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.
Projects
Ideas brought to life. A look at the products, companies, and creative works built from the ground up.
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.
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.
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.
In the Spotlight
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.
$8M seed round led by Neo (Mecka)
2025Seed 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.
Acquisition of ghost-kitchen software startup
2023Reported acquisition of Gao's previous ghost-kitchen software startup in 2023 (founder exit).
Work Experience
Key roles that defined the journey.
Co-Founder — Mecka (Mecka AI)
2024/2025 – PresentCo-founded Mecka to build human-centric visual datasets for training robotics; responsible for company strategy, fundraising (led $8M seed), partnerships, and go-to-market.
Co-Founder — Mentum / Mentum Tech (ghost-kitchen software)
— 2023Co‑founded and led product/partnership efforts for software powering ghost kitchen operations and partnerships with Ghost Kitchen Brands; company was acquired in 2023.
Education
Academic foundation and learning journey.
Undergraduate / Business program (alumnus)
Socials
Connect and explore.