Joshua Gao
@joshua-gao
Co-Founder of Mecka (Mecka AI) focused on building the data layer for robotics. Previously co‑founded a ghost-kitchen software startup (acquired 2023). Ivey Business School alum. Based in Toronto, CA.
Location
Not publicly listed →
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Projects
Ideas brought to life. A look at the products, companies, and creative works built from the ground up, turning concepts into reality.
Mecka (Mecka AI)
Co-founded Mecka, a startup building a data layer for robotics that collects and labels large-scale human egocentric video and other visual datasets to train robotic systems. Positioning the company as a Scale‑AI‑style data layer for robotics with early commercial partnerships and bespoke data collection rigs.
Source: upstartsmedia.com2025 (launch/seed)
Ghost-kitchen software startup (Mentum / Mentum Tech)
Co‑founder of a startup that provided software/technology solutions to ghost kitchens (Mentum Group / Mentum Tech partnerships). The company established partnerships with Ghost Kitchen Brands and other operators and was reportedly acquired in 2023.
Source: linkedin.comAcquired 2023
AI translation app (side project)
Built a consumer-facing AI translation app as a side project to help communicate with his China-born parents; received local Canadian press attention in 2023.
Source: upstartsmedia.com2023
In the Spotlight
When your work speaks for itself, sometimes others join the conversation. A collection of articles, interviews, and viral content where achievements have been shared.
Recognitions
Formal validation from the top. A showcase of official awards, grants, and government acknowledgements that recognize excellence and extraordinary ability.
$8M seed round led by Neo (Mecka)
Seed round led by Neo with participation from SV Angel, A-Star Capital, Cade, Timeless, and Offline VC; positions Mecka to accelerate data collection and scaling for robotics AI.
Source: upstartsmedia.com2025
Acquisition of ghost-kitchen software startup
Reported acquisition of Gao's previous ghost-kitchen software startup in 2023 (founder exit).
Source: linkedin.com2023
Work Experience
Key roles that defined the journey. A timeline of companies and ventures where Sigil played a critical part in building teams, shipping products, and driving impact.
Co-Founder — Mecka (Mecka AI)
Co-founded Mecka to build human-centric visual datasets for training robotics; responsible for company strategy, fundraising (led $8M seed), partnerships, and go-to-market.
2024/2025 – Present
Co-Founder — Mentum / Mentum Tech (ghost-kitchen software)
Co‑founded and led product/partnership efforts for software powering ghost kitchen operations and partnerships with Ghost Kitchen Brands; company was acquired in 2023.
— 2023
Education
Academic foundation and learning journey. Institutions and programs that shaped expertise and knowledge.
Socials
Connect and explore. Links to social media profiles and professional networks.
