12 Days of Startups
A virtual holiday market like no other! Discover some of the most giftable items made by U of T startups to add to your holiday wish list.
Follow @uoftstartup on Instagram from December 1-12 for our daily startup spotlights and enter our giveaway or browse the curated list of B2C startups below.
For beauty lovers
Arbre
Arbre is a sustainable sun care brand, on a mission to create innovative and inclusive sun protection products. (In addition to their scalp sunscreen powder, Spruce, they also sell other merch like tote bags and ball caps.)
Co-founded by Kristina Knox & Stephanie Tien
Accelerator affiliation: ICUBE and The Hub @ UTSC
Blair & Jack
Blair + Jack provides clean, cruelty-free, physician-formulated skincare products that help men treat common skincare problems and unlock the power of putting their best faces forward. They simplify the process of getting physician-formulated skincare delivered to your home without a prescription.
Co-founded by Dr. Bimpe Ayeni & Ade Ajayi
Accelerator affiliation: BFN Accelerate
Natural Organic Matters (NORM)
Made in Canada with nothing but natural ingredients. NORM’s almond balm is handcrafted with natural ingredients making it the perfect go-to product for locking moisture. Their products work great for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Founded by Chevon Riley
Accelerator affiliation: BFN Accelerate and The Hub
Lulu Beauty
Lulu Beauty is a local innovative Canadian startup that specializes in false lashes that are durable, reusable, and environmentally friendly. Lulu’s mission is to help everyone their new look with Lulu Lashes.
Founded by Lulu Yang
Accelerator affiliations: The Bridge
For the wellness enthusiasts
Quintescent
Take your senses across the Indian Ocean region and enhance your mood by purifying your space with Quintescent’s premium essential oil blends.
Co-founded by sisters Noorène and Elya Djaffar
Accelerator affiliation: The BRIDGE
HypeDocs
HypeDocs democratizes recognition, making it easier to build confidence, and achieve your goals. We have a simple and easy to use Slack App that allows you to add your goals and all your small and big achievements, which you can then share with other folks too. Our favourite benefit is Hype Boosts – a daily reminder of your hypes, your goals and motivational messages to keep you going.
Promocode: 20% off using HYPEUOFT
Founded by Aashni Shah
Accelerator affiliation: Centre for Entrepreneurship
The Sea Moss Guy
The Sea Moss Guy Inc. is a black-owned business co-founded by Dezie and Clinton, a dynamic power couple of Caribbean descent based in the Greater Toronto Area. Embracing the wisdom of their cultural roots, The Sea Moss Guy Inc. was born from the belief that food is the best medicine.
Co-founded by Dezie St. Hilaire & Clinton Redhead
Accelerator affiliation: BFN Accelerate
P.J.C (Pajamas With Cause )
PJC empowers women of colour to sleep well in breathable, lightweight, plant-based PJs. Started as a Menopausal brand, PJC targets women whom are hot sleepers, night sweaters, and experiencing hormonal imbalance. Our trademark is Be you, Own it, Get good sleep™️.
Promocode: UFT15
Founded by Vanessa Sheriff
Accelerator affiliation: BFN Accelerate
The Sapphenix Movement Company
Give the gift of love this Christmas and experience the joy of life! Whether you planning a wedding, spicing up date night or on a solo journey to self love, this is the perfect way for you and your loved ones to reconnect with self and others.
Promocode: XMAS15
Founded by Kimberly Beckles
Accelerator affiliation: BFN Accelerate / The Hub
Nosebrush
Virus lingers in your nose before it infection, giving an opportunity to remove it. Nosebrush is an H2i venture company as a class 1 medical device with Health Canada Approval for the collection of coronavirus, influenza, common cold and RSV virus from the anterior nares. Less viral load, less illness.
Founded by Dr. Steven Moss
Accelerator affiliation: H2i
For the foodies
Afrobeats Snacks
At Afrobeats Snacks, we don’t just offer snacks; we deliver a cultural experience that transcends taste. Our journey began with a vision to infuse the vibrant rhythms and flavors of Afrobeats music into every bite, creating a culinary celebration that resonates with the soul.
Promocode: BFN for 10% off
Founded by Aiteka Ukonga
Accelerator affiliation: BFN
Inwit
Inwit allows you to take climate action while enjoying local bites! Inwit is Toronto’s first Zero Waste Food App. It is an innovative solution to single-use waste. A marketplace that encompasses a reusable container borrowing system, rewards system and a food ordering platform, all tracked by NFC technology.
Founded by Erica Reyes
Accelerator affiliation: ICUBE
For your four-legged friends
HOPE Pet Food
No holiday shopping list is complete without a treat for your furry friend! HOPE is an alternative protein pet food company that uses nutrient-rich and eco-friendly ingredients from insects, algae and fungi to create meat- and fish-free pet food formulas that deliver nutrition while protecting the planet.
Promocode: 20% off using UOFT20
Founded by Sofia Bonilla
Accelerator affiliation: ICUBE / UTEST
Coming in the New Year
Wearsos (coming soon)
In a world where fast fashion dominates, Wearsos stands for a different approach – slow fashion. Thoughtful and conscious choices come first for Wearsos’ mission to combat the throwaway culture. By upcycling materials like airline seats, sourcing locally when possible, and using alternative materials (Like e-leather or PinaTex), Wearsos aims to reduce waste, minimize our carbon footprint, and promote responsible consumption. Slated to open in 2024 – join their waitlist to be the first to know when products drop on their online store!
Founded by U of T alumna Lynne Corvaglia
Accelerator affiliation: The Hub
Happy holidays from U of T Entrepreneurship!