Creative Destruction Lab

What is Creative Destruction Lab?

Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a not-for-profit organization that functions as an accelerator for massively scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies. Originating from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto in 2012, CDL has expanded globally with 11 locations across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Australia.

Their specific focus is on companies that demonstrate the potential to significantly impact the social, industrial, and economic landscape through deep-science and technology-based innovations. Each year, CDL admits 25 ventures into their program, with half graduating after an 8-month-long intensive mentorship and development period.

CDL offers a unique milestone-based coaching to maximize equity-value creation, leading to $130M in equity value after 20 months. This is facilitated with the help of their G7 fellows, experienced entrepreneurs who've successfully built and scaled technology-based companies.

CDL does not take equity but instead facilitates investment from their G7 Fellows, partners, and VC firms. The program is geared towards early, seed, and later-stage ventures with investment ranging from $1,000,000 to $4,300,000.

CDL specializes in a wide array of industries including Web Marketplace SaaS, Business Solutions, Hardware & Manufacturing, Semiconductors, and others. CDL also provides in-depth workshops with star faculty from Rotman, strategic relationship assistance, and ancillary legal and accounting services from Canada's forward-thinking firms. They have contributed to the growth of notable companies like Atomwise, Thalmic Labs, Nymi, and Perceptiv Labs.

CDL has extended its reach to accommodate market-specific streams such as Artificial Intelligence, Climate, Health, Quantum, Space, and more, ensuring a dedicated focus area for a wide range of ventures.

What they say:

Creative Destruction Lab San Sebastián is a global, milestone-driven mentorship program for high-potential AI and deep tech startups, connecting technical founders with experienced operators, investors, and scientists.

What we look for: We accelerate startups in Deep tech, Applied AI, Machine learning, Artificial intelligence, Computer vision, NLP, LLM, Generative AI, Robotics, Edge computing, Distributed systems, High-performance computing, Optimization, Simulation, Digital twins, Advanced materials, Photonics, Quantum computing, Quantum software

How we help: We help founders clarify strategy, set measurable objectives, pressure-test assumptions, strengthen investor narratives, and accelerate fundraising readiness through hands-on mentorship and structured milestones.