What's New
Every major update, launch, and milestone in ESCAPE's journey, from founding to 300+ features and counting.
Communities rebuilt from the ground up, Vibe matching, AI compatibility scoring, questionnaires, memories, interactive map, recurring events, multi-currency payments, chat upgrades, web platform, and full 15-language support.
Read moreDMZ Program
Accepted into DMZ, the #1 university-based incubator in North America. Refined go-to-market strategy and prepared for the v2.0 launch.
Tested the New York Market
Hosted 5 official events at New York Tech Week to validate demand outside Toronto. Connected hundreds of attendees and proved the platform works in a new city.
Full Rebuild — Went All In
After validating the concept through beta testing and 50+ hosted events, we made the decision to rebuild the entire platform from scratch. New architecture, new design, new everything. 300+ features built from zero.
Completed The Founders Journey
Finished The Founders Journey enterprise process at Morrissette Entrepreneurship, Western University. Strengthened business fundamentals and scaling strategy.
Mitacs Entrepreneur International
Partnered with Mitacs Entrepreneur International program, supporting cross-border research and international market expansion.
UWaterloo MBET Partnership
Partnered with the University of Waterloo Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology program for research and business validation.
Soft Launch — v1.1
Soft-launched the app with event invitation sharing via web, chat, and core social features. Used to validate the product with real users and partners.
Beta Testing & 50+ Events
Released v1.0 for beta testing. Validated the concept by hosting and partnering on 50+ events with venues, restaurants, and community organizations across Toronto.
UTE / ONRamp Program
Joined the University of Toronto Entrepreneurship ONRamp program, expanding our network in the Toronto startup ecosystem.
Canada Startup Visa Program
Accepted into the Canada Startup Visa Program through Treefrog Accelerator, establishing ESCAPE as a designated Canadian startup.
Velocity & AWS Build Accelerator
Completed the Velocity program at University of Waterloo and AWS Build Accelerator. Joined TheHub incubator (later renamed Sicieeil).
Founded in Toronto, Canada
ESCAPE was founded with a mission to turn daily interests into real-life friendships. Backed by Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business at University of Waterloo.