Event Description
Building and scaling a company is rarely a straight line. Founders face constant pressure to grow quickly, attract investment, navigate uncertainty, and make high-stakes decisions that impact employees, customers, and long-term company outcomes. At the same time, investors and advisors are evaluating what it truly takes to build globally competitive companies from Metro Vancouver.
This VEF event presented in collaboration with Fasken brings perspectives on growth from a founder, investor, and legal expert for a candid conversation about scaling companies in Canada, navigating the realities of growth, and preparing businesses for long-term success and potential exit opportunities.
Through personal stories, operational insight, and practical discussion, speakers will explore the challenges and opportunities founders face as they move from early traction to scaling and sale.
Event Moderator
Camellia Ho, Partner, Smythe
5:00 – 6:00 PM: OPEN NETWORKING
Connect with entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem builders, government, academia, and innovation champions from across the region. Light refreshments provided.
6:00 – 6:15 PM: INTRO & WELCOME REMARKS
Welcome & event introduction
Partner remarks
Community announcements
6:15 – 6:20 PM: STARTUP LIGHTNING PITCHES
5 presenters will pitch for 100 seconds each
No questions will be asked
Apply to pitch here: https://www.vef.org/pitch
6:20 – 7:20 PM: FIRESIDE CHAT
“Scaling to Exit: What Founders Need to Know to Grow”
This fireside chat explores the realities of scaling companies in today’s market, including fundraising, governance, operational growth, acquisitions, exits, and what investors look for in companies positioned for long-term success. Speakers will share lessons learned from building, investing in, advising, and exiting technology companies, along with practical insight for founders navigating growth in the Canadian ecosystem.
This panel includes 10 minutes of time for questions from the audience.
Speakers:
Thomas Park, Chief Investment Officer, InBC Investment Corp.
Aaron Rallo, Founder, Trovia and former founder of TSO Logic (acquired in 2019)
Moderator: Jon Conlin, Partner, Fasken
7:20 –8:00 PM: CLOSING REMARKS & EVENT CONCLUSION
A brief networking period will follow. The event concludes at 8pm sharp.
Who Should Attend
Founders and startup teams
Investors and venture capital firms
Corporate innovation leaders
Government and economic development organizations
Accelerators and incubators
Researchers, faculty, and post-secondary innovation teams
Professional services firms supporting startups
Students and emerging entrepreneurs