ApplyBoard has had many achievements since our 2015 founding. We recently surpassed 200 employees, secured C$55 million in Series B funding, and have helped thousands of students around the world access quality education. These successes have enabled us to expand our scope and services considerably. Also, our success has put us in a position to give back, as our CEO recently has with the University of Waterloo StartUp Pledge.
Charitable initiatives have always been an important part of ApplyBoard’s culture, and our CEO, Martin Basiri, recently had the chance to take part in a program of special significance. We’re excited to announce he’s signed a StartUp Pledge with the University of Waterloo (UW). Martin graduated from UW with a Master’s of Science in 2013.
Under the StartUp Pledge, UW alumni–especially startup founders–pledge their intent to donate a portion of their company’s future success to the university. In this case, Martin has agreed to donate a portion of ApplyBoard’s equity if the company has a liquidity event, such as an IPO, merger, or acquisition.
“I hope my future gift will help students like me,” says Martin. “It’s my time to give back to international students who may not have all the funds that they need or entrepreneurial students who could benefit from the Velocity program, as I did.”
The StartUp Pledge Funds Research and Education
The StartUp Pledge is a highly regarded part of UW’s alumni culture. Donations go into the university’s renowned entrepreneurial programs. They help to fund resources for ongoing research and education. For Martin, signing the pledge complements ApplyBoard’s mission of making education accessible around the world.
“I can’t imagine where I would be now if it wasn’t for my education,” he explains. “I am a very lucky person who had access to quality education in Iran and in Canada. Now it’s time to give back so others can get a quality education as well.”
To learn more about the Start-Up Pledge, visit the “Support Waterloo” section on the University of Waterloo’s website.
Interested in studying at the University of Waterloo? Visit their school page on the ApplyBoard platform for a list of available programs and other valuable information!
