Summit Strategy Masterclass: Gender-Smart Investing (A VSW Event)
2026-04-29 15:30 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | 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

2026 IP Summit
2026-04-30 13:00 - 18:30
Register Now
We’re gathering BC’s most forward-thinking founders and innovation leaders for a high-impact half-day conference. Join us as we explore practical IP strategies designed to drive growth for scaling companies.
Back for its third year, the IP Summit Conference brings practical, systems-oriented sessions for founders and operators building IP-intensive companies. Learn how to move faster with fewer missteps by using Canada’s IP supports effectively, tracking progress without adding overhead, and building the right capabilities at the right stage.
*Due to limited seating, companies looking to optimize and leverage their existing IP strategy will be prioritized.
​Joining us in person?
Venue details will be shared upon registration (located in Downtown Vancouver). Note: Please ensure the name you register with matches your government-issued photo ID, as IDs will be checked at the door for security.
​Joining us online?
The livestream link will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
​​​​​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 using our 20% off promo code: NVBC20
Register Now

Startup Seminar Series: Pitch & Storytelling
2026-05-04 16:00 - 18:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Register Now
​Craft a compelling pitch deck that captures investor attention and clearly communicates your company’s value.
Learn how to use storytelling, structure, and design to deliver a persuasive pitch—whether you’re presenting to judges in the NVBC Competition or making high-impact connections with investors and partners at Web Summit.
Speaker:
Michelle Sklar
Head of Marketing & Communications, Innovation UBC
​EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, May 4
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.

AccelerateIP Info Session
2026-05-07 12:00 - 12:30 | Virtual
Applying for funding streams in AccelerateIP? Join us for an info session. The programs team will explain the application process and leave time for Q&A.
Register Now

Ask an Angel: Giving A Compelling Pitch
2026-05-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Join us for Ask an Angel, our monthly virtual investor office hours series presented in collaboration with VANTEC. From April through September, founders will have the opportunity to connect directly with an experienced angel investor, gain practical fundraising insights, and ask candid questions in an interactive online setting.
Our second session takes place on Thursday, May 28 at 11 AM PDT and will focus on Giving a Compelling Pitch.
Led by VANTEC’s CEO, Aaron Stuart, this session will explore what makes a pitch resonate with investors, how to clearly communicate your value proposition, and common mistakes founders should avoid when presenting their startup to investors.
Aaron will begin with a short 10–15 minute presentation, followed by an open AMA-style discussion where participants can ask questions related to pitching, fundraising, and working with angels.
Thursday, May 28 | 11 AM PDT | Online via Zoom
Register Now

About Our Angel: Aaron Stuart
Aaron is the CEO of VANTEC Angel Network, where he connects angel investors with high-potential startups across the province. Additionally, he serves as COO of WUTIF Capital and previously held leadership roles at FrontFundr. With extensive experience in angel investing, fundraising, and capital formation, Aaron brings valuable insight into what investors look for and how founders can position themselves for successful funding conversations.

Top 25 Reception
2026-06-09 17:30 - 20:00 | RBCx (36th Floor), 1055 W Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3S5, Canada
​
Register Now
Round 3 is here! Join us for our Top 25 Networking Reception, where this year’s Top 25 ventures will be introduced to their dedicated mentoring teams. It’s also an opportunity for the NVBC community to reconnect over drinks, canapés, and conversation.
We’re excited to welcome 2025 NVBC Competition winner Paschal Okwundu from Binta Financial, who will join Floyd Sijmons for a conversation on how founders can make the most of mentorship throughout the competition and beyond.
​Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with BC’s next generation of tech innovators.
​A big thank you to our 2026 Competition Silver Sponsor, RBCx, for hosting this event.
Register Now

Startup Seminar Series: SR&ED
2026-06-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Register Now
Join us virtually as EY Canada’s SR&ED team provides an overview of the Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) program and explores how businesses of all sizes and corporate structures can recover eligible R&D costs through federal and provincial tax incentives.
​Learn how to assess your eligibility for the SR&ED program, identify qualifying activities and expenses, and better understand the process for claiming R&D expenditures. The EY team will also discuss how SR&ED can create value for your business—not only as a source of operating capital, but also as a tool to strengthen your company, product, or process positioning with investors.
Monday, June 15 | 1 – 2 PM PDT | Online via Zoom
Register Now

Ask an Angel: What Investors Are Looking For
2026-06-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Join us for Ask an Angel, our monthly virtual investor office hours series presented in collaboration with VANTEC. From April through September, founders will have the opportunity to connect directly with an experienced angel investor, gain practical fundraising insights, and ask candid questions in an interactive online setting.
Our third session takes place on Thursday, June 25 at 11 AM PDT and will focus on What Investors Are Looking For.
Led by VANTEC’s CEO, Aaron Stuart, this session will break down the key qualities investors look for in early-stage startups.
Aaron will begin with a short 10–15 minute presentation, followed by an open AMA-style discussion where participants can ask burning questions related to working with angel investors.
Thursday, June 25 | 11 AM PDT | Online via Zoom
Register Now
About Our Angel: Aaron Stuart
Aaron is the CEO of VANTEC Angel Network, where he connects angel investors with high-potential startups across the province. Additionally, he serves as COO of WUTIF Capital and previously held leadership roles at FrontFundr. With extensive experience in angel investing, fundraising, and capital formation, Aaron brings valuable insight into what investors look for and how founders can position themselves for successful funding conversations.

Startup Seminar Series: Financials Workshop
2026-07-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
Register Now
Join Pieter Dorsman, Director at Angel Forum, as he walks 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.
Monday, July 6 | 1 – 2:30 PM PT | Online via Zoom
Register Now

2026 NVBC Golf Tournament and Social
2026-07-06 13:30 - 20:30 | Riverway Golf Course & Driving Range, 9001 Bill Fox Way, Burnaby, BC, V5J 3H6
Join us and our community for a fun day on the course at Riverway Golf Course!
​Register as a foursome or sign up individually — all skill levels are welcome. This casual, social tournament will follow Texas Scramble rules, making it a great opportunity to connect, play, and enjoy the day together.
Your tournament registration includes:

​18 holes of golf
Dinner
Prizes
​1/2 shared power cart

Early Bird pricing is available until June 19. Be sure to register early! ​Space is limited to just 28 spots, so registration will be first come, first served.
*Tee times begin at 1:30 PM. Golfers will be notified of their assigned tee time in advance.
*Early-Bird Ticket (purchased before June 19, 5 pm PT): $175
*Regular Ticket (purchased after June 19, 5 pm PT): $190
Register Now

Ask an Angel: The Importance of a Financial Model
2026-07-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Join us for Ask an Angel, our monthly virtual investor office hours series presented in collaboration with VANTEC. From April through September, founders will have the opportunity to connect directly with an experienced angel investor, gain practical fundraising insights, and ask candid questions in an interactive online setting.
Our fourth session takes place on Thursday, July 30 at 11 AM PDT and will focus on The Importance of a Financial Model.
Led by VANTEC’s CEO, Aaron Stuart, this session will explore why a strong financial model matters, what investors expect to see, and how founders can use financial projections to tell a compelling growth story.
Aaron will begin with a short 10–15 minute presentation, followed by an open AMA-style discussion where participants can ask questions related to fundraising, financial models, and working with angels.
Thursday, July 30 | 11 AM PDT | Online via Zoom
Register Now
About Our Angel: Aaron Stuart
Aaron is the CEO of VANTEC Angel Network, where he connects angel investors with high-potential startups across the province. Additionally, he serves as COO of WUTIF Capital and previously held leadership roles at FrontFundr. With extensive experience in angel investing, fundraising, and capital formation, Aaron brings valuable insight into what investors look for and how founders can position themselves for successful funding conversations.

Ask an Angel: Fundraising Strategy
2026-08-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Join us for Ask an Angel, our monthly virtual investor office hours series presented in collaboration with VANTEC. From April through September, founders will have the opportunity to connect directly with an experienced angel investor, gain practical fundraising insights, and ask candid questions in an interactive online setting.
Our fifth session takes place on Thursday, August 27 at 11 AM PDT and will focus on Fundraising Strategy.
Led by VANTEC’s CEO, Aaron Stuart, this session will cover how founders can approach fundraising strategically, including timing, investor targeting, and building momentum throughout the fundraising process.
Aaron will begin with a short 10–15 minute presentation, followed by an open AMA-style discussion where participants can ask questions related to fundraising, strategy-building and working with angels.
Thursday, August 27 | 11 AM PDT | Online via Zoom
Register Now
About Our Angel: Aaron Stuart
Aaron is the CEO of VANTEC Angel Network, where he connects angel investors with high-potential startups across the province. Additionally, he serves as COO of WUTIF Capital and previously held leadership roles at FrontFundr. With extensive experience in angel investing, fundraising, and capital formation, Aaron brings valuable insight into what investors look for and how founders can position themselves for successful funding conversations.

Ask an Angel: Deal Terms
2026-09-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Join us for Ask an Angel, our monthly virtual investor office hours series presented in collaboration with VANTEC. From April through September, founders will have the opportunity to connect directly with an experienced angel investor, gain practical fundraising insights, and ask candid questions in an interactive online setting.
Our final session takes place on Thursday, September 24 at 11 AM PDT and will focus on Giving a Compelling Pitch.
Led by VANTEC’s CEO, Aaron Stuart, this session will introduce common investment deal terms, what they mean for founders, and the key considerations to understand before entering funding negotiations.
Aaron will begin with a short 10–15 minute presentation, followed by an open AMA-style discussion where participants can ask questions related to deal terms, negotiating, and working with angels.
Thursday, September 24 | 11 AM PDT | Online via Zoom
Register Now
About Our Angel: Aaron Stuart
Aaron is the CEO of VANTEC Angel Network, where he connects angel investors with high-potential startups across the province. Additionally, he serves as COO of WUTIF Capital and previously held leadership roles at FrontFundr. With extensive experience in angel investing, fundraising, and capital formation, Aaron brings valuable insight into what investors look for and how founders can position themselves for successful funding conversations.
