New Ventures BC

Startup Seminar Series: Snack & Learn: SR&ED
2025-06-24 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2SWV).
​Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Education Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.
​Part of the 2025 New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC
​—
​What you’ll learn:
​EY Canada’s SR&ED team will review the Scientific Research & Experimental Development program and discuss how businesses can recover costs of R&D expenses, regardless of their corporate structure or size, through federal and provincial tax credits.
​Learn how to determine whether you qualify for the SR&ED program and how to identify eligible expense activities and methods for claiming R&D expenses. The EY team will also share how SR&ED can bring value to your business – both as an operating capital opportunity and a way to positively position your company, product and/or process with investors.
​Speakers:
​Jiyeon Witham and Samantha E Leung are Senior SR&ED Advisors with EY Canada on their “Business Tax Services (BTS) – Quantitative Services” team.
​Details:
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Registration begins at 12:30pm)
Location: EY Vancouver (19th Floor – 1133 Melville St Suite 1900, Vancouver, BC V6E 4E5)
​A livestream will also be available for virtual attendees.
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​By signing up for New Ventures BC events, you agree to be added to the NVBC e-newsletter (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC for marketing purposes.
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IP Strategy Workshop for Startups
2025-06-26 13:30 - 17:30 | BC
​Is Intellectual Property critical for your startup? Are your potential investors asking about your IP Strategy? If so, this workshop is for you.
​Apply for this half-day workshop, receive support from IP professionals, and build several key pieces of your IP portfolio. In this workshop, you will:

Capture your IP Start Point
​Build an IP Strategy that aligns with your Business Strategy
​Outline an IP Action Plan
​Receive exclusive access to a bespoke set of IP tools

​Eligibility:
​Registration is limited to 25 startups to ensure an individualized experience with direct access to our IP Professionals.
*​Note: If you’ve attended a previous session, this will contain the SAME content.
​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. Some examples of meeting this include, but are not limited to, completion of:
​Stream 1: IP Certification Program
Stream 2-1 IP Mentorship
IP Pathways Program
Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program
Can’t attend this session? This workshop will also be offered on:

​September 25th – Register here
​December 11th – Register here

​Please note that this workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

​If you are outside of these provinces and territories, we invite you to participate in programming based in your location: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/elevateip/en

​Additional Information:

​This workshop uses a Miro Board. If you’re not familiar, here’s a 3-minute explainer video to review in advance. (You are not required to sign up for a Miro account to attend this workshop).

​About our presenter, Houston Brown
​Dr. Houston Brown is a registered patent agent (CA and US), a patented inventor, and a published researcher. He’s won numerous intellectual property awards and is an active contributor to the profession through his work with Canada’s College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
​Houston practiced at a top-ranked international law firm and then went “in house” with a leading global technology provider to deepen his knowledge of the business side of intellectual property.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.

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Top 25 Networking Event
2025-06-26 17:30 - 20:00 | BC
Round 3 is here! Join us for the annual Top 25 Networking Event, where this year’s Top 25 ventures will be introduced to their dedicated mentoring teams. It’s also a chance for the NVBC community to reconnect over drinks and canapés.
​Attendees will hear practical tips on maximizing the mentorship experience from Todd Winship of yPilot, who took home the 2024 “Leap to the Cloud” $10,000 prize for top SaaS startup. NVBC’s own Floyd Sijmons—our resident Jury and Mentor “Wrangler”—will also share insights into what makes for a strong and successful mentor-mentee relationship.”
​Guests will receive a printed program featuring profiles of all Top 25 companies. Don’t miss your opportunity to meet BC’s next generation of tech innovators!
​Details:
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Event: 5:30 – 8:00pm
Location: RBCx, 36th Floor, 1055 West Georgia Street
​​A big thank you to RBCx, our event sponsor for this event.
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Startup Seminar Series: Financials for Startups
2025-07-14 13:00 - 14:30 | BC
A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2SWV).
​Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Education Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.
​Part of the 2025 New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC
​—
​What you’ll learn:
Irene and Pieter Dorsman from the Angel Forum will walk you through the financial questions startups are often asked by investors and advisors. This session will help Round 3 companies to build a stronger submission in the New Ventures BC Competition, and is also open to all startups.
Speaker:
Irene Dorsman, CEO & Director, Angel Forum
Pieter Dorsman, Director, Angel Forum
​Details:
Date: Monday, July 14, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Virtual via Zoom
​—
​By signing up for New Ventures BC events, you agree to be added to the NVBC e-newsletter (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC for marketing purposes.
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NVBC Golf Tournament and Social
2025-07-21 13:30 - 20:30 | BC
​Sold out! Waiting list available.
Join us and our community for a day out on the course at Riverway Golf Course in Burnaby.
​Sign up as a foursome, or as an individual.
​This is a casual, social tournament and is open to all levels, with Texas Scramble rules.
​Your golf tournament fee includes a round of golf, dinner, prizes and new for this year – 1/2 shared power cart.

Early “Birdie” Registration by July 4 – $160/person
Regular Registration by July 11 – $175/person

​Tee-times start at 1:30pm. You will be notified of your tee-time in advance.
​Only 24 spots available, please register early to save your spot!
​*NOTE: Payment will be arranged through NVBC. Please email admin@newventuresbc.com to arrange payment by credit card or send e-transfer payment to admin@newventuresbc.com (and please include your name so we can track the payment).

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IP Speaker Series: Public Disclosures & IP rights
2025-07-23 13:00 - 14:00 | BC
Join us for a deep dive discussion exploring public disclosures and IP rights. In a casual conversation, we will explore key concepts and strategies that startups should think about when planning for public disclosures. While marketing to the public is important to find customers, investors, and exposure for your company, these public disclosures can have sever implications to your ability to gain IP protection.
​Why This Chat?
​In the startup world, getting your story out is a core aspect of the startup journey. Fundraising, finding customers, and recruiting talent all require founders to share their story to explain how their product or services are differentiated from all their competitors to create a sustainable competitive advantage. Trade shows and conferences, blogs, and social media (and endless coffees) can all help build buzz for your startup; but these “public disclosures” can also create roadblocks to potential patent rights where “absolute novelty” is the requirement in many countries.
​Hear from a leading IP practitioner on strategies he has used with his clients when building proper IP hygiene around public disclosures. Learn about key considerations that are crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring public disclosures don’t impede your company’s ability to gain broad patent protection.
​What You’ll Gain:
​● Insider Knowledge: Delve into some key concepts on how best to think about public disclosures and their impact on IP rights globally.
​● Real-World Wisdom: Engage with firsthand stories and experiences on how leading technology companies and scale-ups leverage simple filing strategies to ensure they retain the right to file broad claims.
​● Practical Takeaways: Discover strategies on how to take small, easily digestible steps now that can save you money and headache in the future.
​● Community and Q&A: This fireside chat format encourages dialogue. Bring your questions, share your experiences, and learn from peers navigating the same challenges.
​Who Should Join?
​Whether you’re at the seed stage or scaling rapidly, if your startup is navigating the tech ecosystem, this conversation is for you. Founders, tech innovators, and anyone vested in the future of intellectual property in the startup space— gather ’round the fire.
​About the Session:
​This isn’t just another lecture on IP rights; it’s a chance to join a community of like-minded individuals ready to tackle the complexities of IP strategy together. We’re peeling back the layers of legal jargon to reveal the actionable steps you can take to protect your company’s most valuable assets.
​Presenters:
​Miles Steininger (STEIN-in-Ger) – Miles has helped his clients stay independent and return over two billion dollars to investors. He has practiced intellectual property law as a patent agent and IP manager in startups, medium-sized, and multinational public companies, as well as in private practice. Today, Miles is a partner in Perpetual Motion Patents (PMP), of Burnaby, where he focuses on crafting IP plans, preparing and prosecuting patent applications, and delivering IP education.
​Byron Thom (moderator) – Byron is a lifelong technology enthusiast who has worn many hats in his tech career. Trained as an engineer and a lawyer, he practiced at one of the leading IP boutiques in Canada helping startups and multinationals protect their technological assets. As a startup founder, he is a patented inventor who drafted and prosecuted his company’s own patent applications. And, as a venture capitalist and board member, he often works with his portfolio companies to develop IP strategies to focus their limited resources on key assets that matter to the business, to investors, and to potential acquirers. Byron is a Partner at the BDC Industrial Innovation Venture Fund and sits on the Board of Governors at UBC.
​To learn more about how you can integrate IP into your business, be sure to explore our offerings at AccelerateIP.
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IP Masterclass: Patent Preparation & Filing
2025-08-14 13:30 - 15:30 | BC
Streamline the patent process, and learn how to save time and money when working with an IP Professional in filing a patent application.
​​If you’re a startup looking to protect an invention with a high-quality patent asset, this workshop is for you. In this session, you will:

​​build a comprehensive Invention Disclosure
craft a Plain-Language Patent Claim that defines your Invention
search the Patent Literature and the Non-Patent Literature for points of comparison to your Invention
evaluate your Invention using an Invention Scorecard
prepare a Patent Drafting Work Package for your IP Service Provider

​​Completing this Module before engaging your IP Service Provider with a Patent Drafting Mandate will ensure you’re able to play your role effectively and get the most from your investment.
​​Eligibility:
​​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. Some examples of meeting this include, but are not limited to, completion of:

Stream 1: IP Certification Program
​​IP Pathways Program
Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program

​​Please note that this workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. If you are outside of these provinces and territories, we invite you to participate in programming based in your location: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/elevateip/en
​​About our Speakers:
​​Houston Brown
​​Dr. Houston Brown is a registered patent agent (CA and US), a patented inventor, and a published researcher. He’s won numerous intellectual property awards and is an active contributor to the profession through his work with Canada’s College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
​Houston practiced at a top-ranked international law firm and then went “in house” with a leading global technology provider to deepen his knowledge of the business side of intellectual property.
Erika Murray
​​Dr. Erika J. Murray is a commercial technology and intellectual property lawyer with a PhD in engineering. She has practiced at top-ranked international IP firms and, for the past five years, has served as fractional in-house counsel, providing strategic commercial contracting and IP legal advice to early-stage startups, VC-backed high-growth companies, and multinationals. Erika specializes in navigating IP risks, drafting and negotiating complex contracts, and driving commercialization strategies that position businesses across technology, energy, retail, and advanced engineering sectors for success.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.
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2025 Demo Day
2025-09-17 17:00 - 20:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Discover BC’s Most Promising Startups at NVBC’s Demo Day, presented by National Bank of Canada
Register Here

Join us for a high-energy evening of innovation and connection.
Watch companies from the Top 25 of this year’s NVBC Competition pitch their vision to a room full of investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs from BC’s thriving tech startup community. Then, explore their ideas up close through hands-on demos and showcase tables.
This invite-only event brings together our ecosystem partners, active investors, and media guests for an exceptional networking opportunity and a front-row seat to the future of BC tech.
Are You an Investor? Attendance is by Application Only
To ensure a curated, high-value experience for both founders and funders, all investors are invited to apply via a short questionnaire. Capacity is limited.
Free Admission + $100 Investor Insight Package
Attendance to this event is free. For deeper engagement, investors can purchase a $100 Investor Insight Package — a premium bundle designed to support due diligence and streamline connections.
What’s included:

Detailed investor pitch decks
8-page company overviews from Round 3 of the NVBC Competition, detailing each startup’s product or service, competitive landscape, business model, team, financial projections, and more. A full list of questions covered can be found here
60-second pitch videos

Plus, exclusive perks:

Personalized founder introductions
Priority access and assistance booking 1:1 meetings

Apply now to attend Demo Day!
Why Attend as an Investor?

Connect directly with the Top 25 startups from this year’s NVBC Competition
Be among the first to invest in high-potential ventures
Network with BC’s most exciting early-stage founders

Not an Investor?
If you are not part of the investment community, we invite you to attend our Awards Ceremony on October 1, a celebration of BC’s top startups open to a broader audience. Stay tuned for details!
Register Here

Event Sponsor

Venue Sponsor

IP Strategy Workshop for Startups
2025-09-25 13:30 - 17:30 | Virtual
​Is Intellectual Property critical for your startup? Are your potential investors asking about your IP Strategy? If so, this workshop is for you.
​Apply for this half-day workshop, receive support from IP professionals, and build several key pieces of your IP portfolio. In this workshop, you will:

Capture your IP Start Point
Build an IP Strategy that aligns with your Business Strategy
​Outline an IP Action Plan
​Receive exclusive access to a bespoke set of IP tools

​Eligibility:
​Registration is limited to 25 startups to ensure an individualized experience with direct access to our IP Professionals.
​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. Some examples of meeting this include, but are not limited to, completion of:
​Stream 1: IP Certification Program
Stream 2-1 IP Mentorship
IP Pathways Program
Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program
​Please note that this workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

​If you are outside of these provinces and territories, we invite you to participate in programming based in your location: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/elevateip/en

​Additional Information:

​This workshop uses a Miro Board. If you’re not familiar, here’s a 3-minute explainer video to review in advance. (You are not required to sign up for a Miro account to attend this workshop).

​About our presenter, Houston Brown
​Dr. Houston Brown is a registered patent agent (CA and US), a patented inventor, and a published researcher. He’s won numerous intellectual property awards and is an active contributor to the profession through his work with Canada’s College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
​Houston practiced at a top-ranked international law firm and then went “in house” with a leading global technology provider to deepen his knowledge of the business side of intellectual property.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.

Register Here

25th Annual New Ventures BC Competition Awards Ceremony
2025-10-01 16:30 - 20:00 | Stanley Park Pavilion, 610 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver, BC, V6G 1Z4, Canada
​
We’ve narrowed the field from over 200 competitors to just 10 finalists!
​Join us in celebrating BC’s best startups and see who’s taking home over $250,000 in cash and prizes at the 25th Annual New Ventures BC Competition Awards, presented by Innovate BC!
​—
​The 25th Annual Awards will be a hybrid event – join via online stream or in-person at the Stanley Park Pavilion
Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Event: 4:30 – 8:00pm (Awards start at 5:30pm)
Location: Stanley Park Pavilion – 610 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4
*Paid parking and public transit options are available for attendees.*
Register Now

IP Masterclass: IP Agreement Essentials - NDAs, MTAs & Licensing
2025-10-30 13:30 - 15:30 | Virtual
​Ready to navigate the complexities of IP agreements with greater confidence? Whether you’re sharing prototypes, exchanging confidential information, or preparing to license your technology, knowing how to protect your startups’ innovation is critical.
​This session will guide you through the key learnings and help you avoid costly mistakes- in:

​Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

​Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs)

​Licensing Agreements

​Learn from case studies, sharpen your skills to spot risks, and strengthen your approach to protecting your IP and confidentiality.
​Eligibility:
​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. Some examples of meeting this include, but are not limited to, completion of:

​Stream 1: IP Certification Program

​IP Pathways Program

​Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program

​Please note that this workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

​If you are outside of these provinces and territories, we invite you to participate in programming based in your location: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/elevateip/en

​About our presenters:
Erika Murray
​Dr. Erika J. Murray is a commercial technology and intellectual property lawyer with a PhD in engineering. She has practiced at top-ranked international IP firms and, for the past five years, has served as fractional in-house counsel, providing strategic commercial contracting and IP legal advice to early-stage startups, VC-backed high-growth companies, and multinationals. Erika specializes in navigating IP risks, drafting and negotiating complex contracts, and driving commercialization strategies that position businesses across technology, energy, retail, and advanced engineering sectors for success.
​Houston Brown
​Dr. Houston Brown is a registered patent agent (CA and US), a patented inventor, and a published researcher. He’s won numerous intellectual property awards and is an active contributor to the profession through his work with Canada’s College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
​Houston practiced at a top-ranked international law firm and then went “in house” with a leading global technology provider to deepen his knowledge of the business side of intellectual property.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.
Register here

IP Masterclass: Advanced IP Agreements - Partnership and Manufacturing
2025-11-27 13:30 - 15:30 | Virtual
​
Continue your journey into IP agreements in practice through Part 2 of our “Agreements” series.
​This session dives into the strategies, risks, and negotiation tips for:

​Partnership Agreements

​Manufacturing Agreements

​Explore practical examples, uncover common pitfalls, and learn how to safeguard your business relationships for long-term success.
​Eligibility:
​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. Some examples of meeting this include, but are not limited to, completion of:

​Stream 1: IP Certification Program

​IP Pathways Program

​Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program

​Please note that this workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

​If you are outside of these provinces and territories, we invite you to participate in programming based in your location: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/elevateip/en

​About our presenters:
Erika Murray
​Dr. Erika J. Murray is a commercial technology and intellectual property lawyer with a PhD in engineering. She has practiced at top-ranked international IP firms and, for the past five years, has served as fractional in-house counsel, providing strategic commercial contracting and IP legal advice to early-stage startups, VC-backed high-growth companies, and multinationals. Erika specializes in navigating IP risks, drafting and negotiating complex contracts, and driving commercialization strategies that position businesses across technology, energy, retail, and advanced engineering sectors for success.
​Houston Brown
​Dr. Houston Brown is a registered patent agent (CA and US), a patented inventor, and a published researcher. He’s won numerous intellectual property awards and is an active contributor to the profession through his work with Canada’s College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
​Houston practiced at a top-ranked international law firm and then went “in house” with a leading global technology provider to deepen his knowledge of the business side of intellectual property.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.
Register Here

IP Strategy Workshop for Startups
2025-12-11 13:30 - 17:30 | BC
Is Intellectual Property critical for your startup? Are your potential investors asking about your IP Strategy? If so, this workshop is for you.
​Apply for this half-day workshop, receive support from IP professionals, and build several key pieces of your IP portfolio. In this workshop, you will:

​Capture your IP Start Point
​Build an IP Strategy that aligns with your Business Strategy
Outline an IP Action Plan
​Receive exclusive access to a bespoke set of IP tools

​Eligibility:
​Registration is limited to 25 startups to ensure an individualized experience with direct access to our IP Professionals.
​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. Some examples of meeting this include, but are not limited to, completion of:
​Stream 1: IP Certification Program
Stream 2-1 IP Mentorship
IP Pathways Program
Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program
​Please note that this workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

​If you are outside of these provinces and territories, we invite you to participate in programming based in your location: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/elevateip/en

​Additional Information:

​This workshop uses a Miro Board. If you’re not familiar, here’s a 3-minute explainer video to review in advance. (You are not required to sign up for a Miro account to attend this workshop).

​About our presenter, Houston Brown
​Dr. Houston Brown is a registered patent agent (CA and US), a patented inventor, and a published researcher. He’s won numerous intellectual property awards and is an active contributor to the profession through his work with Canada’s College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
​Houston practiced at a top-ranked international law firm and then went “in house” with a leading global technology provider to deepen his knowledge of the business side of intellectual property.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.
Register here

Build In Public Night
2026-02-10 16:30 - 19:00 | BC
Register Now
Building a startup is isolating. You are constantly facing problems you’ve never seen before, but you figure it out… sometimes taking days trying to hack together a solution.
​Build in Public Night is your shortcut. Hosted by New Ventures BC and Althra.
​We are bringing together venture-backed founders and veterans who have lived through the pain. They aren’t here to give generic advice; they are here to save you weeks of headaches by tackling your specific roadblocks:

​Landing First Customers: How to land those elusive first champions.
GTM Strategy: Crafting a roadmap that moves the needle.
​Inbound Marketing: creating content engines that bring users to you.
​10x Tech Stacks: The tools that let a small team output like a giant.
​IP Strategy: Expert advice on protecting what you build.

Speakers include:

Adam McKilligan, Head of Sales at Multiple Venture Backed Startups
Liam Ross, Co-Founder of Withe
Susan Tees, IP Director @ New Ventures BC
​Jenny Yue, Co-Founder & CEO @ OHME!
​Jayesh Parmar, 4x Founder & EIR

Agenda:
​4:30pm – Doors open
5:00pm – Fireside chat with Venture-backed Founders & Industry Experts
5:20pm – Roundtables (15 minutes x 3)
6:15pm – Networking
Register Now

IP Speaker Series: IP Budgeting for Startups
2026-02-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
​Intellectual Property (IP) is often a startup’s most valuable asset—and its most unpredictable expense. Without a strategic roadmap, legal fees and filing costs can spiral, draining your runway before you’ve even scaled.
​Join us for a workshop designed to strip away the complexity of IP budgeting. We’ll show you how to transform IP from an expense into a predictable, strategic investment that fuels your startup’s growth.
Register

We will go over:
– ​The Importance of Planning for IP Costs
– Clarity on Legal and Business Goals
– Creating a Good Budget
– How to Sustain your Peace of Mind
​Why You Should Join
– Protect Your Runway: Stop overspending on unnecessary filings and learn to prioritize high-value assets.
– ​Impress Investors: Show a sophisticated understanding of your asset management during due diligence.
– Gain Predictability: Shift from “emergency legal bills” to a structured, quarterly budget you can actually count on.

Speaker:
​Susan Tees (IP Director at New Ventures BC) is a veteran Class I patent agent with experience in Canadian and US patent law and practice. She has over 30 years of experience, including the preparation and filing of approximately 100 submissions to the US and Canadian patent offices, or through foreign associates. Susan works with her clients to create their IP strategy and advise them on strategies to protect their innovations as they build their business.

​
To learn more about how you can integrate IP into your business:
– ​Register for one of our final 3 cohorts of IP Pathways
– Explore our offerings at AccelerateIP

Startup Seminar Series: Product/Market Fit
2026-02-23 16:00 - 18:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Register Now
Join us for Product/Market Fit with Dave Thomas and Lesley Duncan as they take you through an interactive seminar focused on getting your business ready for market.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, February 23
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration opens at 3:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs (555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver).
JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.

2026 New Ventures BC Competition Info Session
2026-02-25 16:00 - 16:30 | Virtual
Register Now

Join us on Zoom for an overview of the 2026 New Ventures BC Competition.
We’ll walk through the application process, key timelines, and what to expect, so you can feel confident heading into the competition.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 4:00 – 4:30 PM (PT)
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
📝 Competition applications close at 11:59 PM on March 12, 2026.
👉 Learn more about the 2026 New Ventures BC Competition here

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.
Register Now

Startup Seminar Series: The Business Case - What an Angel Really Wants
2026-03-02 16:00 - 18:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Register Now
Learn how to build a compelling business case — and what angels are really looking for — from high-technology entrepreneur and angel investor Mike Volker.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, March 2
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration opens at 3:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs (555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver).
JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.

2026 New Ventures BC Competition Kick-off
2026-03-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Fasken, 550 Burrard St Suite 2900, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 0B3, Canada
Register Now

The road to $250,000 in prizes begins here.
We’re opening the doors to the 2026 New Ventures BC Competition with an inside look at what it takes to win.
Hear firsthand from last year’s Competition winners and finalists and network with ecosystem leaders—mentors, investors, and judges—who can help accelerate your growth. If you are looking to put your startup on the map, this is your invitation to learn more about BC’s longest and largest running tech competition.
Event Schedule:

5:00 PM: Registration & Networking
5:30 PM: 2025 Competition Winners & Finalists Panel
6:15 PM: Networking
7:00 PM: Event ends

Can’t make it in person?
Tune into the Panel virtually. The Zoom link will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
Panelists:

Chirag Jadwhani, PeerSupport.io (2nd Place Winner, 2025 NVBC Competition)
Samuel Berryman, ImageCyte Technologies (Innovate BC Health & Life Sciences Prize and Top Science Award Winner, 2025 NVBC Competition)
Alisa Gagina, Sigen AI (2025 NVBC Competition Top 10 Finalist)
Moderator: Fernanda Whitaker, Innovate BC (Director of Partnerships)

This event is free for BC tech startups, students, and the NVBC community.
Ready to Compete?
Apply by 11:59 PM on Thursday, March 12.
​👉 Learn more about the 2026 New Ventures BC Competition here

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.
Register Now

Startup Seminar Series: Introduction to Pricing for Innovation
2026-03-09 16:00 - 18:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Register Now
How do you choose the right pricing model for your venture? Steven Forth—serial entrepreneur, marketing strategy and pricing consultant, and angel investor, shares practical insights to help you get it right.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, March 9
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration opens at 3:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs (555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver).
JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.

Startup Seminar Series: Government Funding Programs & Financial Models for Startups
2026-03-16 16:00 - 18:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Register Now
This practical seminar is designed to help early-stage founders navigate funding opportunities and strengthen their financial foundations.
Dr. Cynthia Shippam will provide an overview of government funding programs available to startups, along with key intellectual property considerations to keep in mind as your company grows.
Sean Hodgins will cover the fundamentals of building a sound financial model, outlining the core components every founder should understand to make informed business decisions.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, March 16
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration opens at 3:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs (555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver).
JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.

IP Pathways Certification Level 1 - Victoria, BC
2026-03-19 13:00 - 16:00 | VIATEC, 777 Fort St, Victoria, BC, V8W 1H2, Canada
Register Now
Join us in Victoria for the final Island in-person session of IP Pathways!
IP Pathways is an education series designed to equip startups and scale-ups with the fundamentals of intellectual property, strategy, and business growth. Whether you’re new to IP or looking to deepen your expertise, this program will help you protect and leverage your innovations through expert-led sessions, practical case studies, and certification upon completion.
This session will be led by our Intellectual Property Director, Susan Tees, who will walk you through how to assess your IP, avoid costly mistakes, and turn your ideas into strategic business assets.
Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your IP strategy and connect with fellow founders on the Island!
Register Now

Startup Seminar Series: Managing Your IP
2026-03-23 15:00 - 17:00 | Fasken, 550 Burrard St Suite 2900, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 0B3, Canada
Register Now
​Trademarks and patents can be daunting for the first-time entrepreneur. Do you need to go through registration? In what jurisdictions and when? What are the rules around the elements of intellectual property in Canada and beyond? Roger Kuypers and Dane Smith will guide you on this process, giving you the basics you need to better investigate your options.
​​Speakers:
Roger Kuypers, Partner, Trademark Agent – Fasken
Dane Smith, Counsel, Patent Agent – Fasken
​EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, March 23
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Registration opens at 2:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: Fasken (550 Burrard St Suite 2900, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B3)
​​JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.

Startup Seminar Series: Sales & AI Marketing Tools for Startups
2026-03-30 16:00 - 18:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Register Now
In this session, Peter de Verteuil (Executive-in-Residence, New Ventures BC) will walk founders through a practical, step-by-step framework for building a structured sales program—designed specifically for emerging technology companies ready to move beyond early adopters and into scalable growth.
Rochelle Grayson (Founder, Mosaic Accelerator) will explore how startups can leverage today’s AI-powered marketing tools to work smarter, streamline execution, and accelerate customer acquisition.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, March 30
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration opens at 3:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs (555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver).
JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.

Startup Seminar Series: Corporate Structure
2026-04-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Fasken, 550 Burrard St Suite 2900, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 0B3, Canada
Register Now
​Setting up your company the right way matters. Join us for a practical seminar on corporate structure, where Geoff Pedlow (Partner at Fasken) will walk founders through the key legal and structural decisions involved in building and scaling a technology company. The session includes time for live Q&A, giving you the opportunity to gain clarity on the legal questions most relevant to your startup.
​EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, April 13
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Registration opens at 2:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: Fasken (550 Burrard St Suite 2900, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B3)
JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.

Summit Strategy Masterclass: AI Advantage for Conference Prep
2026-04-15 16:00 - 18:00 | Bentall Four, 1055 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver, BC, V7X 1P3, Canada
Register Now

​Leverage cutting-edge AI tools to automate lead generation and outreach, freeing up energy for high-stakes networking at Web Summit. This session is led by Rochelle Grayson, Program Leader & Executive-in-Residence at New Ventures BC—an Afro-Latin, trilingual serial entrepreneur and digital strategist with 30+ years of experience across business, marketing, finance, tech, and education.

​A Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2WSV) initiative, the Summit Strategy Masterclass series is engineered for women tech founders to transform their conference experience from “simply attending” to executing a high-impact lead generation strategy.
​BONUS: Attend all 3 Summit Strategy Masterclass sessions for $40, and be entered into a giveaway for a FREE Women-in-Tech Web Summit ticket!

​April 22 – Maximizing Conference Micro Moments
April 29 – Gender-Smart Investing (A VSW Event)

​WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

​Woman or non-binary tech founder

Based in British Columbia

​EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Wednesday, April 15
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration opens at 3:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: Four Bentall Centre, 1055 Dunsmuir St Suite #800
Cost: $20 for one session, $40 for all 3 sessions
​Registered for all 3 Sessions? We will manually register for you for the subsequent Luma events, so no need to register again!
​JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Startup Seminar Series: Building Your Startup Team - HR & Recruitment Essentials
2026-04-20 16:00 - 18:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Register Now

Discover proven strategies to recruit, hire, and retain the talent your startup needs to succeed—featuring Matthew Heiydt (Founder BackStretch Recruitment Group) and Charlyne Fothergill (Founder & Principal, Sova Operations).
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, April 20
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration opens at 3:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs (555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver).
JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.

Summit Strategy Masterclass: Maximizing Conference Micro Moments
2026-04-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Bentall Four, 1055 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver, BC, V7X 1P3, Canada
Register Now

Prepare for high-stakes investor encounters between sessions. Learn to navigate the “hard questions” through live drills with investors, ensuring you’re ready for every conference micro-moment. This session is led by Michelle Sklar, Head of Marketing and Communications at Innovation UBC—a strategic communications leader with expertise in performance-driven growth marketing, storytelling, community building, and entrepreneurship.

​​A Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2WSV) initiative, the Summit Strategy Masterclass series is engineered for women tech founders to transform their conference experience from “simply attending” to executing a high-impact lead generation strategy.
​​BONUS: Attend all 3 Summit Strategy Masterclass sessions for $40, and be entered into a giveaway for a FREE Women-in-Tech Web Summit ticket!

April 15 – AI Advantage for Conference Prep
April 29 – Gender-Smart Investing

​​WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Woman or non-binary tech founder
Based in British Columbia

​​EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration opens at 3:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: Four Bentall Centre, 1055 Dunsmuir St Suite #800
Cost: $20 for one session, $40 for all 3 sessions
​Registered for all 3 Sessions? We will manually register for you for the subsequent Luma events, so no need to register again!
​​JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.​
Register Now

Startup Seminar Series: Funding Fundamentals & Frictionless Data Rooms (A VSW Event)
2026-04-27 13:00 - 17:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Register Now
New Ventures BC is proud to be an official partner of Vancouver Startup Week 2026. This event is part of the VSW 2026 calendar and is offered for free to VSW All-Access Pass holders on a first come first served basis (limited number of seats.) If you would like to purchase a VSW All-Access Pass, you can do so online at www.vanstartupweek.ca.
Ready to fundraise? This four-hour intensive will prepare you to raise capital with confidence. Keith Ippel (Co-founder & Co-CEO, Spring Activator) covers the fundamentals of fundraising strategy, while David Steinley (Founder, Frictionless Fundraising and Fractional CFO) dives into building an investor-ready data room that speeds up deals and strengthens your valuation.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, April 27
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Registration opens at 12:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs (555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver).
AGENDA:
1:00 – 1:10 PM : Opening Remarks
1:10 – 3:10 PM: Funding Fundamentals with Keith Ippel
3:10 – 3:30 PM: Break
3:30 – 5:00 PM: Frictionless Data Rooms with David Steinley
JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.

Summit Strategy Masterclass: Gender-Smart Investing (A VSW Event)
2026-04-29 15:30 - 17:30 | Bentall One, 505 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V7X 1M5, Canada
Register Now
Get the inside scoop on “gender-smart” investing. Move beyond the theory with this female funder/founder panel on the realities of raising and investing in female founders, and what happens after…
​MEET YOUR PANELISTS
​Monique Morden
Monique is a founder, investor, and supporter of the BC and Canadian startup ecosystem. Monique has experience in both venture debt (TIMIA Capital) and venture capital (Spring Impact Capital, Women’s Equity Lab, etc). As a past founder with a successful exit (JUDI.AI), she understands the challenges of founders and the decision making process for investors.
​Dr. Julie Durnan
Dr. Julie Durnan is the Founder of Ginger Desk, a virtual assistant platform for health practitioners that was recently acquired. After raising a seed round in 2023, she scaled Ginger Desk with a clear vision to build a category-leading company positioned for acquisition. The business hires, trains, and manages skilled medical office assistants who support practitioners and clinics across North America, helping clinic owners reclaim time and focus on growth.
​Chelsea Naylor
Chelsea Naylor is a seasoned board director, angel investor, and business owner with more than 20 years of cross-industry experience spanning technology, CPG, beauty, and solution-sales. She is a Managing Partner with Women’s Equity Lab (WEL) Vancouver where she leads the due diligence process and an active member of Angel Forum, she invests in early-stage companies while providing founders with hands-on mentorship, strategic guidance, and operational support.
​Moderated by: Irene Dorsman
​Irene loves working with founders and investors but loves connecting the two even more. Which is why she jumped at the opportunity to take over and run Angel Forum in 2018.
​When she isn’t working on Angel Forum, Irene is either busy as an investor and partner in Women’s Equity Lab or her communication and advisory work with mining clients. Prior to coming to Vancouver, Irene was the Executive Director of the Dutch Business Association in Hong Kong. Before that she held a senior marketing position with Dutch pharmaceutical group Gist-Brocades (now DSM) in Hong Kong and Jakarta, Indonesia.

​​​A Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2WSV) initiative, the Summit Strategy Masterclass series is engineered for women tech founders to transform their conference experience from “simply attending” to executing a high-impact lead generation strategy.
​​​BONUS: Attend all 3 Summit Strategy Masterclass sessions for $40, and be entered into a giveaway for a FREE Women-in-Tech Web Summit ticket!

April 15 – AI Advantage for Conference Prep
April 22 – Maximizing Conference Micro Moments

​​​WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Woman or non-binary tech founder
Based in British Columbia

​​​EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Wednesday, April 29
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Registration opens at 3:15 PM)
Venue: Bentall One, 505 Burrard St, 9th Floor (In-person only)
Cost: $20 for one session, $40 for all 3 sessions
​Registered for all 3 Sessions? We will manually register for you for the subsequent Luma events, so no need to register again!
Register Now
