The Quebec billionaire behind Cirque du Soleil, Guy Laliberté, announced a $1.4 million donation through his foundation to techno incubator Zú on Monday morning.
“This announcement marks a significant turning point in the relationship between Zú and Guy Laliberté. From a dream he had in 2017, Zú is now a solid organization, considered one of the most important technology incubators in Quebec,” explained Dimitri Gourdin, general director of Zú, in a press release.
The money received can be used to create two new scholarships.
A $15,000 grant will go to a young company with a social, ethical and environmental impact.
Women’s handbag
The Zú Incubator will also award a scholarship to a young woman-led start-up company, as women at the helm of such a company still make up barely 15 to 20% in the industry.
Launched in 2017 by Guy Laliberté, the Zú incubator has helped more than 90 companies and won the trust of numerous partners and donors.
Last year, Le Journal reported that Guy Laliberté was preparing to launch an explosive new project by publishing videos in which he appeared dressed as a frog.
Guy Laliberté sold Cirque du Soleil, which he co-founded, for $1.5 billion in 2015.
In 2020, the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, which was then a shareholder in Cirque, paid $75 million to purchase the final block of shares.