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Changing the way we view our world.

UrtheCast is a geospatial and geoanalytics earth imagery provider based in Vancouver that moves pixels from space to screen. 

The goal was to rival Google Earth with a system designed to produce unparalleled scientific quality imagery of the earth using leading edge technology and data analytics of everyday happenings on the planet.

Founded

2010

Website
urthecast.com
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Founded

2010

Website
urthecast.com
Share
Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Linkedin-in

UrtheCast is a geospatial and geoanalytics earth imagery provider based in Vancouver that moves pixels from space to screen. 

The goal was to rival Google Earth with a system designed to produce unparalleled scientific quality imagery of the earth using leading edge technology and data analytics of everyday happenings on the planet.

The challenge we were facing.

The challenge was to capture the magnitude of our evolving planet with a live-streaming camera from the International Space Station, coupled with logistical challenges associated with various international governing bodies.

How our team tackled it.

BIG ascertained the key elements required to launch this astronomical concept: funding, narrative, talent and effective leadership and leveraged it all. We aligned a robust investor management portal to convey current updates while successfully sourcing $52M.
A key player was introduced: GroundMap, a respected geolocation firm, who aided in attracting the ideal talent to synergize with BIG’s established geek team. Together the developers, designers, functional support crew and ground segment operators, granted the UrtheCast core members the ability to stay focused on product development objectives.
From there, BIG structured fundraising opportunities and due diligence requirements for its future IPO.

The difference we made.

With our reflective lens, BIG celebrates 2 major industry wins along with UrtheCast :
Winner of Alberta’s Best Digital Startup (2012) Winner of T-Systems Cloud Computing GMES Masters Competition
The company went public on the TSX Venture Exchange, and has since been purchased by a private institution, and they’ve expanded their service offerings beyond the two cameras and now operate 4 sensors on ISS: 2 satellites, 2 cameras.

We wrote a $52M story.

First and foremost, UrtheCast needed a capital infusion to power software development. We crafted a narrative that spoke to the power of making this high-definition, live imagery accessible on a global scale – and raised $52M in financing. To engage their large investor network ongoing, we developed a robust investor management portal that shared project and financial updates to instill confidence as the company evolved.

We leveraged a strategic partnership to propel development on day one.

Rather than hiring an entirely new team from scratch, we partnered with a small geolocation company, GroundMap, to leverage their specialized expertise and existing development team. Our collaboration empowered us to start building the product immediately while also taking the time to recruit the right full-time team members.

We rapidly built a highly specialized, high-functioning team.

Building software to transmit data from space is no easy feat; UrtheCast needed not only a highly qualified team, but a number of specialists, including: developers, designers, functional support experts, ground segment operators and all around space geeks. We helped by recruiting and onboarding a new team so UrtheCast could stay focused on their product development goals.

Client
Success

UrtheCast now operates four sensors in space – two satellites and two cameras aboard the International Space Station. As a result of the work we did together, UrtheCast went on to win Alberta’s Best Digital Startup 2012 and the T-Systems Cloud Computing GMES Masters Competition.
As a result of the work we did together, UrtheCast went on to win Alberta’s Best Digital Startup 2012 and the T-Systems Cloud Computing GMES Masters Competition.

Client
Success

UrtheCast now operates four sensors in space – two satellites and two cameras aboard the International Space Station.
As a result of the work we did together, UrtheCast went on to win Alberta’s Best Digital Startup 2012 and the T-Systems Cloud Computing GMES Masters Competition.
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Business Instincts Group is a venture growth lab. Together, our processes and our people grow ideas and startups into industry-leading companies.
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Canada

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Calgary, AB T2P 1G6

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hello@businessinstincts.com

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Jamie Clarke

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Jamie’s diverse career in the startup ecosystem has empowered him to understand the intricacies of collaboration and innovation; he has a keen eye for great ideas, and is able to quickly discern whether a market is ready for a shift. His operational experience informs his ability to craft a compelling narrative around a company’s finances, metrics, and growth potential to win partners and investors.

As BIG’s Chief Operating Officer, Jamie works to set and achieve project goals, plans, and timelines. He works alongside BIG’s executive management team to provide visionary organizational leadership and ensure operational controls are adhered to, timelines are met, and objectives are exceeded. Jamie is co-author of The Sustainable Startup, which he crafted alongside Cameron Chell. The book provides startups the guidance and structure they need to scale their team and business.

Erika Racicot

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO

Erika practices her passion for turning ideas into reality every day. As a founding partner and CEO at Business Instincts Group, Erika has invested the past 12 years on the strategic development and growth of a plethora of companies and partnerships. Her key strengths are building repeatable, scalable systems across operations, product development, marketing, and human capital.

Erika is also a core member of creating and growing the BIG RIPKIT methodology, a strategic planning tool that benefits entrepreneurs by advancing their ideas into actionable and profitable businesses.

Erika completed her Independent Corporate Directors Designation in 2015, and garners experience in both private and public company board governances. She currently acts on both boards of Business Instincts Group and Pounce Holdings Inc.

Cameron Chell

CO-FOUNDER EMERITUS

Cameron has been an entrepreneur since age 14, and has since spent his career growing a diverse collection of high-potential ideas into revolutionary companies that have changed the way we experience the world.

At BIG, Cameron takes a hands-on leadership position in projects, infusing his principles of clarity, alignment and measurement into the culture of every BIG partner.

Cameron’s leadership was critical to the success of Urthecast, which he co-founded, Cold Bore Technologies, Slyce, Raptor Rig, Trace and Trax. Most recently, Cameron has served as an advisor to KodakCoin, one of the first compliant crypto currencies developed in partnership between Business Instincts Group, WENN Digital and ICOX Innovations. In addition to his work with BIG, Cameron is a popular motivational speaker on topics including technology, culture and overcoming adversity.