First Canadian Amazon Launchpad Store Opens

Amazon.ca announced Thursday (Dec. 1) that it is expanding Amazon Launchpad into Canada. Amazon Launchpad is an online store that showcases hundreds of different innovative products that are available for purchase by Canadian consumers.

“We are delighted to offer Canadian customers a variety of amazing products from some of the most inventive startups funded by renowned venture capital firms,” said Mike Strauch, Amazon.ca country manager, in a press release.

According to Amazon, Amazon Launchpad works with more than 100 venture capital firms, startup accelerators and crowd-funding platforms to bring products that are deemed innovative by Amazon. Canadian customers can search for and purchase hundreds of products backed by firms including Andreessen Horowitz, accelerators like Y Combinator and crowdfunding sites such as Kickstarter. The items cover a variety of product categories ranging from gadgets and kitchen to beauty and toys. Some of the products featured on Amazon Launchpad include an HD intercom communications system, chemical-free hair catcher, moldable glue that turns into rubber, solution to biking with music, modern grooming accessory and toilet nightlight, to name few.

The Amazon Launchpad program is open to entrepreneurs everywhere, offering a streamlined onboarding experience, custom product pages, marketing support and access to Amazon’s global fulfillment network, all geared toward helping startups successfully launch their products. With Amazon Launchpad, startups can overcome many of the challenges associated with launching new products by using Amazon’s retail expertise and infrastructure to create awareness and drive sales globally.

“The sheer scale that Amazon Launchpad offers a rapidly growing company like Nucleus is unparalleled,” said Morley Ivers, Canadian entrepreneur and president of Nucleus, in the press release. “In working closely with the Amazon Launchpad team, I’ve been consistently impressed with the level of service and access this program makes available. This relationship has already propelled my company to great things, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the Amazon Launchpad program.”