The Next Generation of Company Building and Financing

The Next Generation of Company Building and Financing ~ What Does it Look Like and Who is Leading the Change?

In celebration of February Black History month and the BIPOC community, VEF is bringing together a leading group of change-makers across our regional investment landscape who are actively funding some of the most diverse, inclusive, equitable – and impactful companies in BC and beyond. With more than $4B in investment being infused into high growth companies, along with a dozen companies reaching $1B+ valuations, 2021 was an unprecedented year in BC.

What about entrepreneurial innovation and the investment landscape are starting to change the dynamic of what company growth looks like? Is access to capital really poised to be more equitable in the near future? On both sides of the equation, how do you find your alignment in what will become your most purposeful partner?

MC: Kookai Chaimahawong | Co-Chair | VEF and Venture Partner | The51 Food & Agtech Fund

Moderator: William Johnson | Founder | Vancouver Tech Journal

Panelists:

Jill Earthy | CEO | InBC Investment Corp.

Shelley Kuipers | Co-Founder & Co-CEO | The51

Leah Nguyen | Investment Director | TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good

Marlon Thompson | Founder | Future Capital

Reverse Pitch Roundtable Networking:

After the panel, VEF will host virtual networking in the form of Reverse Pitch Roundtables. Breakout rooms will be hosted by a different investment firm, giving you the opportunity to connect and learn about their investment thesis.

Meet the investors:

Hilary Kilgour | Founding Investor | TheVenture.Fund

Paul Lacerte | Managing Partner | Raven Indigenous Capital Partners

Kenndal McArdle | Principal | Pender Ventures

Lightning Pitches:

Ayissi Nyemba | CEO & Founder | EMKAO Foods Inc.

Anshul Porwal | CEO, Co-Founder | NeuPeak Robotics

Ricardo E. Rivera-Acevedo | Co-Founder & COO | Viridis Research Inc.

Dr. Michael Underhill | CEO| Mesintel Therapeutics

Helen Wu | Design Director/Principal | Running Order

Event Format:

3:45 - 3:55pm: Virtual Networking

3:55 - 4:10pm: Welcome Remarks & Lightning Pitches

4:10 - 4:55pm: Panel Discussion/Q&A

4:55 - 5:25pm: Reverse Pitch Roundtables & Networking Breakout rooms

5:25 - 5:30pm: Wrap up

Ticket Pricing:

For this event we have made a “pay what you want” model.

We have elected to add three ticket prices for our events: for each of our general admission and ‘Founder’ tickets, we will add a “virtual discount” of roughly 50% that you can select to recognize the shortcomings of a virtual rather than in-person event. We have created a zero-cost ticket for those who wish to rely on the support of their community. And we will maintain our existing ticket prices for those who wish to fully support our not-for-profit. Learn more.

This event is being delivered by New Ventures BC. If you have any questions please email events@vef.org.

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