CDL Year
in Review
2021/22
Creative Destruction Lab’s mission is to enhance the commercialization of science for the betterment of humankind.
In a decade, CDL has brought together more than 15,000 founders with nearly 1,500 mentors across 19 streams in 10 locations, including five sites across Canada, two in Europe, and three in the US. In fall 2022, CDL will launch its 11th location in Tartu, Estonia.
At a Glance
Our impact
in numbers
210
graduates across 16 streams
587
ventures admitted into the program in 2021/22
At a Glance
Our impact
in numbers
$20B
equity value created since 2012, as priced by third party investors (CAD)
40
sessions hosted by CDL Sites
2,745
hands raised by CDL mentors to support ventures
22
ventures saved by one hand in Session #4
Reflections
From Our
CDL Mentors
CDL's Commerce Stream has successfully brought together high potential, scalable startups in areas as diverse as e-commerce, supply chain, pricing and operations. The setup provides a low overhead way to identify and support these startups in a manner which is one of its kind and highly effective for mentors like me as well as for the startup founders.
Sid Mookerji • Founding Partner, CDL-Atlanta Managing Partner, Silicon Road Ventures
CDL adds significant value to the startups in its Ocean cohort through a rigorous objective-based approach. With short time-lines between objective sprints, the startups are accountable to the CDL mentors and staff to reach and report on the milestones they set. This discipline can super-charge the important steps for the startup which are outlined in the objectives.
Millicent Pitts • Associate, CDL-Atlantic Executive Director, Ocean Exchange
Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) partner to launch a unique program for seed-stage companies commercializing cancer research results.
Launch of global CDL Space stream will unlock new worlds of possibility for founders. CDL’s global stream will build a bridge between space industries in North America and Europe.
Creative Destruction Lab and Material Change Institute partner to accelerate investors onboarding for professionals seeking to break into the investment industry.
In the midst of a digital transformation precipitated by a global pandemic, CDL is launching a specialized stream to advance core enabling technologies.
Amid global demand, supply chain issues as well as shifting political and regulatory landscapes, CDL-Seattle is recruiting startups in the field of advanced manufacturing.