From Campus Ventures to Friendship App: Luke Scott’s Path with Venture for Canada

Meet Luke Scott,

an entrepreneur with a passion for building meaningful connections and supporting small business growth. From running multiple on-campus ventures at Carleton University to co-founding an app designed to strengthen friendships, Luke’s journey reflects curiosity, creativity, and a drive to make an impact.

How did you first learn about Venture for Canada and what motivated you to get involved?

Luke first heard about Venture for Canada through friends who had gone through the Fellowship Academy after graduating from Carleton. Over coffee chats and catch-ups, they kept sharing how transformative the program had been—providing real-world exposure, a supportive community, and an insider’s view of the Canadian startup ecosystem.

“I’ve always had a passion for entrepreneurship and small business—there’s something exciting about building something from the ground up and making a real impact. At Carleton, I got involved with four different on-campus businesses, which gave me a solid foundation. But I wanted to immerse myself in the ecosystem beyond university, and VFC felt like the perfect next step: a way to grow, learn, and connect with other like-minded people who care deeply about innovation and entrepreneurship in Canada,” shares Luke.

Through the program, Luke landed his first job after graduating—as employee number one at a brand new Vancouver startup. “It was exactly the kind of hands-on, high-impact opportunity I was hoping for. Looking back, joining VFC was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It didn’t just kickstart my career—it gave me direction, a community, and the confidence to keep chasing ambitious goals,” explains Luke.

Do you have any exciting updates or stories to share with the VFC community? 

Luke and three other VFC Alumni recently launched Wednesday Waffles, a friendship-first app designed to strengthen bonds with the people who matter most.

“Every Wednesday morning, we nudge you to share a quick 3-minute video update with your closest friends. No filters, no feeds, no pressure. It’s a movement to make friendships a ritual—not an afterthought,” claims Luke. 

Which word best represents your entrepreneurial journey and can you share a challenge you’ve faced and overcome?

For Luke, the word is open-mindedness.

One of his biggest challenges came when he moved across Canada—from Ottawa to Vancouver—to join a brand new startup.

“Coming from university, where things are structured, the transition was a shock. I had to quickly adapt to a world where priorities shifted daily, roles were fluid, and learning happened on the job. It was uncomfortable at first, but incredibly rewarding. I learned how to work through ambiguity, shape my strengths to fit the needs of the venture, and become more proactive and flexible,” he says.

This experience taught Luke that the messiness of early-stage ventures is also where the most growth happens—and that leaning into the unknown can open new doors.

What’s the #1 piece of advice you would give to your younger self and the next generation of entrepreneurs? 

Luke’s advice is simple but powerful: “Start before you’re ready—perfect conditions rarely exist.”

Whether launching a startup, taking a new role, or moving across the country, Luke has learned that growth comes from embracing the leap, not waiting for the ideal moment.

About Venture for Canada’s Fellowship Academy

Ready for Startup Life? Let’s get you there! Learn the language, tools, and mindset Canada’s innovation economy expects, in just 8 weeks. Taught by 25+ founders, alumni, and industry experts. Get the real talk, guidance, and behind-the-scenes startup tips you won’t find in any textbook. When you join the Fellowship Academy, you get access to a network of 500+ alumni, mentors, and startup leaders who’ll back you up and open doors long after graduation.  

Sound like a fit? Apply by October 15th, 2025.