Bianca Veltri

Are you facing a big decision on how to fund your startup? 🤔💡 Dive into a Toronto Business Development Centre guide written by AIO's own Kate Tomen, VP of Business Development & Operations, and uncover the critical differences between crowdfunding and angel investing. This essential read is your roadmap to making an informed funding choice that aligns with your startup's goals and needs. 🚀 Whether it's the expansive potential of angel investment or the community-driven power of crowdfunding, we've got the insights you need to navigate this crucial journey. 🔗 Your next big step is just a click away! https://lnkd.in/eEBGRZnE #StartupFunding #AngelInvestors #Crowdfunding #TBDC #EntrepreneurJourney

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🚀Call for Applications: Pitch at the HardTech Investor Network's Investor Meeting 🚀 Are you a cutting-edge Canadian hardware or deep-tech startup ready to scale? Apply now to pitch at the HardTech Investor Network's Investor Meeting on July 25th! 📅 Application Deadline: June 24th Why Apply?   🔹Access to Capital: Connect with investors passionate about hardware and deep-tech innovations.   🔹Expert Support: Gain insights and mentorship from experienced investors and industry experts.   🔹Networking: Build valuable relationships with potential investors and peers. Eligibility Criteria: ➡️Hardware and/or deep-tech startup ➡️Strong team, innovative technology, and scalable business model ➡️Pre-Seed to Series A stage ➡️Raising between $250K to $2M ➡️Industries: Robotics, AI, Biotech, Clean Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Materials, Semiconductor, Consumer Electronics, Medical Devices Apply Now: Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your startup to a network of aligned investors. Apply by June 24th to pitch at our July 25th meeting. 👉 Start-up Application here: https://lnkd.in/gJjpJVBd Questions? Contact us at: [email protected] #HardTechInvestorNetwork #DeepTech #AngelInvestor #VC #DeepTechInvesting #Hardware #AngelGroups #Tech #YRtech

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Despite the pessimism around Vancouver’s tech scene, I’m optimistic about its future. IMO, if you want to see real change, you have to be delusionally optimistic. Sure, there’s a lot of work ahead, but I’m bullish on Vancouver. 🚀 My take on Vancouver tech for BetaKit:

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1 unexpected advice a founder gave to my startup When I just started hanging out with tech founders in Toronto, there was one advice an exited founder gave me. First I smiled, then immediately followed it. Record your calls with people and watch it. Why? We screw up 90% of our potential with our own communication style. Might be the most cringe and worthy exercise ever. “Basically’ “yeah no”, “no ya”, not being able to directly answer a question and sooo many more surprises. Communication is everything, especially in an early startup. Not smart podcasts and books (oh no how so😂?) ⚡️Follow me for unfiltered advice on your career and startups⚡️ Shoutout to Shopify & Jocelyne Murphy for hosting cozy pitch afternoons at Shopify office.

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🚀Call for Applications: Pitch at the HardTech Investor Network's Investor Meeting 🚀 Are you a cutting-edge Canadian hardware or deep-tech startup ready to scale? Apply now to pitch at the HardTech Investor Network's Investor Meeting on September 25th! 📅 Application Deadline: August 26th Why Apply? 🔹Access to Capital: Connect with investors passionate about hardware and deep-tech innovations. 🔹Expert Support: Gain insights and mentorship from experienced investors and industry experts. 🔹Networking: Build valuable relationships with potential investors and peers. Eligibility Criteria: ➡️Hardware and/or deep-tech startup ➡️Strong team, innovative technology, and scalable business model ➡️Pre-Seed to Series A stage ➡️Raising between $250K to $2M ➡️Industries: Robotics, AI, Biotech, Clean Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Materials, Semiconductor, Consumer Electronics, Medical Devices Apply Now: Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your startup to a network of aligned investors. Apply by August 26th to pitch at our September 25th meeting. 👉 Start-up Application here: https://lnkd.in/gJjpJVBd Questions? Contact us at: [email protected] #HardTechInvestorNetwork #AngelInvestor #VentureCapital #DeepTech #Hardware #HardTech #YRtech

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Hold on to the handles! Whether it's your first crack at it or not, the shocks in small business can come thick and fast, and often from situations you weren't expecting.⚡️ At Convoy Collective, we're trying to equip founders and leaders with the tools and insight to not only withstand these jolts when they hit, but also preempt and avoid them more often in future. Having the right people around you goes a long way to diffusing the "current", this much we know - it's why our monthly Collective events are geared to growing that proactive posse who you can count on for support and shared experience, in business and beyond. They are the handles you can reach for when the shocks hit, and also the humans you can celebrate with when you win some tickets! 🎟🎟🎟 Our next event is happening this Wednesday evening on the Gold Coast and you'd be very welcome - details in comments. N.B. Anyone else raise an eyebrow at this photo, taken last week in a GC arcade full of kids? We did, but that could have been a post-game twitch. 🤔 #shocker #privatebusinessnetwork #professionalposse

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Our startup broke the mold from day one. When Minerva applied to NEXTAI Canada, we showed up with 3 founders; 3 different generations; 3 different cultures AND a fully working product. Apparently, that's not how it's usually done. Most startups come with an idea, maybe an MVP. We rolled up, guns blazing, ready to go. Our approach caught NEXTAI’s attention. And since we had a working product, they put us through a rigorous technical evaluation. They dug deep into our tech, challenged our assumptions, and ultimately made Minerva stronger. In a sense, our ignorance of startup norms was a blessing in disguise: • It led to a more thorough vetting process that pressure-tested our product • We received invaluable feedback that we may not have gotten otherwise • It resulted in a stronger, more resilient product Sometimes, not knowing the "right" way to do things can lead you down a better path

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Such a great blog post which I suggest every founder read. So many golden nuggets in here. But one that stands out: What are some qualities that you see in the most successful founders? Well, I love smart people, with high IQs, and high EQs, that’s great. But, of the founders that I see, the highest correlation with success is with their grit quotient. They’re not necessarily the smartest people in the world, but their grit and determination are unbelievable. They never give up and always find a way to blast through any obstacle they face. It’s the mentality of “succeed or die” – it’s that kind of determination that wins. #gritcotient #grit #founder #highperformancemindset

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Thank you so much to my co-organizer Mike Shoss for streaming this event! 150 people packed OneEleven last night, and the energy was electric. The panel was incredible, so many diverse perspectives from internal talent acquisition leaders, external recruiters, start-up advisors, and two recently hired PMs, we had all angles on the job hunt. I got so much out of the session, here are some of my key take-aways and your TLDR on how to approach your job hunt right now: 1) Be intentional - think about the type of company you want to work at, whether it be size, stage, domain, business model, and understand why you want that. 2) Personalization gives you an edge - blast applying and not caring about the opportunity is a waste of time. Use your intentionality to pick the jobs you really want, and then put the extra effort in to telling the org why you are interested and how you would make an impact on their bottom line. Our panelist Caitlin Chua cold applied to her current role and included a case analysis that framed her whole interview process. 3) Don't be afraid to be your authentic self - tell your employer about yourself, and show your personal interests. If that somehow deters them from hiring you, then it wasn't a fit for you in the first place. Remember rejection is protection. 4) Networking isn't a means to an end, it's the whole journey- Building connections in your community can absolute help you get a job, but you shouldn't do it only to get a job. Make networking a journey for yourself and aim to build meaningful connections. They will help you in the long-run through professional opportunities, but also help you build your craft, make friends and create a richer, more fulfilling career. Thank you to our panelists Saeed K., Voula Vasilopoulos, Reece Fallon, @michaelhashizume, Caitlin Chua, @jasonmark for joining us! and as ever our amazing group of volunteers for helping pull the night together, Burcin Olcer Ozturk, Anahita P., Jade Pauk, Nik Astashinsky, Artem Trofimov, Curtis Savage, Maidah Mir!

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🌟 Calling all trailblazing Western Canadian companies and entrepreneurs! Ever wondered what sets scaleup companies apart? Scaleups are not startups; they're enterprises that have gained traction in their marketplace, are actively navigating the 'second valley of death’ and have their sights solidly set on further growth. ScaleUp Week was created for these organizations, and those that champion them. Ready to put your company in the spotlight at ScaleUp Week? Here's how you can apply for a ScaleUp Award:  👉 Visit www.scaleupweek.ca to access the application form.  📝 Provide detailed information about your company's achievements, impact, and why you believe it deserves a ScaleUp award.  📅 Submit your application form before May 16, 2024. Don't miss out on the chance to showcase your success and be part of ScaleUp Week's celebration of growth and innovation! #ScaleUpWeek 

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Unlocking Cash Flow: How Canadian Startups Can Thrive with SR&ED 🚀 In this episode of Rocket Fuel, we tackle one of the most essential challenges for startups: managing cash flow without giving up equity. Michael Thibodeau sits down with Kevin Kliman, co-founder of Humi, and Alireza Afshar, SR&ED expert, to dive into strategies that can help founders access funds while keeping control of their business. 🔐 Kevin and Ali share valuable insights on: • The different types of funding available, from grants to customer-funded models. 💡 • Why non-dilutive funding, like Canada’s SR&ED (Shred) credits, is an untapped resource for many Canadian founders. 💸 • How the Humi platform helps founders manage employee data and streamline the shred process for maximum returns. 📊 Whether you’re in the early stages or scaling, this episode offers practical advice on securing funds without sacrificing ownership. Don’t miss these insights into sustaining and scaling your startup the smart way! 🎧 Check out the Full Episode Here👇: YOUTUBE: https://lnkd.in/gXjVCz_g SPOTIFY: https://buff.ly/3WasDMW APPLE MUSIC: https://buff.ly/3WasDfU OTHER PLATFORMS: https://buff.ly/3WasCZo #PitchPlease #RocketFuel #Funding #SRED #Startups #CanadianFounders

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Recap of Day 3 & Final Day of Techstars Startup Weekend at Platform Calgary 🚀 From the early morning, the room was buzzing with energy ⚡️. There were so many emotions—some faces full of excitement, others a little sleepy 😴—but hey, that’s what new experiences are all about, right? As long as we keep learning, that’s what matters most 📚. Every team was deep in their final practice sessions 🎤, perfecting their pitches, and writing what felt like endless lines of code 💻. And BOOM! 💥 Those same people who were nervous, stressed, or uncertain on Day 1 stepped onto the stage today with confidence and fire 🔥. Every pitch was bold, every presentation strong 💪. It was amazing to see how far everyone had come. Honestly, every story blew me away 😍. Each time I thought, “This one is incredible!” another team would present and I’d be like, “Wait, this one is too!” 🏆 And guess what? They all were. Why? Because I saw the passion ❤️, the dedication 💼, and the drive 🏃‍♂️ behind every idea. I know you’re all on the right path 🛤️. Sure, there will be challenges ahead, and you’ll need to rearrange the puzzle pieces 🧩 a few times to build your vision. But that’s the beauty of the journey 🌄. Let’s remember—this is a path, not a destination. The learning never ends 🛑, and neither does the fun 🎉. I’m so grateful for the chance to meet so many talented, motivated people over the last few days 🤝. I even found some potential teammates for my own startup, and we’re already planning a meetup to explore how we can support each other on this journey 🚀. Looking forward to seeing each and every one of you again soon! 👋 If you were part of the event, drop a comment below—I’d love to keep a directory of everyone here in this post 📇. #TechstarsStartupWeekend #StartupWeekend #yycTech.

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For Canadian founders navigating non-tech startup funding, knowledge is power. This episode dives deep into Canada’s extensive grant landscape—over 3,000 options, with Ontario leading the way. Learn why aligning your project with the right grant is crucial, and get actionable tips for making the process less daunting. Perfect for those looking to strengthen their funding strategies https://lnkd.in/giAn-i8W

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🌟 Introducing FoundersFeast: Our Mission and Vision 🌟 At FounderFeast, we're on a mission to create a thriving community where Toronto's startup founders can come together, share ideas, and build lasting connections over delicious meals. Mission: At FounderFeast, our mission is to transform the way startup founders network by creating intimate, curated dining experiences that foster genuine connections and meaningful conversations. We aim to build a supportive community where entrepreneurs can share insights, collaborate on ideas, and build lasting relationships that drive personal and professional growth. Vision: Our vision is to become the cornerstone of Toronto's startup ecosystem, recognized for our unique approach to networking that prioritizes depth over breadth. We aspire to cultivate a vibrant community of founders who inspire and empower each other, leading to innovative collaborations and a thriving startup landscape. Through our carefully crafted dinner events, we envision a future where every entrepreneur has the opportunity to connect deeply, grow authentically, and succeed together. #FoundersFeast #MissionAndVision #TorontoStartups #Networking #Entrepreneurship #Innovation

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Solving problems within the Canadian tech industry requires a national attitude adjustment on several key fronts: - Adopting a long-term thinking approach rather than focusing solely on short-term gains - Thinking big and competing on a global scale, not just locally - Recognizing that a few highly motivated and properly incentivized individuals can create massive value for the country It feels as though Canada needs its own version of the Iwakura mission, where someone deeply understands the traits that have made the US so successful historically and the lessons Asia has learned in modern times that have led to their rapid ascension. This person would then run a campaign based on those lessons. Until the root causes are addressed, it's difficult not to recommend that individuals align themselves with the US in their pursuit of building, as failing to do so could severely limit their potential.

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𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙥𝙨 𝙏𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩 𝙎𝙖𝙛𝙚 💭 Maria Pacella of Pender Ventures warns that risk aversion could hinder Canada's SaaS startups. While cutting costs is important, Pacella stresses that startups must also focus on long-term growth to thrive in today’s fast-changing market. Playing it safe might actually be the biggest risk of all! What do you think—should startups take more risks, or is it wiser to play it safe? Let us know in the comments! #SaaS #Startups #GrowthMindset #RiskManagement #TechIndustry #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #CanadaStartups #Tech #Technology

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