NVBC Competition 2024 Info Session
2024-04-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver)
​Join us online as we review this year’s competition process.
​Part of the 2024 New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC.
​The New Ventures BC Competition is the largest and longest-running tech competition in BC, offering education, coaching and awarding $250,000 in cash and prizes to BC startups. Applications for the 24th annual competition are open now and close April 11, 11:59pm.
​Speaker
​Kaylee Lieffers – Blanka, Co-Founder & CEO (2023 New Ventures BC Competition Third Prizewinner)
Angie Schick – New Ventures BC, Executive Director
​For more information about NVBC Competition 2024, visit our competition page. #nvbc2024
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NVBC Competition 2024 Winners' Panel & Kickoff
2024-04-04 15:30 - 18:00
​Join us for our winners’ panel to kickoff of this year’s NVBC competition!
Part of the 2024 New Ventures BC Competition
Presented by Innovate BC.
Access to funding and resources, networking with the local tech community, exclusive seminars with industry experts- that’s just the tip of the iceberg for how the New Ventures BC Competition can benefit your startup! Hear from our past winners and how their participation in the competition has impacted their businesses.
​Location: St. Regis Bar & Grill – Downstairs Hall
​Speakers:
​Cory Sivell – RetreatsAndVenues (2023 NVBC Competition First Prizewinner)
Ardy Naghshineh – BrowseAI (2023 NVBC Competition Second Prizewinner)
Maca Cataldo-Hernandez – Viridis (2023 Innovate BC Sustainability Prizewinner)
Moderator: Tomica Divic (Innovate BC – VP of Operations)
​After our winners’ panel from last year’s competition, join us for our 2023 New Ventures BC Competition Kickoff Networking Event and speak to industry leaders, meet your fellow competitors, and mingle with past participants.
This event is free for all BC tech startups, students, and our NVBC Community.
​Location details will be sent to all event registrants.
​Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business, and even perform better in the #nvbc2024 competition!
​For more information about NVBC Competition 2024, visit our competition page.
Apply for the Competition by 11:59pm, April 11, 2024.
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Startup Sprint 2024
2024-04-13 09:00 - 17:00
Join fellow New Ventures BC Competitors and the BC tech community for a day packed with startup essentials! These education sessions are open to anyone interested in learning about building a tech startup. It is also designed to help 2024 Competition entrants prepare for your Round 2 submissions, due on May 1st. Come for the whole day or stay for select seminars. Space is limited, be sure to register in advance.
​For those that can’t make it in person, we will be offering a livestream of the event! More information for the livestream will be provided after registration.
​Part of the 2024 New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC.
​Location: SFU Harbour Centre (located within SFU Vancouver Campus), 515 W Hastings St., Room 1400
​Agenda:
​9:00am – Registration
9:30-11:00am – Product/Market Fit
11:15am-12:30pm – Introduction to Pricing for Innovation
12:30-1:30pm – Lunch break
1:30-2:15pm – Government Funding Programs and IP Considerations
2:30-3:15pm – Financial Models
3:30-5:00pm – The Business Case – What an Angel Really Wants
​Speakers:
​Dave Thomas, Partner, Rocket Builders and SFU VentureLabs
Lesley Duncan, Senior Marketing Manager, Photonic Inc.
Steven Forth, CEO, Ibbaka
Edward Wong, Project Manager, Ibbaka
Cynthia Shippam, Industrial Technology Advisor, NRC IRAP
Sean Hodgins, Co-Founder, Tandem Innovation Group
Mike Volker, Angel Investor & CEO, WUTIF Capital
​This event is free for all BC tech startups, students, and our NVBC Community.
​Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business, and even perform better in the #nvbc2024 competition!
​For more information about NVBC Competition 2024, visit our competition page.
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AccelerateIP Breakfast: Maximize & Implement Your IP Strategy
2024-05-02 08:30 - 10:30
Join us for an insightful morning on Thursday, May 2nd from 8:30 – 10:30 AM PT, as we kickstart the day with a power-packed breakfast session, as part of a partnership with Spring and AccelerateIP. This panel is tailored for entrepreneurs like you who recognize the paramount importance of intellectual property in the tech ecosystem. Hear from IP thought leaders, a founder, and ecosystem partners, including:

​Morgan McDonald and David Spratley of DLA Piper
​Jayesh Vekariya of joni
​Caroline von Hirschberg of Spring

​What to Expect:
​🔍 Business Strategy and IP: Explore the strategic integration of IP in your business model and unlock new avenues for growth.
​🛡️ Protecting Your Assets: Arm yourself with the knowledge necessary to safeguard your intellectual property, with a focus on trademarks and copyrights.
​🌐 Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs who share your ambitions and aspirations, fostering collaborations that transcend boundaries.
​🗣️ Interactive Panel: Engage directly with our distinguished guest speakers as they share invaluable insights, experiences, and practical tips for navigating the intricate world of IP in the tech industry.
​🥇 AccelerateIP: Maximize the most out of the AccelerateIP program, delivered by New Ventures BC, and access mentorship, resources, and costs for legal support of up to $85,000
​Limited Spots Available
​Spaces are filling up fast, and we have only a limited number of spots left! Don’t miss out on this exclusive chance designed specifically for entrepreneurs who are committed to unlocking the full potential of their intellectual property assets in today’s fiercely competitive tech landscape. Register now to secure your spot!

Funding Fundamentals
2024-05-13 13:00 - 16:00
​Part of the 2024 New Ventures BC Competition
​Presented by Innovate BC
​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.
​What you’ll learn:
Join us for an afternoon covering what startups should know about raising capital.
Can’t make it in person? Register for our “Livestream Only” option to gain access to the event virtually.
Agenda & Speakers:
1:00pm: Intro to Capital Compass, Stacey Armstrong, Ecosystem Relations Manager, Innovate BC and Capital Compass
1:15pm: Capital and Valuation, Jeff Lightburn, Director, Technology & Innovation Banking Group, National Bank of Canada
1:45pm: Funding Fundamentals, Keith Ippel, Co-CEO & Founder, Spring
​Details:
​Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: SFU VentureLabs – 11th Floor Concourse
​This event is free for all BC tech startups, students, and our NVBC Community.
​For more information about NVBC Competition 2024, visit our competition page.
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Startup Canada Tour - Partnered Event
2024-05-15 08:30 - 17:30
We’re attending Startup Canada‘s tour stop in Langley!
Join us and Startup Canada in Langley on May 15 at the Coast Langley City Hotel & Convention Centre for a day of networking, learning, and gaining the tools to drive your business forward! This is your chance to meet our team and ask any burning questions about how New Ventures BC can help your startup.
We’re offering our community a special 20% discount by using code “STARUPTOUR20″ at checkout.
Register Here!

Corporate Structure
2024-05-16 14:00 - 16:00
Part of the 2024 New Ventures BC Competition
Presented by Innovate BC
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.
What you’ll learn:
Join New Ventures BC and Fasken for a workshop on Corporate Structure and Legal Agreements. This seminar will address the initial corporate matters you need to consider in building your technology company.
During this seminar, you’ll get essential insights into corporate structure plus some Q&A time from speakers Hardeep Gill, Samuel Li and Geoff Pedlow of Fasken.
Topics covered include:
Initial corporate structuring issues
Allocating founders shares
Preparing a financing plan
Sourcing seed capital
Allocating stock options
Financing a new venture
Taxes
Speakers:
Hardeep Gill – Partner, Fasken
Samuel Li – Partner, Fasken
Geoff Pedlow – Partner, Fasken
Can’t make it in person? Register for our “Livestream Only” option to gain access to the event virtually.
Details:
Date: May 16, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Fasken – Vancouver Room B/C
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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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Non-dilutive Capital: SR&ED
2024-05-27 13:00 - 14:00
​Part of the 2024 New Ventures BC Competition
​Presented by Innovate BC
​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.
​What you’ll learn:
EY Canada’s SR&ED team will review the Scientific Research & Experimental Development program and discuss how businesses, regardless of their corporate structure or size, can recover costs of R&D expenses through federal and provincial tax credits.
Learn how to determine whether you qualify for the SR&ED program and 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 process with investors.
Speakers:
Tamara J Tarnowsky – Senior Manager, EY Canada
David Ko – Manager, EY Canada
Mo Mostafaei – Partner, EY Canada
​Details:
Date: May 27, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Virtual
​This event is free for all BC tech startups, students, and our NVBC Community.
​For more information about NVBC Competition 2024, visit our competition page.
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IP Considerations for Science-Based Companies - Partnered Event with AccelerateIP
2024-05-30 13:00 - 14:30
Join us for an engaging session to help founders of science-based companies understand the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) and the latest on programs that can help support you in this journey.
During this session, we’ll dive into:

IP considerations for science-based companies
The latest on program offerings including IP Assist and Accelerate IP, two federal programs that provide crucial support and subsidies for IP protection.

Guest speaker: Mike Damiani (Partner at BLG; PhD in Biochemistry, SFU, 2012; Patent Agent)
After the presentation, there will be opportunities for short one-on-one meetings. If you would like to schedule a meeting please indicate so when you register, a limited number are available. Meet with:

Mike Damiani
Kamaldeep Sembi (SFU Director of Technology Licensing & IP Legal Counsel)
Mentors from SFU VentureLabs
Mentors from the Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship

Don’t miss this chance to learn the latest on IP programs for science-based companies.
Supported by SFU 4D Labs, Borden Ladner Gervais, SFU TLO, SFU Venture Labs, Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship, and the AccelerateIP program.
Logistics:
Date: Thursday, May 30th
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Location: SSB 7172 – South Sciences Building
SFU Burnaby
643A Science Road, Burnaby, BC

Register Here!

Managing Your IP
2024-05-30 13:00 - 15:00
Part of the 2024 New Ventures BC Competition
Presented by Innovate BC
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.
What you’ll learn:
Trade-marks 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 Ling Wong will guide you on this process, giving you the basics you need to better investigate your options.
Speakers:
Roger Kuypers – Partner, Trademark Agent, Fasken
Ling Wong – Counsel, Patent & Trademark Agent, Fasken
Details:
Date: May 30, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Virtual
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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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Vancouver Startup Week's Ecosystem Showcase - Partnered Event
2024-05-31 14:00 - 17:00
We’re attending the #VSW2024 Ecosystem Showcase from Vancouver Startup Week!
When you’re an early-stage entrepreneur, you need all the support and resources that you can get! Join us for the Ecosystem Showcase as part of Vancouver Startup Week, and meet all the organizations in town that are here to support you. Learn about the programs and resources that are available to local entrepreneurs.
Register Here!

The Pitch
2024-06-07 10:15 - 12:00
Part of the 2024 New Ventures BC Competition
Presented by Innovate BC
Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.
What you’ll learn:
What goes into a winning pitch? Paul Brassard, Managing Partner at Volition, will share tips for refining and perfecting your pitch.
Agenda:
10:15am – Registration
10:30am – Session begins
Speakers:
Paul Brassard – Managing Partner, Volition
Details:
Date: June 7, 2024
Time: 10:15 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Fasken Vancouver (29th Floor)
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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.

HR 101
2024-06-11 13:00 - 14:15
​Part of the 2024 New Ventures BC Competition
​Presented by Innovate BC
​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.
​What you’ll learn:
Matthew Heiydt, founder of Backstretch Recruitment Group, deep dives into HR 101 and how to build a formidable team. From the basics through to strategic workforce solutions, this seminar will teach you how to minimize risk and make better decisions for you and your growing team.
Speakers:
Matthew Heiydt – Founder, Backstretch Recruitment Group
​Details:
Date: June 11, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM
Location: Virtual
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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.

Perfecting Your Fundraising Deck
2024-06-19 13:00 - 14:00
​Part of the 2024 New Ventures BC Competition
​Presented by Innovate BC
​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.
​What you’ll learn:
You probably already know that a well-crafted fundraising deck is essential when pitching to potential investors, but do you know how to create one yet? Come listen to Laith Shukri, Director, Ecosystem Engagement at RBCx, discuss the best practices to create a compelling pitch deck, including showcasing your brand’s story, identifying potential funders, understanding what they’re looking for, and getting people excited about your company.
​Laith will dive into various topics such as how to understand fund economics, incorporate storytelling elements, empathize with investors, and how to leave a lasting impression based on your startup’s unique story. Come join this lively discussions where participation and questions are highly encouraged!
Speaker:
Laith Shukri – Director, Ecosystem Engagement at RBCx
​Details:
Date: June 19, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Virtual
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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.

Intellectual Property for Business Growth
2024-06-25 13:00 - 18:00
​Join New Ventures BC and Innovate BC on June 25th for a half-day of learning, discussions, and networking alongside industry experts to elevate your company’s intellectual property (IP) strategy.
​Learn more about BC’s IP Strategy here.
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​Who should attend?
IP for Business Growth is a half-day conference designed for companies and founders that:

​Have an existing understanding of intellectual property and are looking to level up their IP and business strategies.
​Have market traction on their business and/or product
​Want to network with founders and experts around the topic of IP

​Agenda:
​1:00pm: Registration
1:30pm: Welcome remarks
1:35pm: Education Session: Moving IP Knowledge In-house with Houston Brown, In-house IP
2:30pm: Company IP case study: Life360 Innovations, with Robert Orr, President & CEO, Life360 Innovations and Roger Kuypers, Partner, Fasken
3:05pm: Patent landscapes and Company IP case study: Xerox PARC, with Michael Waltrip, former Managing Director IP Strategy, Xerox PARC and Conor Sheehan, Vice President, Global IP Business Development, UnitedLex Corporation
3:30pm: Panel: How to Monetize IP as your Company Grows, curated by Garibaldi Capital and SFU Venture Labs
4:30pm: Closing remarks with Peter Cowan, CEO, Innovate BC and Hon. Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
4:45pm: Networking reception + legal expert office hour sessions
​Stay tuned for more details!
​Can’t make it in person?
​Make sure to register for “Livestream Only” to gain access to the livestream on the day of the event!
​Details:
Date: June 25, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: SFU Venture Labs (11th Floor Concourse)
555 W Hastings St, 11th floor, Vancouver, BC V6B 4N6
​For any questions, please reach out: programs@newventuresbc.com.
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​By signing up for this event, you agree to be added to the NVBC and Innovate BC e-newsletters (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC and Innovate BC for marketing purposes.

Mitacs: Non-Dilutive Funding and Strategic Academic Partnerships
2024-06-27 13:00 - 14:00
​Part of the 2024 New Ventures BC Competition
​Presented by Innovate BC
​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.
​What you’ll learn:
Are you looking for specialized talent in high-tech fields or funding to advance your innovation agenda? Mitacs and Innovate BC have programs to help companies achieving these goals and help accessing talent, funding, and resources to accelerate technology development towards commercialization.
​Marcelo Mora, Senior Advisor at Mitacs and Innovate BC and Lenny Freilich, Director of Strategic Accounts at Mitacts will be speaking about non-dilutive funding opportunities from both Mitacs and Innovate BC available for Canadian companies.
Speaker:
Marcelo Mora – Senior Advisor at Mitacs and Innovate BC
Lenny Freilich – Director, Strategic Accounts at Mitacs
​Details:
Date: June 27, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Virtual
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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.

NVBC Top 26 Networking Event
2024-07-02 16:30 - 19:30
Part of the 2024 New Ventures BC Competition
Presented by Innovate BC
It’s time for Round 3! Join New Ventures BC for our annual Top 26 Networking Event. Our Top 26 ventures will be paired with their mentoring teams, while the NVBC community catches up over drinks and canapes.
Gain insight on how to make the most of their mentorship experience from veteran NVBC Competition mentors and past Competition participants.
Agenda:
4:30pm – Registration
5:00pm – Session begins
Details:
Date: July 2, 2024
Time: 5:00 – 7:30pm (Registration begins at 4:45pm)
Location: RBCx, 36th Floor, 1055 West Georgia Street
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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.

Financials for Startups
2024-07-17 13:00 - 14:00
Part of the 2024 New Ventures BC Competition
Presented by Innovate BC
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.
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.
Speakers:
Irene Dorsman, CEO & Director, Angel Forum
Pieter Dorsman, Director, Angel Forum
Details:
Date: July 17, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Virtual
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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.

NVBC Golf Tournament and Social
2024-07-22 13:30 - 20:30
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, and prizes. Power carts are available at the course for an additional fee.

Early “Birdie” Registration by July 8 – $140/person
Regular Registration by July 15 – $155/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!
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​*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).

IP Speaker Series: Strategies on Patent Filing Timing
2024-07-24 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for a deep dive on a key startup topic: when to file patent applications. In a casual conversation, we will explore key concepts and strategies that inventors and startups should consider when building a patent portfolio to conserve scarce IP dollars.
​Why This Chat?
​In the tech world, every dollar counts. Hear from some of the leading patent practitioners on strategies they use with their clients to build their portfolios wisely, while still obtaining broad protections. From ensuring utility and disclosure requirements are satisfied to strategic use of provisional, International PCT, divisional, and continuation applications to best practices on claiming priority in foreign jurisdictions, come listen to practical advice every IP-focused startup should know.
​What You’ll Gain:

​Insider Knowledge: Delve into some key concepts around how to best allocate filing dollars and key sector-specific considerations including life science and software applications.
​Real-World Wisdom: Engage with firsthand stories and experiences on how leading technology companies and scale-ups think about filing strategies.
​Practical Takeaways: Discover strategies on how to stretch your IP dollars to ensure you are getting the best return for every IP dollar.
​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:
​Joanna Ma – Joanna Ma is an intellectual property (IP) strategist and patent lawyer at Bereskin & Parr LLP. She offers her clients strategic advice on developing and growing IP portfolios that are aligned with their business opportunities and goals. Joanna also assists her clients with commercializing and monetizing these IP rights, and with developing a balanced approach to the enforcement of their IP rights.
​Ainslie Parsons – Ainslie is a partner with Bereskin & Parr LLP and a member of the Life Sciences practice group. Ainslie’s practice focuses on drafting and prosecution of patent applications related to life sciences matters, including biologics, diagnostics, plants and plant technology, biotechnology, food and pharmaceuticals. She also advises on patent issues such as validity, infringement and freedom to operate and has expertise in IP licensing.
​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.

Register Here!

An Evening with BC’s Most Prominent Investors and This Year’s Most Promising Startups
2024-09-04 17:00 - 20:00
Presented by National Bank of Canada, and co-hosted with Vantec Angel Network.
Join us for an exclusive evening dedicated to supporting and celebrating our vibrant BC tech ecosystem! The proceeds of your ticket will go to helping fuel the growth of the next stage of investor-ready startups in our community. This event will give you the chance to get a first look at the Top 26 companies emerging from this year’s NVBC competition, as well as the Top 10 that will be moving on to the final round of the competition. These groundbreaking companies have spent the last several months engaged in a rigorous NVBC Competition process, we are excited for you to meet them!
This unique and elevated event is the perfect setting to connect with a distinguished network of fellow angel investors and ecosystem partners. This is an unparalleled opportunity to give back, meet the Top 26 companies driving the future of technology, and forge valuable connections within the industry. Your participation is vital in shaping the next generation of tech leaders in BC!
Your $500 registration fee includes:

Access to meet and greet all Top 26 founders in person
A company highlights brochure detailing key investment information​
Exclusive first look at the Top 10 that will advance to the final round of the competition
Opportunity to network with other BC angel investors and tech ecosystem partners
Refreshments and yummy canapés throughout the night
Special recognition at the September 19th Awards Ceremony
Accredited investors will receive an investor package with exclusive profiles and information for 2024’s Top 26 companies, such as:

​8-page company overviews​
Detailed investor pitch decks​
60-second elevator pitch videos

All registration fee proceeds will directly support this year’s Competition winners via investment by New Ventures BC. This not only benefits the competitors, but also provides NVBC with equity and growth opportunities to continue to provide events and programming that bring together our local tech community.
Details:
Date: Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Time: 5:00-8:00pm
Location: Downtown Vancouver
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24th Annual New Ventures BC Competition Awards Ceremony
2024-09-19 16:30 - 20:00
Part of the 24th Annual New Ventures BC Competition
Presented by Innovate BC
We’ve narrowed the field from 200+ competitors to just 10 finalists. See who’s taking home over $250,000 in cash and prizes at this year’s New Ventures BC Competition Awards, presented by Innovate BC!
Details:
Date: Thursday, September 19, 2024
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.*
The 24th Annual Awards will be a hybrid event – join via online stream or in-person at the Stanley Park Pavilion
Register Here!
Save the date to your Calendar.
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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.

Venture Readiness: Accessing Venture Capital
2024-10-09 13:00 - 14:30
Part of the Discovery Foundation Indigenous Tech Founders Program
​Join us as we explore the intersection of investment and Indigenous entrepreneurship, while delving into the unique challenges faced by Indigenous founders to identify their ecosystem support needs. We’ll discuss inclusive investment practices, such as diversity-focused funds and mentorship programs, and how investors can build genuine, long-term relationships with Indigenous entrepreneurs.
​Our conversation will also cover practical advice from Indigenous founders on accessing funding, building investor relationships, and integrating cultural values into their business models. Regardless of which stage you are at in your journey, this webinar offers valuable insights and actionable strategies you can incorporate into your entrepreneurship roadmap.
​Presenters
​Allison Gibson – Allison is a champion for impact with extensive entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her fundraising experience to create innovative programs as Spring’s Chief Program Officer and is passionate about sharing her VC knowledge to demystify the world of venture capital and create pathways to funding for diverse founders. Allison’s favourite part of her job is mentoring startups and supporting investors to integrate gender-lens considerations into their investment thesis and process to increase the amount of capital deployed to under-represented founders.
​Andrea Butters – Andrea Butters, an Investment Project Manager based in Toronto, is a dynamic professional with a rich background in software engineering and digital marketing. Her work is deeply driven by a commitment to fostering equity across communities. Andrea’s unique blend of technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills enables her to effectively promote and advocate for inclusivity and social justice. With a profound passion for technology, she leverages its potential to drive meaningful change. Andrea’s dedication to creating a more equitable world is at the core of her professional endeavours, reflecting her belief in technology’s power to effect positive transformation.

Register Here!

What Every Startup Leader Needs To Know About Burnout For Themselves And Their Organization
2024-10-22 13:00 - 14:30
Part of the Discovery Foundation Indigenous Tech Founders Program
Join us for an engaging and practical discussion about burnout and how it can affect the productivity, culture, and growth of your company.
​The rates of workplace burnout have soared since COVID-19. Entrepreneurs’ personalities, passion for their work, high levels of business uncertainty and stress, and limited safety nets put them among the highest rates of burnout compared to other workers. Dr. Andrew Miki is a Registered Psychologist and founder of a mental health company for employees. He has extensive professional and personal experience helping individuals and organizations identify and address burnout. This presentation is tailored for leaders of start-ups and will provide insights, strategies, and practical advice to prevent and treat burnout.

​We are pleased to welcome our guest lecturer, Dr. Andrew Miki.
​Dr. Andrew Miki is a registered psychologist in British Columbia, Canada, with expertise in neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). His private practice focuses on helping employees improve their mental fitness so they can return to work following a disability leave due to stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression.
​Andrew’s vision is to democratize effective mental healthcare for people to live happier and healthier lives. In 2013, Andrew founded a digital mental health company that created one of the first fully digital internet-based CBT programs for employees. Today, over 4.5 million people have free access to the personalized mental health program with proven results that were published in leading scientific journals and featured in Forbes and Authority Magazine.
​Andrew now works with organizations and their leaders to improve their Emotional Intelligence (EQ) with frameworks based on the latest science of clinical psychology. He holds a BSc. in Psychology from Queen’s University, a MA in Animal Cognition & Neuroscience from Wilfrid Laurier, and a MA/Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from York University in Toronto.
Register Here!

B2B Sales Workshop
2024-10-28 13:00 - 17:00
Part of the Venture Acceleration Program
This 4-hour Sales workshop focuses on all the core elements of a professional sales process. Whether you have prior sales experience, are brand new to sales, or are a startup founder looking to drive sales for your venture, this program can help you increase your sales results.
Provided through in-person instruction, you will learn best practices for sales across various Go-to-Market models including high-touch business-to-business sales, low-touch (product led) sales, and partner and channel-led sales.
We provide proven frameworks and best practices for helping to identify potential customers, customer discovery & qualification, sales presentations, negotiation and closing sales.
You will gain an understanding of Go-to-market strategies and how to align your product or service with the appropriate sales approach. We also provide guidelines and tips on how to overcome common objections and move your sales efforts forward.

Why Sales?
No matter what the industry, product or service, sales is the critical revenue driver for virtually any organization. Whether you work in a large or small enterprise or intend to start your own business as an entrepreneur, understanding the sales process is a critical component of success. Having a strong sales foundation is also important for other roles, such as marketing, customer success and product management, to understand what it takes to successfully bring a product or service to market in a competitive environment. Sales is a learned process that anyone can master, and it is typically one of the highest paid roles in most organizations.
Details:
Date: Monday, October 28, 2024
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 pm PST
Location: Fasken Vancouver (29th Floor)
Cost: $150 – General
$75 – NVBC program alumni
Free – Current NVBC accelerator clients

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Instructor:
Peter de Verteuil (MBA)
Peter has over 30 years of experience in Sales and Marketing management, Business Development, Corporate Strategy and Communications. Peter has held leadership positions in dynamic high-growth environments as well as large multinational organizations and has navigated change management through a number of corporate acquisitions. In roles of VP of Sales and VP of Strategy at SAP, Peter managed highly successful sales teams, and helped drive GTM Strategy & Planning for one of SAP’s leading growth divisions.While VP of Marketing for Future Shop, Marketing Magazine named Peter one of Canada’s most influential marketers. Today Peter provides professional Business Development, Strategy, Sales, Marketing and Media consulting and advisory services to a wide spectrum of organizations, from start-ups to large enterprises.Peter holds an MBA from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, and is an Executive in Residence with New Ventures BC.
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Office Hours with Chang Han
2024-11-22 11:00 - 15:30
Interested in AccelerateIP but not sure which stream suits you best?
Book a time with our IP Executive in Residence and former IP Lawyer, Chang Han, during his virtual Office Hours!
​Whether you have questions about the right program or need guidance on AccelerateIP, Chang is here to help you navigate your options.
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Please note, this isn’t legal advice but a chance to explore your opportunities within our programs.
Times available for booking – between 11AM to 3:30PM.
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IP Speaker Series: Culture and Law
2024-11-27 13:00 - 14:00
​Join us for an in-depth discussion on the intersection of culture and IP law, and learn how founders can protect themselves in a Canadian IP landscape that is not always aligned with Traditional Knowledge. It’s important for any founder to ask themselves, who can play and what are the rules?
​​Why This Chat?
​What You’ll Gain:
​​● Insider Knowledge: Delve into some key concepts around Traditional Knowledge (TK), Traditional Cultural Expression (TCE) and Cultural Competence.
​​● Real-World Wisdom: Engage with firsthand stories and experiences on how founders can participate in cultural endeavors without committing cultural appropriation.
​​● Practical Takeaways: Discover strategies on how to ensure that your company’s IP is protected, when it may not be clear when Traditional Knowledge and Canadian IP may intersect.
​​● 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.
​​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.
​​About the Speakers:
​Mitchel Fleming (Guest) – Part of Toronto’s newest cohort of entertainment lawyers, Mitchel Fleming brings to his practice a wealth of entertainment experience.
​Fleming has extensive experience acting as production legal counsel, including handling rights acquisitions, international co-pro agreements, broadcast and distribution deals, performer agreements, production financing, tax credit optimization and E&O insurance reviews for a growing list of feature films and TV series.
​Fleming not only works on behalf of legacy film and television organizations, but maintains a diverse roster of clients, including social media sensations, comedians, and live sport entertainment companies.
Ever passionate about economic and community development in Canada’s rural communities, particularly First Nations, Fleming has dedicated time and energy to establishing opportunities for First Nations youth to study music in St. John’s, Newfoundland, in the hopes that they might bring that knowledge back to their hometowns.
​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.
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IP Strategy for the Growth and Scalability of your Startup - Partnered Event
2024-12-04 12:30 - 13:30
Intangible assets are now the bulk of a valuation for a company (more than tangible assets). And everything intangible is some form of IP. A successful IP strategy is a function of both creating IP value and avoiding IP risk.
In this session, Emilie and Patrick will discuss the ways different IP rights create value, strategy considerations for securing IP rights, linking IP creation with your business’ commercialization plan, how to develop an effective monitoring and enforcement strategy, and how to mitigate IP risk. IP isn’t just patents and protection from competitors. Learn about how to leverage IP for licensing, justifying valuation and partnerships.

About Our Speakers from Seastone IP
Patrick Smith

Patrick is one of Canada’s top IP litigators, serving as counsel in more than 100 reported decisions over the course of his 25+ year career. He has extensive experience supporting clients in the oil and gas, agricultural, biotech, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. The Supreme Court of Canada adopted his submissions in Teva v. Pfizer (2012) as the framework by which courts now judge “utility” in patent cases.
Patrick is a registered patent agent who advises and represents clients in matters concerning patents, trademarks, copyright, trade secrets, and regulatory compliance. He is a former adjunct professor of law at the University of Ottawa and served as President of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC) for 2018-2019. Currently, Patrick is the chair of IPIC’s Intervention Committee.
Emilie Feil-Fraser

Emilie is a lawyer and trademark agent with a combination practice of litigation and solicitor work. She helps clients solve contentious disputes in the areas of trademarks, patents, trade secrets/confidential information, copyright, industrial designs, privacy disputes, and domain name disputes. She represents a wide variety of clients, from small start-up businesses to multi-national corporations in large-scale patent infringement litigation. She provides strategic advice to clients on all aspects of their intellectual property portfolios, including IP development strategy and best practices for internal IP protection.
Emilie is also a registered Canadian trademark agent and handles all levels of trademark prosecution, from brand development to registration. She is also fluent in French and enjoys hiking, skiing, and live music.
This event is hosted by AccelerateIP in partnership with Tech Yukon.
Please note the event timing is in PDT.

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Generative AI: Copyright and Ownership - Partnered Event
2024-12-10 12:00 - 13:00
This event is hosted by Tech Yukon in partnership with AccelerateIP. Note the timing is in PDT.
Do you own the assets created using AI? Are there limitations to usage rights? Are they subject to any Creative Commons Licenses?

AI is changing how to approach content generation. From text for books or poems, to images, and even video. Not only for the creation, but also in editing and live streaming.
Can you copyright, trademark or pursue design patents for AI creations? Who owns the content? What’s the risk of someone else utilizing the same piece of generated content?
We’ll try our best to tackle some of these questions and more in the ever evolving legal landscape of AI.

Speaker
Chang Han, Lead EiR (Entrepreneur in Residence) at entrepreneurship@UBC
Chang Han has cofounded, invested in, and worked for startups in education, biotech, digital media software and hardware, the trades, franchising, manufacturing, import and export and retail distribution. His entrepreneur, investing and consulting experience is balanced with a former corporate career in business litigation as well as In-House corporate counsel managing intellectual property for an international bank. Chang is currently NVBC’s IP Executive in Residence, and supports the roll-out of the NVBC Accelerate IP grant program. He is also the Lead Entrepreneur in Residence at entrepreneurship@UBC, and an investment consultant with Genome BC. Additionally, Chang is a member of faculty for the Part-Time program at BCIT, the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
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Tech & Toast: A VentureLabs Breakfast Series
2024-12-11 09:30 - 10:30
Tech & Toast: A VentureLabs Breakfast Series returns on December 11! Join us as we welcome Danika Kotylak, a lawyer from Dentons’ Vancouver office, for an engaging discussion on Navigating IP in Merger and Acquisition Transactions. Enjoy breakfast while gaining expert insights on how to increase IP value, navigate transaction structures, ensure ownership clarity, manage licensing impacts, and avoid due diligence pitfalls in mergers and acquisitions. Attendees will have a chance to ask questions at the end of the short presentation.
Where: VentureLabs office, 12th floor kitchen (1200 – 555 W Hastings St, Vancouver)
When: December 11, 9:30 AM -10:30 AM
Who: Science and technology company founders/leaders, AccelerateIP clients
Registration required
The series is a partnership between SFU VentureLabs and AccelerateIP, and includes a light breakfast limited to the first 30 attendees.
About the speaker: Danika Kotylak
Danika (She/Her/Hers) is an associate in Dentons’ Vancouver office. She is a member of the Corporate and Intellectual Property and Technology practice groups at Dentons. In her general corporate practice, Danika advises clients in a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, including corporate organization and governance, mergers and acquisitions, and other transactional matters such as drafting commercial agreements. Danika is passionate about assisting innovative start-ups overcome legal hurdles from incorporation, to team-building and raising funds. In her intellectual property practice, Danika advises clients from sophisticated corporate entities to independent artists on intellectual property protection and commercialization options. Danika is frequently engaged with intellectual property agreements, whether in the targeted mergers and acquisition due diligence space or drafting agreements to fit each client’s unique needs. Danika also assists with trademark and copyright registrations and renewals.
About Tech & Toast: A VentureLabs Breakfast Series
We bring the experts, pastries, and coffee to Tech & Toast so that founders can connect and learn from subject matter experts. This monthly in-person event will feature topics like IP, customer discovery, competitor analysis, etc. Join Tech & Toast to connect with other science and tech founders, meet with experts, and gain insights to grow your company.
Register Here!
