Calgary, AB, May 2, 2025 – Startup Canada is thrilled to announce the 2025 Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition winners from the Calgary stop of the Startup Canada Tour. The competition was fierce, with bold pitches from passionate founders across industries vying for a chance to take their business global and win a cash prize to support their growth.

Taking first place and a $3,000 cash prize was Summit Dogwear, co-founded by Braden Haley, for their premium, Canadian-made outdoor gear for dogs that puts function and design first.

The People’s Choice Award, determined by audience vote, went to Valeria del Valle, founder of RIZADO, a community-rooted hair care brand celebrating textured hair and Latinx culture. Valeria received $1,000 and overwhelming support from attendees.

Both winners will advance to the Startup Global Finals in Mississauga, where they’ll compete for a share of $70,000 in cash prizes and national recognition.

Startup Canada extends sincere appreciation to the panel of expert judges who lent their insight, encouragement, and thoughtful evaluation to support these founders during the competition. Their role in shaping and spotlighting Canada’s next generation of global entrepreneurs is invaluable.

“The entrepreneurs who took the stage in Calgary blew us away with their creativity, resilience, and global ambition,” said Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada. “Their passion and bold ideas are exactly what Canada needs to lead on the world stage.”

The Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition is a national initiative to equip Canadian founders with the tools and exposure needed to scale globally.

About Startup Canada

Startup Canada is the gateway to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We’re here to connect entrepreneurs with the support, community, and tools they need to build a successful business in Canada. Since our inception in 2012, Startup Canada has grown to support more than 130,000 entrepreneurs annually and an ever-growing entrepreneurial ecosystem support network from coast to coast to coast. Through our flagship and digital programs, we provide guidance, eliminate barriers, and champion the needs of each and every entrepreneur to private and public sector partners. Startup Canada supports entrepreneurs in starting up and scaling up to ultimately make Canada the best place to start and build a business. For more information, visit https://www.startupcan.ca/.

Media Contact:
Startup Canada
Britney Bresciani
press@startupcan.ca