One of the largest and longest-running tech competitions in the province has announced that a single Victoria company has made its top 25. Joni, a period-care startup, was announced among the suite of finalists for the annual New Ventures BC competition.

The non-profit, supported by crown agency Innovate BC, has seen over 3,100 companies enter its competition since 2000, with notable local alumni including Certn and Cuboh. This year, participants are eligible for more than $250,000 in cash and prizes, alongside events, mentorship, and an educational seminar series. New Ventures BC claims that its top startups do better than the average startup, with over 80 percent of them still in operation.

“These companies use our competition as a launching pad to accelerate their growth, connect with new partners, and get on the radar screen of early-stage investors,” said Angie Shick, executive director of New Ventures BC. “This year, we’re excited to uncover a new wave of startups that will bring even more attention to B.C.’s thriving tech community.”

Joni, a direct-to-consumer e-commerce brand offering sustainable pads and tampons, was co-founded by Jayesh Vekariya and Linda Biggs, with a mission to create period equity. The startup offers compostable and biodegradable bamboo period care, and gives back five percent to communities in need through donated products and funding of educational programs.

It’s been a busy period of time for Joni, which has seen no shortage of awards and public recognition. In 2022, the venture won the social impact award at VIATEC’s Victoria Tech Community Awards, and was a participant in the Canada Women’s Business Mission to Japan. Biggs was also in Ottawa in response to federal changes mandating access to period care products, calling for an expansion of the Labour Code to the private sector.