International COMMERCIAL SUCCESS
Québec Tech offers a tailored service designed to accelerate the international growth of technology startups and support them in reaching $5M to $10M in annual sales.
Québec Tech recognizes the excellence of Québec’s most promising companies and those best positioned internationally through two distinctions — Stage V and Stage Vmax — based on their level of maturity. This rigorous selection ensures that resources and support are focused on companies with the potential to compete on global markets.
Stade V et Stade Vo
Stage V is a service designed to accelerate the international growth of technology startups and help them generate annual revenues ranging from $5M to $10M.
Stage Vo is a service aimed at strengthening the international market readiness of technology startups.
Both services are personalised and share a selective, entrepreneurial, agile approach with no equity taken.
Overview
For whom?
Startups in B2B that have already achieved product-market fit and have started sales here and/or internationally.
How ?
An individualized action plan, privileged express access and high-caliber expertise.
When?
3 recruitment rounds during the year.
Financial support
A budget envelope dedicated to each entrepreneur. Quebec Tech covers most of the costs incurred. The selected entrepreneurs will have to cover the balance.
Reference organizations
Business accelerators and incubators, seed funds, Investissement Québec International, Global Affairs Canada, Espace CDPQ, PME Montréal. View the complete list.
The services
Our interventions are tailored to each startup’s industry and stage of development, offering à la carte services and cross-functional resources.
Practical Information
Eligibility criteria
- A tech startup in B2B headquartered in Quebec, with the majority of shares owned by Quebec stakeholders, and holding the intellectual property of its solution
- With annual sales of at least $500,000, locally and/or internationally (exception for deeptech companies)
- A minimum of 5 active clients
- A minimum of 4-5 full-time employees
- With a mature and adaptable product
- With sufficient liquidity, 6 months or more
- No negative social and/or environmental impact, currently or in the future
- Be recommended by a reference organization recognized by Québec Tech (see the list)
- More details on exclusion criterion in the FAQ
Evaluation criteria
- Problem and market opportunity
- Market analysis and competitive landscape
- Innovativeness and maturity of the solution
- Business model and commercial traction
- Health and financial commitment
- Leadership skills and vision
Selection process
An independent and transparent process
1. Referral by a supporting organization
2. Invitation to apply and information session by Québec Tech
3. Submission of the application within the chosen period
4. Eligibility validation and evaluation by an independent expert committee
5.1. Final Stage V pitch in front of a jury of experienced entrepreneurs
5.2. Assessment of eligibility for Stage Vo of candidates not selected for Stage V
6. Announcement and launch of services
Calendar
Applications are based on recommendations from the relevant organizations. Applications must be completed before the submission deadline.
| Selection round | Application deadline |
|---|---|
| Spring | June |
| Fall | September/Octobre |
| Winter | January/February |
International growth support
Overview
Who is it for?
B2B startups that have achieved product-market fit and have already initiated sales locally and/or internationally.
How?
A personalized action plan, fast-tracked access to strategic markets, and support from high-caliber experts.
When?
3 recruitment rounds per year
Financial support
A dedicated budget is allocated to each company. Québec Tech covers part of the costs incurred, and selected companies are responsible for the remaining balance.
Services
Our areas of intervention are tailored to each startup’s stage of development and industry, offering both à la carte services and shared resources.
Questions?
Visit the FAQ or contact us at international@quebectech.com
Practical information for the Stage V distinction
Eligibility criteria
- A B2B technology startup headquartered in Québec, with majority Québec ownership and holding its own IP
- Minimum annual sales of $500,000 locally and/or internationally (exceptions may apply for deeptech companies)
- At least 5 active clients
- At least 5 full-time employees
- A mature and adaptable product
- Sufficient liquidity (minimum 6 months runway)
- No current or future negative social and/or environmental impact
- Additional exclusion criteria available in the FAQ
Evaluation criteria
- Problem and market opportunity
- Market analysis and competitive landscape
- Innovation and maturity of the solution
- Business model and commercial traction
- Financial health and commitment
- Leadership capabilities and vision
Selection process
An independent and transparent process:
- Submit an expression of interest
- Qualification by the Québec Tech team
- Invitation to apply and information session
- Application submission within the selected period
- Eligibility validation and evaluation by an independent expert committee
- Final pitch before a jury of experienced entrepreneurs
- Announcement of selected companies and launch of Stage V services
Some high-potential companies may also receive preparatory support to strengthen their strategy before accessing one of the distinctions.
Two distinctions: Stage V and Stage Vmax
As part of its International growth support services, Québec Tech distinguishes Québec technology companies that are succeeding on global markets. Two distinctions, one objective: accelerate their international growth.
These distinctions are supported by a strong ecosystem of partners, including accelerators, incubators, investment funds, funding organizations, Investissement Québec and Global Affairs Canada.
Stage V
This distinction recognizes Québec technology companies generating between $500K and $2.5M in revenue that have validated their business model and are beginning to scale internationally.
Stage V companies are selected by a jury of experienced entrepreneurs and gain access to an enhanced internationalization support offering.
Stage Vmax
Reserved for companies in a phase of accelerated growth, generating between $2.5M and $15M in annual revenue, that are actively deploying international sales capabilities and positioning themselves as global technology leaders.
Stage Vmax companies are selected by a jury of entrepreneurs, based on recommendations from Québec Tech.
For more information on how to access this distinction, consult the FAQ.