Dedicated to innovative founders who have big dreams and world-changing ideas, TechAlliance CEO, Christina Fox announced that the organization will move into a stunning heritage property at 333 Dufferin Avenue on April 1, 2020.

“As the Regional Innovation Centre for the Southwestern Ontario corridor, TechAlliance is committed to increasing support for innovative companies at every stage, from pre-ideation to growth and beyond – this is our promise to our stakeholders,” says Fox. “Our new downtown location delivers on that promise.”

“Following the addition of five new technology and business leaders to our Board, this move further advances our bold, new vision for building a future-ready, globally-competitive innovation economy that enables entrepreneurship, spurs accelerated growth, and attracts ambitious talent and new companies for hyper-local impact.”

London Mayor Ed Holder is equally enthusiastic about the potential impacts of this announcement. “This move by TechAlliance demonstrates a significant commitment to the heart of our city. Their new home is just a stone’s throw from London City Hall, and within walking distance of numerous other tech companies located in downtown London. This not only allows TechAlliance to become an even stronger partner in job creation, while driving continued prosperity in our innovation economy, it also contributes to a thriving and vibrant core.”

Fox recalls when the TechAlliance team first saw the new space, “Walking in the front door, we knew immediately this was the right place for TechAlliance, our partners and our technology companies to evolve. As renovations have progressed, we can feel 333 Dufferin capturing a unique blend of London’s rich entrepreneurial past and the vibrant future we envision for our region’s innovation economy.”

“One of the most powerful pieces of that vision is amplifying the energy being generated by technology companies like Voices.com, Race Roster, Digital Extremes, Big Blue Bubble, tbk, Info-Tech Research Group, and Mobials,” continues Fox. “They — and many others — have established themselves downtown, and that’s why it was important to them, and to us, that TechAlliance joins them in the city’s core.”

“In hockey, centre ice is where the puck drops and all of the action begins. Every successful entrepreneurial community around the world has that centre ice location where all activity moves through, building a critical mass and boosting prosperity,” explains David Strucke, CEO of Media Sonar and Vice-chair of TechAlliance’s Board of Directors. “Setting up shop at 333 Dufferin offers that focal point for our region, creating collisions and opportunities for collaboration between tech companies at every stage, and nurturing a true sense of community, where the rising tide lifts all boats.”

“Moving downtown was a pivotal shift for Autodata,” adds Keith Murray, COO of Autodata Solutions. “The visibility of being downtown – the center for dining, entertainment and local merchants, the benefits of all that downtown has to offer – is a significant factor in attracting talent and providing an engaging environment for all employees. It’s an invigorating time for TechAlliance – the move represents a new beginning and an opportunity to shape how they will engage with the London tech community in the future. I couldn’t be more thrilled for Christina and the TechAlliance team as they make their mark in Downtown London!”

 

In addition to expanded office, meeting and event spaces, 333 Dufferin Avenue will also offer co-working space for high-potential startups and scale-ups, providing them with immediate access to TechAlliance’s team, Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, and partner organizations SWO Angels and OCE.

“Space for our companies was a major next step in our focused strategy to support growing businesses in the region,” says Anita Sutton, Founder of TechAlliance’s GROW Accelerator. “Co-location is a key factor in a startup’s survival and traction, enabling them to work faster, quicker, and better together. Not only through close proximity to advisors, experienced mentors, and funders, but also by tapping into each other’s deep expertise and talents.”

Jenessa Olson, Co-Founder and CEO of fashion rental startup STMNT, agrees, “Having access to funders, expert mentors and flexible space shared with founders dealing with the same challenges as Madison and I is invaluable to our business as we scale. We look forward to hosting customers, advisors and investors in this amazing new venue.”

By intensifying support and resources for high-potential companies, TechAlliance plays an even larger role in attracting and keeping skilled tech talent in our region, which will serve as a magnet to companies around the world considering an outpost in London or Southwestern Ontario.  

“With scaling companies come quality jobs being created and filled,” adds Jennifer Starcok, People & Operations Leader with TechAlliance. “Which increases the career trajectory for industry professionals, graduating students, and for people outside the region who are inspired by the culturally-rich quality of life that the Forest City has to offer.

“Positioning ourselves in the downtown core makes high-quality professional development and networking opportunities even more accessible for technology entrepreneurs in the ecosystem,” Starcok adds. “It’s also our hope that being close to Grand Theatre, Museum London, and Victoria Park will inject a balanced lifestyle into what’s known as ‘startup hustle culture.’ We’re proud to model that this is what business culture could look like.”

“333 Dufferin began as an entrepreneur’s retreat, and for over 140 years it has housed many other business ventures,” Fox concludes. “Today’s announcement means that in just a few weeks, TechAlliance will transform it into a home for the next generation of entrepreneurs, a gathering place for scaling companies, and a foundation upon which we will drive Southwestern Ontario’s innovation economy.”

History of 333 Dufferin Avenue

333 Dufferin Avenue was originally built in 1878 for Nathaniel Reid, one of London’s first entrepreneurs. Designed by William Robinson, a key figure in the early growth and style of the city, the distinctive Ontario Cottage style and historic London Doorway of this West Woodfield Heritage Conservation District heritage property has been lovingly restored by Design House London to seamlessly blend past and future: classic London architecture powered by fibre optics and 5G wireless networks.

Additional Support from the Community

“While angel investors are often thought to be exclusively funders, we have an important role to play as advisors and mentors, creating value for everyone involved. Sharing space with TechAlliance means that SWO Angels | Equation Angels can facilitate learning, networking, and growth, and are accessible to emerging startups and entrepreneurs, to streamline funding and increase the odds for these companies to succeed.” – Dennis Ensing, CEO, SWO Angels

“Accelerating innovation through game-changing research and vibrant collaboration, OCE is committed to being where bright minds connect. Making a permanent move with TechAlliance demonstrates our interest in leading successful commercialization and job creation, across Southwestern Ontario, together.” – Jeff Van Heumen PhD, Business Development and Commercialization Manager, OCE

“The Roundhouse Accelerator is excited to welcome TechAlliance to the downtown core. Their move will strengthen our shared, bold vision of expanding the vibrant tech ecosystem in London and surrounding areas, and helping business owners, founders and the teams in early-stage companies achieve their dreams.” – Brian Foster, Co-founder, RH Accelerator