Access to capital remains one of the most critical and complex challenges founders face as they build and scale their companies. From early non-dilutive funding through seed and pre-seed rounds to later-stage growth capital, each stage presents distinct expectations, risks, and decision points for founders.
This VEF event brings together investors, founders, and ecosystem partners for a candid, practical conversation about navigating the funding landscape in today’s market, and is a ‘must attend’ if you plan to raise in the next 12 months.
Through three focused investor panels, attendees will put investors into the hot-seat, gain insight into how different types of capital work, capture an insider look at what investors are seeking at each stage, and deepen their knowledge of how founders can prepare for and choose the right funding pathways for their businesses.
Agenda:
5:00 – 6:00 PM: OPEN NETWORKING
Connect with founders, investors, fund managers, public sector leaders, and innovation ecosystem partners from across the region. Light refreshments provided.
6:00 – 6:15 PM: INTRO & WELCOME REMARKS
• Welcome and event overview
• Community announcements
6:15 – 6:45 PM: INVESTOR PANEL 1 – NON-DILUTIVE FUNDING
This panel explores non-dilutive funding options available to founders, including grants, government programs, and alternative financing mechanisms. Speakers will discuss eligibility, application strategies, timelines, and how non-dilutive capital can support early traction without sacrificing equity.
6:45 – 7:15 PM: INVESTOR PANEL 2 – SEED AND PRE-SEED FUNDING
This panel focuses on early equity funding, including angel investment, seed funds, and pre-seed rounds. Discussion will cover what investors expect at this stage, how founders should think about valuation and dilution, and common mistakes to avoid when raising early capital.
7:15 – 7:45 PM: INVESTOR PANEL 3 – LATER-STAGE AND GROWTH CAPITAL
This panel examines later-stage funding pathways, including Series A and beyond. Speakers will share insight into scaling expectations, governance considerations, investor-founder alignment, and how growth capital decisions shape long-term outcomes.
7:45 – 8:00 PM: CLOSING REMARKS & NETWORKING
• Key takeaways
• Final remarks
• Informal networking
Who Should Attend
• Startup founders and co-founders
• Angel investors, VCs, and fund managers
• Government and economic development leaders
• Accelerator and incubator teams
• Corporate innovation professionals
• Researchers, faculty, and innovation staff from post-secondary institutions