An artificial intelligence (AI)-driven research technology company co-founded by siblings and York alumni Tanika McLeod (BA ’17, MA ’19) and Nathan Knight (BSc ’20) has emerged as an example of innovation supported by the University’s entrepreneurial programs.
The Toronto-based startup, OneCliq.io, began as MinuteSkill when the siblings first participated in YSpace’s Venture Catalyst program – a six-week incubator supporting early-stage tech ventures. In 2022, the two joined YSpace’s Tech Accelerator where they scaled their product and business, rebranding the company as OneCliq.
The company, they report, has now been acquired by Dig Insights – a tech-enabled market research and insights firm – and speaks to the success of York’s programming for start-ups and early-stage entrepreneurs.
OneCliq’s AI-powered platform analyzes unstructured online conversations to generate emotionally intelligent insights, offering businesses deeper qualitative and cultural understanding. As part of Dig Insights, OneCliq’s technology will be integrated to strengthen the firm’s tech-enabled research capabilities.
“OneCliq’s acquisition is a reflection of the strength of our innovation community,” says Nafis Ahmed, associate director of entrepreneurship at YSpace, who worked closely with OneCliq. “Supporting Tanika and Nathan during their time at YSpace was incredibly rewarding. They brought a strong vision, openness to feedback and relentless focus on user needs.”
The co-founders’ also participated in Schulich Startups, where they joined the Schulich Tech MBA Venture Studio. Their time in the studio helped refine OneCliq’s product strategy and position it for long-term growth.
“Tanika and Nathan are thoughtful, resilient builders who consistently pushed boundaries,” says Chris Carder, executive director of innovation and entrepreneurship at the Schulich School of Business. “Their time in the Schulich Venture Studio showcased their commitment to both product excellence and real-world impact. We’re proud to have been part of their journey.”
OneCliq’s success is also attributed support from the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, a non-profit incubator/accelerator for Black entrepreneurs co-founded by YSpace. The co-founders also worked with Accelerate Newmarket – an accelerator for Ontario entrepreneurs launched by Schulich, Treefrog Inc. and the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce, and are graduates of the SchulichExecEd Mini-MBA.
McLeod and Knight say York’s vast innovation ecosystem set them – and their company – up for success.
“We wouldn’t be here without YSpace,” says McLeod. “Their team gave us the support, structure and belief we needed to grow. They were our first customers, strongest advocates and provided hands-on mentorship that challenged us to think bigger and move smarter. From Venture Catalyst to the Tech Accelerator, the BEA, Treefrog and Schulich, York’s ecosystem pushed us forward at every stage.”
Knight notes that YSpace, Schulich Startups, and many others had faith in them long before anyone else did. “That early support and trust were instrumental in helping us take our first steps as founders,” he says. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without it.”
The siblings say they are excited to partner with Dig Insights to accelerate the growth and development of their business.