Arbre takes home third-place at Startup Canada Global Competition
U of T startup Arbre has won 3rd place in the 2022 Startup Global Pitch Competition. The co-founders will be taking home $10,000 (+ exclusive in-kind support) to use on growing their business, and going global.
Arbre, co-founded by U of T alumni Stephanie Tien and Kristina Knox, is pushing the limits in the beauty and wellness space with their innovative products – dry shampoo with SPF for your scalp. Tested for all skin and hair types, they are walking the walk of inclusive product development.
“Startup Global was such a great experience to be able to meet other amazing entrepreneurs, and get access to many resources that will be helpful for our company,” said Stephanie Tien. “We are so grateful to have won third place and thank you to Startup Canada for organizing the event!”
The flagship program Startup Global – of which the Startup Global Pitch Competition is a core pillar – connects a pan-Canadian cohort of early stage entrepreneurs who want to expand their operations across borders to new international markets.
Supported by an expansive network of partners dedicated to their success, the program aims to catalyze a national conversation surrounding the importance of increasing founder knowledge of exporting processes and possibilities, fostering collective support ecosystem efforts in improving access to global markets, and rightfully positioning Canada and its innovative early-stage ventures as internationally competitive.
“Today at Startup Canada’s first in-person pitch competition since the onset of the pandemic, we all witnessed the inspiring tenacity, innovation and passion present throughout Canada’s startup community. Founders Stephanie and Kristina are pushing the limits of cosmetic and beauty products,” said Kayla Isabelle, CEO at Startup Canada. “These ventures are the epitome of the thoughtful innovation and incredible ingenuity that Canadian businesses are known for on the global stage.”
Presented by UPS, Export Development Canada, and the Trade Commissioner Service, Startup Global celebrated and supported thousands of Canadian entrepreneurs as they navigated cross-border markets.