Vancouver Startup Week 2018: Full Schedule

Please note that dates, times, venues are subject to change. Please continue to check back for most up to date schedule.

9:30am PDT

Angel 101: an introduction to angel investing

Limited Capacity filling up

Who are angel investors and what do we do? How is angel investing different from other types of investing? What is the impact of angels around the globe? We'll talk about the process, smart money, and best practices.

Join us for an introductory series on angel investing: the angel philosophy, how Canadian angels are changing the world, and how we get there faster together.

Speakers

Kim Scofield

Founder & CEO,, Space42, Angel42, and Blonde Bad Wolf Consulting

Angel investor and entrepreneur, Founder & CEO, Space42, Angel42, and Blonde Bad Wolf Consulting (artificial intelligence, tech infrastructure, blockchain, cybersecurity), MSc Artificial Intelligence & Cognitive Linguistics.

Saturday September 22, 2018 9:30am - 2:00pm PDT
The Profile (Lonsdale)

Finance & Investment, Fireside Chat or Roundtable

What is your role? Entrepreneurs, Investors, Founders

8:00am PDT

#SBFF Non-Dilutive Financing Bootcamp | SECRET LANGUAGE OF BANKERS

Limited Capacity filling up

Secret Language of Bankers: Build rapport to get more money at lower cost with less risk.

Over $50 billion a year is lent to small businesses in Canada yet only half of the small businesses get financing from banks. Money is available for successful small business owners. You’re successful but are you getting your fair share? If not, maybe bankers don’t really understand what makes your business so successful. Learn how to speak their language and what they need to know to finance your business.

VSW VIP INVITATION: Would you like a no-risk, private session with an experienced banker to discuss the unique aspects of your business? Sign up to attend the complete 2-day VIP session (includes private meetings, lunches, networking reception, and more) for only $50 here (value $2,500). SPACE IS VERY LIMITED.

Speakers

Stephanie Sharp

Small Business Finance Forum

My name is Steph Sharp, MBA, CFN, ICD.D the founder of the first Small Business FinanceForum event in Vancouver for small to medium-sized businesses. I’ve spent the last 30 years developing innovative, sustainable, financial solutions for business leaders and my real passion is empowering management... Read More →

Monday September 24, 2018 8:00am - 10:30am PDT
UBC Robson Square

Finance & Investment, Workshop

What is your role? Entrepreneurs, Founders
Presented By Small Business Finance Forum

10:45am PDT

#SBFF Non-Dilutive Financing Bootcamp | BE YOUR OWN VC

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Be Your Own VC: How to increase cash flow and profitability to reduce dilution

Don’t want to give up control of your company? Create a business model that generates the cash you need to invest in your own growth.
In this session we’ll show you how to:

2X your cash flow and 10X your value! Find out why you don’t need to double your revenue to double your value.
Build leverage levers: Get more from what you already have! In this session, we will give you framework and tools on how to leverage your money, time and resources.
Stack profits: There are 5 profit drivers in your business, each at a different level of operations. Learn how to maximize profitability to accelerate your growth.

Speakers

Stephanie Sharp

Small Business Finance Forum

Monday September 24, 2018 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
UBC Robson Square

Finance & Investment, Workshop

What is your role? Entrepreneurs, Founders
Presented By Small Business Finance Forum

1:00pm PDT

#SBFF Non-Dilutive Financing Bootcamp | 3 KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL BORROWING (PANEL DISCUSSION)

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

You wouldn't buy a house on your credit card, why would you use the wrong type of loan to finance your business?

Short answer? You probably didn’t realize that there are so many ways to borrow money. In this session, we invite a panel of lending and financial experts to discuss the types of loans and debt, how and why you need different types of loans for different needs, and how to build a long-term relationship with your bankers to ensure that you’re always getting the best financing for your stage of growth.

VSW VIP INVITATION: Every business is unique. If you want to have a no-risk, private conversation with an expert banker about your 3 keys to success borrowing specifically to your business, sign up to attend the complete 2-day VIP session (includes private meetings, lunches, networking reception, and more) for only $50 here (value $2,500). SPACE IS VERY LIMITED.

Moderators

Andrew Dilts

Lawyer, Cassels

Andrew is a corporate and securities lawyer with Cassels Brock, one of Canada’s leading business law firms. He has worked with entrepreneurs and emerging companies for more than a decade, including having been heavily involved in the University of Waterloo’s entrepreneurial community... Read More →

Speakers

Brandon Ma

Audit Senior Manager, KPMG

Brandon is an Audit Senior Manager with over 12 years of experience providing assurance and business advisory services. He is passionate about making our clients’ businesses better. Brandon’s experience spans a diverse range of industries, with a focus on the software and technology... Read More →

Ian Schmitz

Business Banking Advisor, Scotiabank

Hello, my name is Ian Schmitz. I am part of a team of Small Business Advisors here to help you and your business succeed. My approach is simple; I will work with you and take the time to listen and understand your unique business needs and what defines success for you.I hold a Bachelor... Read More →

Carrie Smith-Jones

Small Business Account Manager, Vancity

We believe in banking with impact. That goes for everything we do: how we invest, spend, and give back. Turn to us for seamless advice, collaborative opportunities, advocacy on emerging issues, and access to a variety of capital pools, from grants to growth capital. You can do well... Read More →

Monday September 24, 2018 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
UBC Robson Square

Finance & Investment, Panel Discussion

What is your role? Entrepreneurs, Founders
Presented By Small Business Finance Forum

2:00pm PDT

Equity, Convertible Debt, SAFEs and everything in between | FOR FOUNDERS & INVESTORS ONLY

Limited Capacity filling up

In this interactive 2 hour workshop In this workshop you will learn answers to:

What is a SAFE?
Why do US investors require Preferred Shares?
Why do experienced Investors dislike Convertible Debt or a SAFE?
What type of shares should Founders subscribe for?
Why is Convertible Debt ineligible for BC's 30% investment refund program?
Why a Valuation Cap on Convertible Debt, negates its whole purpose
What Discount should early investors get on SAFE or Convertible debt?
Will VC Funds honour a previously agreed Discount to early SAFE investors?

Exclusively for founders and investors - please register here to confirm your space at this event.
Venue location will be emailed to you by the event coodinator once you are confirmed.

Monday September 24, 2018 2:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Downtown Vancouver Location

Finance & Investment, Workshop

What is your role? Developers, Entrepreneurs, Investors
Presented By Angel Forum Vancouver

2:15pm PDT

#SBFF Non-Dilutive Financing Bootcamp | NON-DILUTIVE PITCH BASICS

Limited Capacity filling up

Non-Dilutive Pitch Basics: Ditch the pitch and prepare a presentation that builds your credibility with lenders and grant providers.

If you pitch bankers the same way you pitch the Dragons, you probably won’t get the loan from the bankers. It’s not you, it’s them! Bankers are allergic to hype. They want certainty. They want to know you’ll succeed. If your business is a solid business, you need to learn how to convince them your business is a great financial bet. In this session, we share with you the only step-by-step system that helps you build a pitch that can demonstrate a solid case for how your business is financeable by banks. Once you know these 5 steps, you can build a long-term relationship with bankers that can support you and your business.

EXCLUSIVE to VSW VIPS: After the presentation, VIPs get to practice their pitch in front of an audience and get tailored feedback from our pitch coaches. We will not ask you to disclose any sensitive information in your pitch (we have private sessions arranged for that). If you want to practice your presentation in a safe environment and get real feedback (or to discuss your business with a banker in a one-on-one private session), sign up to attend the complete 2-day VIP session (includes private meetings, lunches, networking reception, and more) for only $50 here (value $2,500). SPACE IS VERY LIMITED.

Speakers

Stephanie Sharp

Small Business Finance Forum

Monday September 24, 2018 2:15pm - 3:00pm PDT
UBC Robson Square

Finance & Investment, Workshop

What is your role? Entrepreneurs, Founders
Presented By Small Business Finance Forum

3:00pm PDT

Five Ways to Invest in Startups

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Learn about the different ways to invest in local startups and find what best fits your investment goals and possibilities.

Learn about seed stage investing and investment opportunities in local startups. Hear from angel investors, investor groups, impact investors and funds who invest in our local entrepreneurs. Find out why they invest, how they find and vet the companies they want to invest in, how they support entrepreneurs after they invest, and what investment returns and impact they aim for. This is a great way to meet investors from all local investor groups at one event and see what best fits your investment goals and possibilities.

Monday September 24, 2018 3:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Venture Labs - 11th floor #1100 - 555 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

Finance & Investment, Panel Discussion

What is your role? Entrepreneurs, Founders, Investors
Presented By VANTEC Angel Network

8:00am PDT

#SBFF Non-Dilutive Financing Bootcamp | WHICH IS CHEAPER ... DEBT OR EQUITY?

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Which is cheaper …debt or equity? Come and enjoy this lively, informative and thought-provoking debate.

We call it an unwinnable debate because there is no right answer. Come and watch a fast pace and fun casual debate to find out why the answer lies in your business model and what makes this debate "unwinnable". We will follow the debate by an in-depth fireside chat on the benefits, risks, and costs of debt and equity. By the end, you’ll understand why debt is not necessarily always the expensive option.

PRIVATE CONVERSATION with the EXPERTS: If you want to talk to one of the experts in a one-on-one session to talk about the unique requirements of your business, sign up to attend the complete 2-day VIP session (includes private meetings, lunches, networking reception, and more) for only $50 here (value $2,500). SPACE IS VERY LIMITED.

Moderators

Andrew Dilts

Lawyer, Cassels

Speakers

Keith Ippel

CEO, Spring

With over 15 years experience as a leader in technology centric businesses, Keith has accelerated the growth of both small and large companies, launched new products, and raised over $20m in angel investment and venture capital. He has an unparalleled ability to collaborate with entrepreneurs... Read More →

Stephanie Sharp

Small Business Finance Forum

Tuesday September 25, 2018 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
UBC Robson Square

Finance & Investment, Fireside Chat or Roundtable

What is your role? Entrepreneurs, Founders
Presented By Small Business Finance Forum

9:15am PDT

#SBFF Non-Dilutive Financing Bootcamp | 3 KEYS TO GETTING GRANTS, TAX CREDITS, AND CONTRIBUTIONS (EXPERT PANEL)

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Expert Panel - 3 Keys to Getting Grants, Tax Credits, and Contributions: Discover the most common mistakes business owners make and how the experts approach these funding sources.

We want to help you get the free money you deserve! In this session, our experts will discuss the different sources of free funding from government and other organizations, pointing out the common mistakes people make when trying to access this type of funding, and the biggest surprises people face when they apply for the funding for the first time.

PRIVATE CONVERSATION with the EXPERTS: If you want to talk to one of the experts in a one-on-one session to talk about the unique requirements of your business, sign up to attend the complete 2-day VIP session (includes private meetings, lunches, networking reception, and more) for only $50 here (value $2,500). SPACE IS VERY LIMITED.

Moderators

Andrew Dilts

Lawyer, Cassels

Speakers

Jacqueline Gustafson

Director, Tax Incentives Practice, KPMG

Jacqueline is a Director in KPMG’s western region Tax Incentives Practice. She is passionate about enabling innovation and growth in companies by helping clients find ways to propel their ideas into action. Jacqueline has more than 12 years of experience advising clients, providing... Read More →

Mina Haghighi

Business Development Manager, Futurpreneur Canada

Futurpreneur Canada is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to the success of young businesses. Fueling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s young enterprise for more than two decades, we provide financing, mentorship, and free support tools for entrepreneurs... Read More →

Stephanie Sang

Grant Angel, Granted Consulting Inc.

Stephanie Sang is the CEO of Granted Consulting, and is known as a ‘Grant Angel’ in Vancouver. She is passionate about working with entrepreneurs in all industries on developing grant strategies for growth. Since 2011, Granted has supported 700+ clients and generated over $13.0... Read More →

Tuesday September 25, 2018 9:15am - 10:00am PDT
UBC Robson Square

Finance & Investment, Panel Discussion

What is your role? Entrepreneurs, Founders
Presented By Small Business Finance Forum

10:15am PDT

#SBFF Non-Dilutive Financing Bootcamp | CREDIT, CASHFLOW, AND RISK (EXPERT PANEL)

Limited Capacity filling up

Credit, Cashflow and Risk Expert Panel: How to get the money you need at a lower cost and with less dilution

How much information can one financial statement hold? More than you know! We invite a panel of bankers, accountants, and other experts to discuss the first 3 things they look at on a financial statement and why financial statements are important to them. A good banker not only can understand your business from your financial statement, they can also get insights into the management team as well. Join us to find out more about credit, cash flow, and the risk to your business. By the time you leave the session, you'll know how to leverage your financial statement to get more money faster and cheaper (hint: loans with the lowest interest rate aren't necessarily always your best option)!

Also, hear what our past participants have to say about our workshop and what they’ve learned and done differently after attending the Small Business Finance Forum (at 11:30 AM).

PRIVATE CONVERSATION with the EXPERTS: If you want to talk to one of the experts in a one-on-one session to talk about the unique requirements of your business, sign up to attend the complete 2-day VIP session (includes private meetings, lunches, networking reception, and more) for only $50 here (value $2,500). SPACE IS VERY LIMITED.

Moderators

Andrew Dilts

Lawyer, Cassels

Speakers

Aman Janjua

SeniorManager, KPMG

Aman Janjua is a Senior Manager at KPMG Enterprise. He has over eight years of experience providing assurance and tax services to private companies operating in a variety of industries including the hospitality, real estate, and technology industries. He has worked with a number of... Read More →

Matthew Lee

Small Business Advisor, Scotiabank

Matthew holds an undergraduate degree in Business Management, with a minor in Economics, from Dalhousie University. Before beginning his career at Scotiabank, he owned and operated a water purification and distribution company in Fort St. John, BC, which continues to operate today... Read More →

Carrie Smith-Jones

Small Business Account Manager, Vancity

Tuesday September 25, 2018 10:15am - 12:00pm PDT
UBC Robson Square

Finance & Investment, Panel Discussion

What is your role? Entrepreneurs, Founders
Presented By Small Business Finance Forum

11:00am PDT

Canada vs USA Investment | Part of the Results Junkies Tech Tour brought to you by Fasken

Limited Capacity seats available

Results Junkies Tech Tour is back in Vancouver and this year, it's brought to you by Fasken!

Looking for investment outside of Canada? What are US Investors looking for? What do you need to do to prep? Join Paul Singh from Results Junkies (DC) and Mat Kaliski from Rubicon Venture Capital (NYC) for a panel discussion on Canada vs US Investment.

Moderators

Bill McGraw

President & COO, Northstar

Mr. McGraw is a tech industry veteran with hands on experience with startups since the late 1990’s. He specializes in assisting early stage companies with investment, technology development, go-to market strategy, scaling and monetization. In giving back, he serves Canadian founders... Read More →

Speakers

Mat Kaliski

Principal, Rubicon Venture Capital

Mat is a Principal at Rubicon Venture Capital, a Late Seed and Series A VC fund with offices in San Francisco and New York City. Rubicon focuses on backing software, internet and consumer companies regardless of where they're based. At Rubicon, Mat focuses on sourcing and evaluating... Read More →

Paul Singh

Chief Hustler & Early Stage Investor, Results Junkies

Tuesday September 25, 2018 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
The Profile (Thurlow) 535 Thurlow Street, Suite #100

Finance & Investment, Fireside Chat or Roundtable

What is your role? Entrepreneurs, Founders, Investors
Presented By Results Junkies, Fasken

12:00pm PDT

How To Close Your Seed Round Without A Lead Investor

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Looking to raise seed capital but not sure where to start? Investors are saying they're interested but wont commit without a strong lead investor? A few investors on-board but struggling to get enough to wrap up the round? Join Spring for an in-depth workshop to help you prepare for navigating the complicated negotiations that come with raising capital for the first time.

This workshop is for:
-Founders of a post-launch business.
-Companies that have started raising a seed round or are planning to in the next 6 months

You will learn about:
-Handling the "who is your lead investor" conversation.
-How to ask someone to be your lead. -How to raise even without a lead investor.
-and many other tips to help you close your round more quickly.

Speakers

Keith Ippel

CEO, Spring

Tuesday September 25, 2018 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
The AMP

Finance & Investment, Workshop

What is your role? Entrepreneurs, Founders, Investors
Presented By Spring

1:30pm PDT

#SBFF Non-Dilutive Financing Bootcamp | NON-DILUTIVE PITCH

Limited Capacity seats available

Ever curious how pitches are different when you ask for non-dilutive financing? What are the tips you can use to get bankers' attention? We'd like to invite you to watch our VIPs pitch for their non-dilutive financing. They will receive feedback that could potentially be useful for your business.

If you would like to join them, we still have a few spots left. Register here.

Speakers

Stephanie Sharp

Small Business Finance Forum

Tuesday September 25, 2018 1:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
UBC Robson Square

Finance & Investment, Pitch Event

2:30pm PDT

Fundraising? Join the Investment Showcase at #VSW2018!

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

If you are currently fundraising or will be fundraising in 6 months, you should join Vancouver Startup Week’s Investment Showcase on September 25th. At the event, companies will be matched with appropriate investors for one-on-one meetings. Check out this information package for more details and to apply. Deadline is end of August!

If you are an investor and would like to attend this event, or all of Vancouver Startup Week, please email investors@vanstartupweek.ca.

Tuesday September 25, 2018 2:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
TBA

Finance & Investment, Office Hours or 1-on-1 Meetings

What is your role? Entrepreneurs, Founders, Investors
Presented By Vancouver Startup Week

5:00pm PDT

#VSW2018 Investment Showcase Reception | INVITE ONLY

Limited Capacity seats available

Sorry - this is an invite only event.

If you are an investor and would like to attend this event, or all of Vancouver Startup Week, please email investors@vanstartupweek.ca.

Tuesday September 25, 2018 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
TBA

Finance & Investment, Networking / Party

What is your role? Entrepreneurs, Founders, Investors
Presented By Vancouver Startup Week

11:00am PDT

How to Plan for Future Fundraisings

Limited Capacity filling up

With the blurring of lines in early stage financings and ever changing round sizes, metrics and expectations, join us for an interactive workshop on How to Plan for Future Fundraisings. While it is easier than ever to start a business, the costs of scaling are ever increasing and need a thought-out plan for how to raise capital to support the growth over multiple rounds.

This workshop will discuss dynamics, trends and metrics for raising early stage capital, what investors look for and how to best position your startup for potential fundraises.

This event is open to post-product companies that are looking to raise VC capital in the next 12 months.

Discussion Topics

Best practices on building relationships and communications with investors before and during the fundraising process
What VCs look for at different stages of the early days of the company
How much capital to raise at each stage?
How to plan and budget for the proper amount of operational runway
Key metrics and milestones for each round
Dangers of raising too much money too soon and how that affects future valuations and exit expectations
Best practices on investor updates
Common pitfalls

Speakers