Canterbury AI’s Journey with Berkeley SkyDeck

A Testament to Perseverance and Progress

In the dynamic and competitive world of startups, persistence and continual improvement are keys to success. This principle is vividly embodied in the story of Canterbury AI, and its pursuit to join Berkeley SkyDeck, one of the most prestigious startup accelerators globally. Over the past few years, Canterbury AI’s journey through the rigorous selection process of SkyDeck highlights not only the challenges faced by emerging companies but also the invaluable lessons learned with each attempt.

Founded with the vision to leverage artificial intelligence for transformative solutions, Canterbury AI first applied to SkyDeck in 2021. Despite a strong proposal, they did not advance beyond the preliminary stages. Undeterred, the team took this as an opportunity to refine their business model, enhance their technology, and better align with SkyDeck’s expectations. Their resilience paid off when they re-applied in 2022, advancing further in the selection process and gaining critical insights through feedback from SkyDeck’s panel of experts.

The year 2023 marked our third application to Berkeley SkyDeck. This time, the team reached the final interview stage, a significant achievement reflecting their growth and persistent efforts to adapt and innovate. During this phase, we engaged in three intensive interviews, demonstrating our refined business strategy and advanced software. Each round offered the team deeper insights into the venture capital perspective and the competitive landscape of tech startups.

Although we did not ultimately qualify for the Batch 18 Cohort, our journey to the final stage is a testament to our development and tenacity. The feedback received has been immensely beneficial, guiding further improvements and strategic adjustments. Importantly, Berkeley SkyDeck recognized Canterbury AI’s potential and progress by inviting us to reapply in the future, underscoring their belief in the company’s promising trajectory.

This ongoing engagement with Berkeley SkyDeck has not only strengthened Canterbury AI’s resolve but has also equipped them with valuable insights and connections within the industry. As they continue to refine their offerings and strategic approach, the lessons learned through each application cycle are invaluable. They stand as a beacon of resilience and adaptability, qualities that are indispensable in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Canterbury AI’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance in the startup ecosystem. Each setback has been transformed into a stepping stone for improvement and success. As they prepare for their next application, the team is optimistic and better prepared, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Our intention is to reapply but with a new project in 2024..