Creative Destruction Lab (CDL)

The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a seed-stage acceleration program founded in 2012 at the Rotman School of Management in Toronto, Canada. It is dedicated to supporting massively scalable, science- and technology-based ventures by providing a unique coaching process focused on specific objectives. CDL connects startups with experienced entrepreneurs and leading scientists across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, quantum computing, blockchain, energy, and cleantech. The program has expanded its reach, operating in six cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and New York City, and emphasizes the commercialization of scientific and technological advancements.

Rob Barbara

Associate

Charles Conn

Associate

Todd Crescenzo

Associate

Mark Evans

Associate

Bernard W. Gray

Associate

Bettina Hamelin

Associate

Christophe Jurczak

Associate

Patrick Kappel

Venture Manager, Space stream

Sue Marks

Associate

Oliver Plunkett

Associate

Jay Rhind

Associate

KJELL SKAPPEL

Founding Partner and Associate

Katharine Tomko

Associate

Tony Bommel

Associate

Past deals in Geospatial

Eartheye Space

Pre Seed Round in 2024
Eartheye Space specializes in developing a comprehensive geographic information platform. This platform aggregates and presents data from various satellites, offering multiple sensor views on a single screen. It enables clients to securely extract information and generate insights in real-time, making geospatial data more accessible, affordable, and user-friendly for informed decision-making.

Kall Morris

Non Equity Assistance in 2022
Kall Morris is a space solutions company developing technology for rendezvousing, retrieving, and relocating objects in orbit. It aims to safeguard space and its services by using proprietary AI/ML software and patented hardware to secure orbital hazards non-destructively.

TrustPoint

Non Equity Assistance in 2022
TrustPoint is developing a next-generation GPS signal processing technology to provide the performance and reliability required for safety-critical automation, vital infrastructure, and seamless augmented reality.

Quindar

Non Equity Assistance in 2022
Quindar is a provider of a cloud-based platform designed specifically for spacecraft analysis and operations. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes satellite mission management, engineering analytics, and integration. Its platform enables satellite owners to monitor, track, and operate their satellites efficiently, covering aspects from deployment into space to ongoing management. Key features of Quindar's offerings include spacecraft schedule optimization, orbit determination, and collision avoidance services, facilitating streamlined operations for satellite missions. By serving as a one-stop shop in the cloud, Quindar enhances the effectiveness and safety of satellite deployments and operations.

Lumi Space

Non Equity Assistance in 2022
Lumi Space is a company focused on addressing the growing threat of space debris, which poses significant risks to space operations and satellite infrastructure. By offering precise commercial information on satellite orbits, Lumi Space enhances insights into potential collision risks in the increasingly crowded space environment. The company has developed a satellite technology platform that utilizes satellite laser ranging to deliver accurate space surveillance data. In addition to data services, Lumi Space provides satellite retroreflectors and is advancing high-power laser technologies. This innovation aims to minimize the environmental impact associated with satellite operations, contributing to a more sustainable future for the commercial space sector.

precursor SPC

Non Equity Assistance in 2022
Precursor SPC is focused on creating an AI-driven network of ground sensors and satellites that deliver geospatial intelligence services aimed at addressing critical challenges related to space weather and natural disasters. The company offers real-time information on space weather conditions and advanced earthquake forecasting, enabling decision-makers to anticipate seismic events and manage operational risks effectively. Their two primary applications include predicting earthquakes days ahead of occurrences and providing high-resolution, real-time representations of the ionosphere for space weather nowcasting. Precursor SPC targets key market segments such as insurance providers, government agencies, and large asset holders, equipping them with insights that help minimize damage and enhance preparedness for significant environmental events.

NewOrbit

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
NewOrbit is a satellite manufacturer focused on deploying satellites at extremely low altitudes to enhance telecommunications capabilities and image resolution. The company's satellites deliver higher signal strength and better imaging while reducing mission costs and increasing efficiency for customers in the telecommunications and imaging industries.

HazardHub

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Founded in 2016, HazardHub provides property-level hazard risk databases covering the United States. It offers comprehensive data on risks from air, water, earth, and fire perils, enabling informed decision-making for property owners, insurers, and disaster management officials.

Orbital EOS

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Orbital EOS S.L., established in 2019 and headquartered in Valencia, Spain, specializes in earth observation solutions. The company offers services such as oil spill detection, ship tracking, coastal monitoring, wildfire detection, logistics support, and air quality assessment using satellite-based technologies. Its core expertise lies in the maritime domain, with a focus on continuous surveillance of oceanic areas to detect marine pollution and monitor shipping activities.

Geckomatics

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Geckomatics assists businesses and governments in deriving insights from public space assets. It offers up-to-date data services with a flexible, secure cloud-based platform that ensures users always have the latest updates.

Blue Ocean Gear

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Blue Ocean Gear designs and manufactures rugged GPS tracking buoys for fixed gear fishers. Their patented SmartBuoy suite enables real-time monitoring of gear location, enhancing operational efficiency by reducing fuel costs and lost equipment. Additionally, their 'IoT for the oceans' approach helps mitigate environmental impacts from lost gear.

Watermarq

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Watermarq is a company focused on developing decision-useful data to enhance water security through investment and collective action. By utilizing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, Watermarq extracts high-resolution data from satellite imagery to provide operational insights into various environmental, social, and governance risks. Their outputs include accessible information on water availability, quality, value, and access, tailored for stakeholders in the public, private, and financial services sectors. This approach allows clients to make informed decisions based on observed data, facilitating better risk assessments and fostering sustainable water management practices.

Paper Crane

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Paper Crane is a startup focused on developing foundational artificial intelligence technologies aimed at enhancing accessibility to advanced geospatial data insights. The company’s technology platform provides users with licensed location and weather data, along with various analytical tools. This allows organizations and individuals to access and utilize geo data in a more flexible manner. By prioritizing accessibility, Paper Crane strives to make location intelligence available to a broader audience.

RockMass Technologies

Seed Round in 2020
RockMass Technologies specializes in developing innovative tools for geological mapping. Their primary product is a data collection tool designed to efficiently, accurately, and safely measure structural information from exposed rock faces. This technology benefits geologists working in mining, civil engineering, exploration, and education by enhancing their ability to assess the stability of structures.

Dynamhex

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Dynamhex operates an emission monitoring platform that provides detailed insights into energy consumption data for individuals, corporations, and government entities. The platform enables users to measure their emission footprints and develop effective reduction strategies aligned with science-based targets. By employing geospatial analytics and advanced visualization techniques, Dynamhex helps city governments and businesses make informed, environmentally responsible decisions. This functionality supports climate leaders in their efforts to combat climate change by facilitating timely and data-driven decision-making.

4pi Lab

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
4pi Lab is focused on creating an advanced solution for early wildfire detection, geolocation, and monitoring to mitigate the effects of catastrophic wildfires. The company employs a proprietary services platform that utilizes a satellite constellation to provide real-time detection and monitoring of wildfires. By utilizing artificial intelligence for alert reporting with exceptional resolution, 4pi Lab enables organizations to identify and respond to small wildfires within minutes. This innovative approach aims to address the growing challenges posed by wildfires on a global scale, supporting customers in making informed, data-driven decisions to enhance their wildfire management efforts.

Miles Space

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Miles Space is a Tampa, Florida-based company focused on developing advanced spacecraft propulsion and communication technologies. They specialize in innovative products such as plasma thrusters and signal processing systems, which enhance communication capabilities for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) systems. By employing novel technologies like failsafe computing clusters and symbol-aware emitter fingerprinting, Miles Space aims to provide cost-effective solutions for satellite communications, significantly reducing the expenses associated with traditional communication systems. The company is also engaged in the creation of miniature spacecraft designed to travel into outer space, showcasing their groundbreaking navigation and propulsion technologies.

Open Ocean Robotics

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Open Ocean Robotics is a company that specializes in collecting ocean data using solar-powered autonomous boats. Founded in 2018 and based in Victoria, British Columbia, the company operates unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) equipped with sensors, cameras, and communication devices. These boats can gather real-time information from various locations across the ocean, providing valuable insights for environmental protection and sustainability. Their data collection capabilities are instrumental in monitoring ocean traffic, detecting illegal fishing activities, studying marine mammals, and understanding the effects of climate change. By offering a safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional crewed vessels, Open Ocean Robotics contributes to the preservation of marine ecosystems and the promotion of responsible ocean management.

Red Leader

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Red Leader is a hardware and software company developing high-definition software-defined lidar systems for 3D mapping. Based in Palo Alto, California, the company designs software-defined lidar that acts as a three-dimensional camera with full-depth information, offering controllable zoom-in capabilities and imaging hundreds of lasers simultaneously, rather than a single beam. This enables higher image resolution and easier integration, supporting scalable manufacturability for clients.

MicroTraffic

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
MicroTraffic is a technology company focused on enhancing road safety through the use of AI-powered computer vision and existing overhead traffic cameras. Its platform analyzes traffic video to detect near-misses and predict the likelihood of future collisions, enabling cities to develop proactive road safety improvement plans. By supporting traffic engineering groups in public works departments, MicroTraffic aids in the pursuit of Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate road fatalities. The company has successfully deployed its technology in 95 cities worldwide, including prominent locations such as Los Angeles, Austin, and Amsterdam. MicroTraffic's proprietary system boasts a crash prediction accuracy of 94%, and cities that implement its safety strategies experience an average risk reduction of 80%. With road crashes being the eighth leading cause of death globally and costing cities significant financial resources each year, MicroTraffic is dedicated to making intersections safer for all users.

Impossible Sensing

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Impossible Sensing specializes in the development of advanced optical sensor technologies aimed at enhancing exploration in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments. The company focuses on creating ultra-sensitive laser spectrometers that can be integrated into onboard landers and rovers, facilitating automated sample capture during space missions. Their innovations support a variety of applications, including space exploration, ocean exploration, and resource extraction in sectors such as mining and oil and gas. Additionally, Impossible Sensing emphasizes the use of data analytics and optoelectronics to enable in-situ geochemical analysis, making significant contributions to fields like spectroscopy and low-limit detection.

Deep Planet

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Deep Planet develops an AI-driven platform that combines satellite imagery and IoT sensor data to deliver actionable insights for agriculture, with a focus on wine grape growing to help growers and winemakers optimize yields and quality while improving sustainability; the platform applies space technology to broader agriculture and forestry, enabling growers and supply chains to detect problems, optimize resources, and make informed decisions across sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and water management.

Red Leader

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Red Leader is a hardware and software company developing high-definition software-defined lidar systems for 3D mapping. Based in Palo Alto, California, the company designs software-defined lidar that acts as a three-dimensional camera with full-depth information, offering controllable zoom-in capabilities and imaging hundreds of lasers simultaneously, rather than a single beam. This enables higher image resolution and easier integration, supporting scalable manufacturability for clients.

Pixxel

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Pixxel is space data company that develops hyperspectral earth-imaging satellite constellations to provide global coverage, capturing geospatial data for applications such as climate monitoring, crop yield prediction, urban planning, and disaster response. The constellation aims to deliver near-daily imagery, enabling detection, monitoring, and prediction of global phenomena. The company also offers satellites as a service, allowing clients to access and operate imaging assets to monitor changing environmental, economic, and security conditions. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Bengaluru, India.

NXT Farm

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
NXT Farm provides industry-first algorithms for processing satellite imagery which help a farmer optimize their inputs and maximize their yields.

Ratio.City

Seed Round in 2019
Ratio.City is a Toronto-based developer of an online mapping and analysis platform for real estate development. The platform enables users to identify potential development locations and to model 3D building massing for low-, mid-, and high-rise scenarios while incorporating city planning regulations to inform land valuations. By generating a three-dimensional building simulation, it helps real estate professionals strategically identify sites that fit target markets and quickly assess land value. The company focuses on providing tools and data to evaluate development opportunities efficiently. Founded in 2017, Ratio.City serves the real estate industry.

RoadBotics

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
RoadBotics uses advanced computer vision technology to inspect roads and infrastructure globally. It rapidly identifies road issues at scale, providing unbiased ratings and interactive maps for data-driven decision-making by governments and communities.

Plotlogic

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Plotlogic Pty Ltd is an Australian technology company specializing in ore characterization systems for the mining sector. Based in Brisbane and established in 2005, it employs advanced hyperspectral imaging and AI-driven platforms to enable mine operators to accurately identify the location and material properties of every rock in the mine. Its key products include OreSense LV, which assesses deviations from geological models; OreBlocks, an API for optimizing the planning process; and OreCheck, which delivers real-time alerts to fluctuations in ore quality. The company aims to enhance yield in critical mineral extraction while promoting sustainable mining practices by improving ore recovery, minimizing dilution, and reducing carbon emissions. Plotlogic also offers tailored on-site and off-site support services to ensure effective use of its technologies across various commodities, including coal, iron ore, and gold.

Xocean

Angel Round in 2019
Xocean provides comprehensive ocean data solutions using uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). It specializes in seabed mapping and environmental monitoring, offering turnkey services that include data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. The company's proprietary technology ensures high-quality results for clients in the offshore industry.

Geocento

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Geocento provides a virtual constellation design and management platform that streamlines the procurement of earth observation imagery, enabling flexible and cost-efficient access to geospatial data. The platform combines supplier lifecycle management, dynamic purchasing, and virtual constellation design to serve government agencies, defense organizations, and commercial enterprises, helping optimize imaging needs and enhance operational control. It supports multi-source data access with harmonised licensing, enabling synergistic use of diverse datasets, and offers independent advisory guidance to help customers navigate the complexities of earth observation technology.

Bluefield

Seed Round in 2019
Bluefield Technologies Inc. is a technology company based in Palo Alto, California, established in 2017, that specializes in developing microsatellite sensors for monitoring methane emissions. The company offers advanced remote sensing technology that utilizes artificial intelligence imaging and analysis to deliver precise, continuous detection of methane leaks. Bluefield's platform enables users, including those in the oil and gas sector, as well as regulatory and environmental organizations, to track emissions and monitor climate change effectively. Its innovative approach involves using compact, backpack-sized satellites to capture comprehensive data on methane emissions globally, providing critical alerts and analytics to assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Ondaka

Seed Round in 2019
Ondaka is a technology company founded in 2017 and based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in high-resolution 3D visualizations for the oil and gas sector, as well as heavy equipment industries. The company focuses on delivering interactive visual understanding and contextualized data to facility engineers and project stakeholders, enhancing their ability to manage remote assets effectively. Ondaka's platform integrates asset visualization, AI-driven data surfacing, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, allowing clients to access mission-critical information quickly. This innovative approach helps clients save time and improve safety by providing intuitive data management tools tailored to the demands of heavy industry and critical infrastructure. Ondaka has established a diverse client base that includes major operators and oilfield service companies, addressing needs across various operational stages, from well pads to pipelines and refineries.

Wyvern

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Wyvern operates space satellites equipped with hyperspectral sensors, capturing high-resolution imagery across multiple spectral bands. This enables diverse applications such as agriculture monitoring, forestry management, environmental assessment, and geospatial intelligence.

Quantopo

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Quantopo uses quantum computing and geometry-based algorithms to provide computation in supply chain and logistics. Quantopo’s time-series-based solutions are expected to help manufacturing companies better understand consumption patterns, future budgets, and optimal routing of supplies among different locations.

SB Quantum

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
SBQuantum is building an integrated product offering that first detects and then understands changes in magnetic resonance lines before visualizing the output on a customizable platform. They use magnetic intelligence to build a precise, localized magnetic model of the earth that will allow them to understand and navigate through the environment.

GeologicAI

Grant in 2018
GeologicAI develops a cloud‑based platform that hosts, visualises and analyses geological, production and related data for the oil and gas sector. The system specialises in generating and analysing geological information at millimetre resolution, a capability essential for exploring and producing unconventional resources. By delivering detailed reservoir insights, the platform supports exploration and production companies in both oil and gas and mining industries.

Bluefield

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Bluefield Technologies Inc. is a technology company based in Palo Alto, California, established in 2017, that specializes in developing microsatellite sensors for monitoring methane emissions. The company offers advanced remote sensing technology that utilizes artificial intelligence imaging and analysis to deliver precise, continuous detection of methane leaks. Bluefield's platform enables users, including those in the oil and gas sector, as well as regulatory and environmental organizations, to track emissions and monitor climate change effectively. Its innovative approach involves using compact, backpack-sized satellites to capture comprehensive data on methane emissions globally, providing critical alerts and analytics to assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Ideon Technologies

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Ideon Technologies develops advanced borehole detectors and a discovery platform that integrates proprietary sensors, imaging systems, inversion technologies, and AI for detecting subsurface muons. This enables x-ray-like imaging and generation of 3D density maps, serving industries such as mining, oil & gas, infrastructure, and security.

RockMass Technologies

Convertible Note in 2018
RockMass Technologies specializes in developing innovative tools for geological mapping. Their primary product is a data collection tool designed to efficiently, accurately, and safely measure structural information from exposed rock faces. This technology benefits geologists working in mining, civil engineering, exploration, and education by enhancing their ability to assess the stability of structures.

InnerSpace

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
InnerSpace Technologies Inc., established in 2014 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, specializes in indoor mapping and navigation solutions. It offers a turnkey platform that automatically generates maps and locates people and objects within indoor spaces using advanced mapping technology, smartphone-compatible sensors, and machine learning. The company's location-as-a-service provides contextual maps and positioning data on a subscription basis, catering to both enterprise and consumer needs. With a global presence, InnerSpace serves clients primarily in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Canada, helping them make informed decisions about space utilization and corporate real estate.

Nava

Pre Seed Round in 2017
Nava is a company focused on bridging the gap between offline and online experiences, aiming to capitalize on a significant market opportunity. By collaborating with business owners, chefs, artists, and designers, Nava crafts unique narratives that integrate content with data science, guiding consumers from discovery to purchase. The company utilizes behavioral and geospatial data to assist independent shop owners in attracting and retaining a loyal customer base. Additionally, Nava has developed a travel itinerary application that helps users explore lesser-known destinations tailored to their preferences. This application leverages data collected through user interactions and social graphs, employing machine learning to generate insights that enhance travel experiences. Overall, Nava is dedicated to providing small and medium-sized enterprises with tools to create immersive and personalized experiences for their customers.

Local Logic

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Local Logic is a location intelligence platform based in Montreal, Quebec, that focuses on digitizing the built environment to make location data understandable and actionable for various stakeholders, including consumers, investors, developers, and governments. The platform harnesses artificial intelligence, geospatial data, and user-generated information to offer insights into lifestyle and location characteristics. With proprietary insights derived from over 75 billion data points, Local Logic provides predictive and precise analytics that inform decision-making in the real estate sector, which impacts the vast real estate market in the US and Canada. The company's services cater to commercial real estate, urban planning, and other location-based industries, assisting major developers and investors in shaping sustainable and equitable urban environments.

SkyWatch

Seed Round in 2016
SkyWatch is a company that offers a digital infrastructure for the distribution of Earth observation data and derived intelligence. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, it has developed a satellite data intelligence platform that aims to make satellite data accessible to a wide range of users. The platform enables developers to integrate Earth observation data into their applications and workflows efficiently, supporting various applications such as crop monitoring, market prediction, tracking of ships and airplanes, and measuring global warming. By providing tools for data analysis and access to remote sensing datasets, SkyWatch empowers users to leverage satellite data for diverse purposes.

SkyWatch

Non Equity Assistance in 2015
SkyWatch is a company that offers a digital infrastructure for the distribution of Earth observation data and derived intelligence. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, it has developed a satellite data intelligence platform that aims to make satellite data accessible to a wide range of users. The platform enables developers to integrate Earth observation data into their applications and workflows efficiently, supporting various applications such as crop monitoring, market prediction, tracking of ships and airplanes, and measuring global warming. By providing tools for data analysis and access to remote sensing datasets, SkyWatch empowers users to leverage satellite data for diverse purposes.

PiinPoint

Non Equity Assistance in 2013
PiinPoint is a location analytics company based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2013 by Adam Saunders and Jim Robeson. The company offers a web-based platform that enables businesses to identify new locations for expansion and forecast potential site sales in North America. PiinPoint's services include monitoring the performance of existing locations, identifying key factors for success, and generating detailed reports that analyze various potential sites. By providing tailored forecasting models and integrating multiple datasets—such as traffic patterns, demographics, and available real estate—PiinPoint equips organizations with the tools necessary to validate and determine optimal expansion locations.
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