Regina Noppe created Dream2B in 2015, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, and present in Brazil in São Paulo and Florianópolis. Is venture builder specialized in developing commercial opportunities for technology companies and startups between the Canadian and Brazilian markets.

Dream2B organizes everything from international startup acceleration and capital raising programs to the organization of international investment missions and development of business opportunities between companies from both countries. For the last five years, Regina Noppe's company has carried out the Dream2B Global Acceleration Program every year.

This year, 10 Brazilian startups are being selected greentech, focused on solving environmental impact problems. This year's event, scheduled from November 1st to 26th, will be online. More than 45 Brazilian startups have already participated in Dream2B's acceleration, business validation and mentoring programs, in partnership with the Canadian incubator Spark Centre, with the support of Softex and the Chamber of Commerce Brazil – Canada.

In this interview, Regina Noppe cites the attractions of the Canadian market and highlights the technology companies and startups that are most likely to grow in the country and seek other international markets.

What are the possibilities for a Brazilian startup in Canada?

Canada's ecosystem is very receptive to foreign entrepreneurs due to a series of government and market incentives. I would also say that Canada has a certain kind of advantage. It's a country of style go-better, to make it happen, without any obstacles. The Canadian market is an oasis for startups, for entrepreneurs, for businesses. To give you an idea, you can open a new company in 24 hours, in one day, without any bureaucracy. The opportunities are countless.

Which business segments currently have the most potential for growth in the country?

Canada is today the mecca of Artificial Intelligence in the world. Blockchain, games (VR/AR), cyber security and greentech These are very developed areas in the country. According to the Global Cleantech Innovation Index 2021, Canada is a global leader in clean technology and innovation, which reaffirms the capacity of the Canadian ecosystem for technologies that benefit the environment and green infrastructure to meet growing global demand.

Which Brazilian startups do you cite among your success stories after moving to Canada?

One of the cases we can mention would be Synkar, a startup from the Data H group that, after participating in our program and settling in Canada, managed to move forward with the development of the autonomous robot Ada. Today it has a partnership with iFood, which ended up buying a stake in this company. I also mention Safetest, a startup from Minas Gerais that developed the Covid 19 test with quick results and low value. I also mention the multistreaming platform Ciclano and Wedy, called “Me married” who participated in our programs.

Being the mecca of Artificial Intelligence, what types of Brazilian companies can be attracted to this area in Canada? 

Nowadays, practically all areas that apply Artificial Intelligence. We already take fintech and health tech, which are more common in using this technology. But we also have a startup that offers football professionals a product that uses Artificial Intelligence to capture visual and collective information about athletes' physical and tactical performance.

In Brazil, Blockchain is still little explored. What new perspectives can Canada open up in this area?

Canada is one of the great leaders when it comes to blockchain, due to being at the forefront of innovation, having cheap energy, fast internet and a favorable regulatory regime. The country is one of the pioneers with excellent leaders in the segment, which made inventions such as the Ethereum blockchain. Today there are more than 300 companies in this sector in the country.

In terms of internet security and in particular in the business world, Brazil has made great progress. But what possibilities can Canada offer for new Brazilian companies?

The country has taken this area very seriously and has invested heavily in several programs to encourage the development of technologies in the sector. Brazilian companies can benefit from these initiatives by forming strategic partnerships in the R&D area.

Dream2b has a special program to attract Brazilian startups focused on solving impacts on the environment. In this area, does Brazil, as a country with great environmental diversity and many problems to solve, have great potential for startups, both in Canada and here?

Certainly, the two countries can collaborate a lot in this area. One with great diversity and challenges, in need of solutions, and the other standing out as one of the world's great leaders in technologies that benefit the environment and green infrastructure to meet growing global demand.

In addition to growing in Canada, is a Brazilian startup from that country better able to conquer new global markets than being based only in Brazil?

Canada can be used as a platform to access other markets. Canada currently maintains free trade with 51 countries, which provides access to around 1.5 billion consumers. I also emphasize strategic access to the North American market, which due to its proximity can be considered Canada's 'backyard'. A Brazilian company that has its business validated in Canada can receive a much more subtle and accurate reception than if it attempted direct entry through Brazil.

Source: Empreendedor.com.br