9. Synakis Corp. (Toronto)

Synakis is developing treatments for retinal disease, retinal detachment, and glaucoma, with the goal of improving outcomes for patients with ocular disorders.

10. Synmedix (Hamilton)

Synmedix is developing a new generation of antibiotic therapies designed to combat drug-resistant infections while preserving the health of the microbiome.

According to the province, the Life Sciences Innovation Fund has generated nearly $63 million in private-sector co-investment since its launch and has contributed to the creation and retention of approximately 1,400 jobs across Ontario’s life sciences ecosystem.

The government also announced that an additional $15 million will be invested over the next three years to continue the program, following its renewal in the 2025 Ontario Budget.

“Ontario has the research strength, talent and entrepreneurial drive to lead in life sciences and LSIF is helping turn that advantage into real-world impact,” said Claudia Krywiak, president and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation.

The latest funding round highlights Ontario’s continued focus on scaling domestic health technology and biotechnology companies, as the province looks to strengthen commercialization pathways and expand its role in the global life sciences sector.

Canada’s startup ecosystem is gearing up for one of its most high-profile founder events of the year as Founder Ball unveiled the Top 20 semi-finalists competing in its massive $500,000 pitch competition. Blending the energy of a startup summit with the atmosphere of an exclusive yacht celebration, Founder Ball is positioning itself as more than just a competition, it’s a showcase of Canadian innovation and ambition.

Founder Ball combines a pitch competition with its annual En Blanc Yacht Party, bringing together 250 of Canada’s most influential founders, investors, operators, and business leaders. Every ticket holder joins Founder Ball Fund I, contributing toward backing what organizers hope could become Canada’s next unicorn startup.

The event promises one winner, a life-changing investment, and a national spotlight for emerging companies building across AI, healthtech, consumer brands, SaaS, and deep technology.

The final eight companies advancing to the championship round will be announced on May 26.

Meet the Top 20 Semi-Finalists

1. Blossom Social

Blossom Social is a social investing platform designed to help people share investment ideas, track portfolios, and learn from other investors through a community-driven experience.

2. Pontosense

Pontosense develops contactless sensing technology that uses wireless signals to monitor human movement and health metrics without requiring wearables or cameras.

3. Marlow

Marlow is a startup focused on modernizing financial experiences for consumers and businesses through simplified and accessible fintech solutions.

4. SELLIT9

SELLIT9 is helping businesses streamline digital commerce and sales operations with technology aimed at improving online growth and customer acquisition.

5. Apricotton

Apricotton is a consumer brand creating bras specifically designed for growing teens, focusing on comfort, education, and body confidence.

6. D2Type

D2Type is building solutions focused on design, typography, and digital creative tools aimed at empowering creators and brands.

7. VEGAIN Nutrition

VEGAIN Nutrition develops plant-based nutrition products designed for athletes and health-conscious consumers looking for sustainable performance supplements.

8. TechEasy

TechEasy helps businesses simplify technology adoption and IT operations through accessible tech support and digital transformation services.

9. Vigilant AI

Vigilant AI is leveraging artificial intelligence to help organizations improve monitoring, security, and operational decision-making.

10. Skinopathy

Skinopathy is a skincare-focused company developing science-backed products and solutions aimed at improving skin health and wellness.

11. ConeLabs Inc.

ConeLabs develops technology and innovation-driven solutions designed to improve operational efficiency and scalable business growth.

12. NTangible

NTangible is focused on emerging technologies and digital ownership experiences that bridge physical and virtual assets.

13. July Health

July Health is a healthtech startup building solutions aimed at improving patient care, healthcare accessibility, and wellness outcomes.

14. VCyene

VCyene develops advanced technology solutions focused on data, infrastructure, and next-generation computing systems.

15. Cove Neurosciences

Cove Neurosciences is a neuroscience-focused company working on innovative approaches to brain health and neurological care.

16. Pieriq

Pieriq is building technology designed to improve logistics, operational systems, and workflow efficiency for modern businesses.

17. Cocoon

Cocoon is creating products and services focused on community, wellness, and improving modern lifestyle experiences.

18. FriedmannAI

FriedmannAI is developing artificial intelligence tools designed to help businesses automate workflows and enhance decision-making.

19. Quotograph

Quotograph is focused on transforming how businesses manage quotes, proposals, and sales documentation through digital tools.

20. BAO LIFE BRAND INC.

BAO LIFE BRAND INC. is a consumer-focused lifestyle company building products and experiences centered around modern culture and community.

Founder Ball says the Final 8 startups moving forward in the competition will be revealed on May 26. The finalists will then compete for the $500,000 investment prize and the title of Founder Ball Champion.

The competition highlights the growing momentum surrounding Canada’s startup ecosystem, bringing together founders across industries ranging from AI and healthcare to consumer products and fintech. With capital, community, and celebration all combined into one event, Founder Ball is quickly becoming one of the country’s most anticipated startup gatherings.

Did you ever come across a funding opportunity and realize you missed the deadline? Bummer! It happens more often than you’d think. Founders are busy, and things slip through the cracks.

Finding startup funding often comes down to timing. Many programs only open once a year, which can cause founders to miss out simply because they are not ready at the right moment. These funding programs stay open year-round, allowing entrepreneurs to apply whenever they are ready.

Below is a curated list of grants and funding opportunities with rolling applications.

1. Hustler’s Microgrant

A microgrant program supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and small business owners who need small amounts of capital to launch or grow.

Funding Amount: $1,000
Who It’s For: Small business owners
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here

2. Idea Cafe Small Business Grant

A grant program aimed at helping entrepreneurs bring their business ideas to life, with a focus on accessibility for early-stage founders.

Funding Amount: $1,000
Who It’s For: Women founders
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here

3. Her Culture Micro Grant

Supports African and Caribbean women entrepreneurs with microgrants designed to help launch or grow small businesses and community-driven projects.

Funding Amount: $500
Who It’s For: African and Caribbean women
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here

4. WomensNet Amber Grant

One of the most well-known women-focused grants, offering monthly funding opportunities to women entrepreneurs across industries.

Funding Amount: $25,000
Who It’s For: Women founders
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here 

5. Wish Local Empowerment Program

A support program designed to help Black-owned brick-and-mortar businesses with funding to support growth and operational needs.

Funding Amount: $500 to $2,000
Who It’s For: Black-owned brick-and-mortar businesses
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here

6. Boston Celtics United, VistaPrint & NAACP Power Forward Grant

A grant initiative supporting Black-owned businesses in New England with funding to help strengthen and scale operations.

Funding Amount: $25,000
Who It’s For: Black-owned businesses in New England
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here

7. The Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund

A local funding initiative supporting small businesses in Philadelphia focused on growth, stability, and community impact.

Funding Amount: Up to $50,000
Who It’s For: Small businesses in Philadelphia
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here

8. The McKinney Innovation Fund

A Texas-based fund investing in startups and early-stage companies with strong innovation potential and growth plans.

Funding Amount: $50,000 to $500,000
Who It’s For: Texas-based founders
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here

9. Power Forward Small Business Grant

A regional grant program supporting small businesses in New England with funding to support expansion and recovery efforts.

Funding Amount: $25,000
Who It’s For: Small businesses in New England
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here

10. iFundWomen Universal Grant

A funding platform that connects women entrepreneurs to grants, crowdfunding opportunities, and business resources.

Funding Amount: Varies
Who It’s For: Women founders
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here

11. YippityDoo Big Idea Grant

A microgrant program supporting women entrepreneurs with funding to help launch new ideas or scale early-stage businesses.

Funding Amount: $1,000
Who It’s For: Women founders
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here

12. Z Fellows

Z Fellows is a startup fellowship that supports ambitious technical builders working on startups, side projects, research, or new ideas. Selected fellows receive a $10,000 stipend and join an in-person founder experience with mentorship, networking, and access to investors and experienced operators.

Funding Amount: $10,000
Who It’s For: Early-stage founders and technical builders
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here

13.Magnificent Grants

Magnificent Grants is a global fellowship and grant program that supports ambitious young builders, founders, researchers, and creators. The program provides funding, mentorship, and access to a community of high-achieving peers, helping recipients pursue projects with the potential to create meaningful impact. Unlike traditional startup funding, the grant is non-dilutive, meaning participants do not give up equity in exchange for support.

Funding Amount: $10,000
Who It’s For: Early-stage founders and innovators
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here

14.SOPHIE: Southern Ontario Pharmaceutical and Health Innovation Ecosystem

The Southern Ontario Pharmaceutical and Health Innovation Ecosystem (SOPHIE) program helps Ontario life science companies accelerate commercialization through funding, research partnerships, and access to clinical expertise.

Successful applicants can receive up to $100,000 in matching, non-dilutive funding to collaborate with an academic or hospital partner within Hamilton’s life sciences ecosystem.

Funding Amount: $10,000
Who It’s For: Early-stage founders and innovators in healthcare or life science
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here

For founders, timing is often the biggest barrier to funding, not eligibility. Rolling grant programs remove that friction by allowing entrepreneurs to apply when they are actually ready, rather than waiting for fixed application windows.

While most of these grants are relatively small compared to venture capital, they can be extremely valuable for validating ideas, covering early operational costs, and gaining initial traction. For many startups, especially in the early stages, this type of funding can be the difference between staying stuck and moving forward.

How do you go about funding your startup? Every startup needs some form of funding, even when bootstrapping. Something to cover the basic costs of operating a business, including servers, incorporation, tools, and everything in between.

We often see companies like Airbnb and assume they started with funding or smooth early traction, but the reality is many of them were incredibly scrappy in the early days.

A lot of startups, especially SaaS companies, begin as agencies. They use client work to fund internal experiments, and sometimes those side projects evolve into full companies.

Here are some of the most fascinating examples of startup funding done the scrappy way.

5. Spanx: Starting with savings

Spanx has one of the most fascinating founder stories. Sara Blakely had no industry connections, no venture backing, and no external funding.

In 1998, she was a 27-year-old door-to-door fax machine salesperson. She started her company with just $5,000 in personal savings. No team, no investors, and no manufacturing background.

She wrote her own patent application to save money and cold-called manufacturers until someone agreed to work with her. That early scrappiness became the foundation of a billion-dollar brand.

4. Basecamp: From agency work to product business

Basecamp started as a web design and development agency called 37signals. The founders were doing client work to pay the bills, but they kept running into the same internal problem: project management tools were messy, overcomplicated, and not built for how they actually worked.

Instead of raising funding or hiring a large team, they built a simple internal tool to manage client projects more effectively. That tool eventually became Basecamp.

The key shift was intentional. They did not immediately spin it out as a venture-backed startup. They used agency revenue to fund development while keeping the product extremely focused and profitable from early on.

Over time, Basecamp evolved into a fully independent product company built around a philosophy of simplicity, profitability, and sustainability. Even today, it stands as one of the clearest examples of a software company that chose discipline over rapid scaling.

3. GoPro: Selling belts to fund cameras

GoPro founder Nick Woodman started with a very different problem. He wanted a better way to capture surfing footage, but needed capital to build early prototypes.

To fund the idea, he sold inexpensive shell bead belts out of a van while traveling between surf spots. He also used personal savings and support from family to keep development going.

The scrappy part was not just fundraising, but building and testing the product in real environments while still figuring out how to pay for it.

2. Mailchimp: The side project that became the main business

Mailchimp did not begin as a standalone startup. It was originally built as an internal tool inside a web design agency to help clients send email campaigns.

Instead of raising money or spinning it out immediately, the founders continued running it as a side project. Revenue from agency work helped fund operations while the product slowly gained traction on its own.

Eventually, the side project outgrew the agency entirely and became the core business, scaling into one of the most well-known email marketing platforms without venture capital.

1. Airbnb: When cereal boxes kept the dream alive

This is by far the most iconic example. Selling cereal boxes to fund a startup sounds absurd, but it worked. Before becoming a global hospitality platform, Airbnb’s founders were struggling to raise money and keep the company afloat. One of their most famous moves was selling themed cereal boxes during a U.S. election cycle.

They created limited edition boxes inspired by presidential candidates and sold them as novelty items. It was not a scalable business model, but it worked as a lifeline. The project generated enough revenue to support early development and kept the company alive at a critical moment when investors were not convinced. What stands out is not the cereal itself, but the mindset behind it, treating anything as a funding opportunity when runway is running out.

Your job as a founder is to extend your runway. That often means finding creative ways to fund the startup while the core idea is still taking shape. The funding is rarely the main story. The main story is survival long enough to get to product-market fit.

Keep the main thing the main thing, and use whatever tools you have to stay in the game until it works.

So these days, anyone can get a product out. From vibe coding to letting AI do all the heavy lifting, it’s easier than ever to launch a snazzy website or build an app in record time. But the real question is, how do you actually get paying customers? What trends should founders pay attention to when it comes to marketing their startup in an increasingly noisy world?

According to Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, CMO might be the highest turnover executive role in Silicon Valley. Honestly, that sounds about right. Marketing is hard as hell, and there are no shortcuts.

“I think the highest turnover of any executive in Silicon Valley might be the CMO. You don’t see a lot of turnover in CFOs… you don’t see a lot of turnover in CTOs. Part of my theory is that what works in marketing changes every few years. You have to be adaptable and your old playbook gets outdated.”

— Brian Chesky

The reality is, what worked five years ago probably won’t work today. Attention shifts. Platforms change. Audiences evolve. Founders who win are usually the ones willing to adapt faster than everyone else.

Here are some ways to fire up your marketing and stand out above the noise:

1. Experiment the hell out of everything

Find a channel and test relentlessly. Try different messaging, formats, hooks, headlines, and audiences. What are people actually looking for? What resonates? What completely flops? Most startups fail at marketing because they stop experimenting too early. Sometimes the breakthrough comes after 20 bad attempts.

2. Be opinionated as hell

You can’t be everyone’s cup of tea. The startups people remember usually stand for something. Have a perspective. Say what others are afraid to say. Develop a unique voice and flavour that makes your brand impossible to ignore. Safe marketing is forgettable marketing.

3. Pick a channel and dominate it

A lot of founders spread themselves too thin trying to be everywhere at once. Focus your energy on one channel first and go deep. But before that, figure out where your users actually hang out. Are they on professional networking platforms? Are they more consumer-focused? Do they spend hours watching short-form video? Go where the attention already exists.

4. Get scrappy

Most startups don’t have massive marketing budgets, so creativity becomes your advantage. Some of the best startup marketing comes from founders doing things that don’t scale. Cold outreach, partnerships, memes, community engagement, content, events, DMs, storytelling, anything that gets people talking. Scrappiness beats polish in the early days.

5. Communities are the moat

Leverage every resource at your disposal to grow, even if it’s one percent at a time. If you’re building, don’t build in isolation. Communities can open doors to partnerships, customers, referrals, collaborators, and opportunities you never expected. Join communities like FoundersBeta to meet founders building at a similar stage and learn from people going through the same grind.

6. Events still matter

Not every event brings value, and some are just glorified sales pitches. But the right event can completely change your trajectory. Focus on building genuine relationships with people who will talk about your startup when you’re not in the room. Some of the best opportunities happen through random conversations, not polished pitches.

As you go about marketing your startup, remember this: nobody really gives a damn about features. People care about stories, emotions, outcomes, and connection. Features can be copied. Your story can’t.

The founders who break through the noise are usually the ones who know how to tell a story people actually want to follow.