Creating a unicorn

Preparing for an online start to the winter term: for more information. Alumnus company Assent Compliance announces new funding and US $1-billion valuation A startup company that was co-founded by an alumnus of Waterloo Engineering achieved unicorn status this week with the announcement of US $350 million in new funding. The deal gives Assent Compliance , a software-as-a-service company based in Ottawa, a market valuation of more than $1 billion as it aims to grow to over 1,000 employees by the end of 2022. Assent was co-founded by Andrew Waitman (BASc '87, electrical engineering), who has served as chief executive officer since 2014. 'Deep insight and rapid transparency'. "Assent enables deep insight and rapid transparency to help ensure products are made with environmental and human rights standards necessary to compete - and win - in markets of the future," he said in a media release announcing the new funding. The private company helps manufacturers bring responsible products to market by ensuring the raw materials in their supply chains comply with complex government regulations on everything from human rights to health and safety.