BDC Capital and Startupfest renew their partnership to support technology companies and women in tech Français
MONTREAL, June 7, 2018 /CNW/ - BDC Capital, the largest and most active venture capital investor in Canada, has renewed its partnership with Startupfest, the biggest start-up conference in the country. Through this partnership, BDC Capital and Startupfest will continue to co-host Scaleupfest, the premium fest created together in 2016 focused on founders in the series A gap looking to scale. Scaleupfest will take place on Wednesday July 11th. BDC Capital will also support Startupfest's Inclusion Initiative, which will give entrepreneurs who are underrepresented in the tech industry access to the Startupfest conference.
New this year, BDC Capital will be launching a Women in Technology (WIT) Boot Camp, which will be hosted at the Startupfest Village. WIT Boot Camp is designed to help pre-seed to seed-stage technology companies founded or led by women learn what it takes to build a tech start-up and connect with the resources they need to grow their business, such as woman-focused accelerators and investors.
"This can't-miss half-day session promises to provide direct access to key actors in the tech space that will share candid stories about their journey and tips on how women entrepreneurs can overcome similar situations", said Michelle Scarborough, Managing Director, Strategic Investments and Women in Tech at BDC Capital. "BDC Capital is committed to fostering a robust network to support and encourage women in technology and help in creating the next generation of Canadian women technology entrepreneurs."
"The full and equal participation of women in the economy is essential to Canada's future competitiveness. The Government announced Canada's First Women Entrepreneurship Strategy in Budget 2018, a nearly $2B investment to help women grow their businesses and gain access to financing, talent, networks and expertise. BDC is an integral partner in the delivery of this strategy, and the Boot Camps are a way of ensuring that promising women entrepreneurs looking to start a business have the financial and business literacy skills required to succeed", said the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and tourism.
For Philippe Telio, the founder and producer of Startupfest, this renewed partnership with BDC Capital is a sign of the preeminent role Startupfest has assumed in Canada's start-up ecosystem over the years. "BDC Capital has been a supporter of Startupfest since its very inception", said Mr. Telio. "We are excited to see the event grow and continue its mandate of inclusivity and continued support of all entrepreneurs, while creating more opportunity for underserved groups in technology."
The WIT Boot Camp will be held Wednesday, July 11th during the afternoon at the Startupfest Village. Two hundred passes have been reserved for female entrepreneurs through the Startupfest Inclusion Initiative. http://www.startupfestival.com/wit-bootcamp/
About Startupfest
Startupfest is Canada's leading startup event, and one of the world's "must attend" events for startups. Set in the iconic festival city and technology hub of Montreal- the unique, informal format tackles the entire lifecycle of new venture creation, from the spark of an idea to the final signature on acquisition or the ringing bell of an IPO. Attendees leave with five days of world-class content; fresh connections; back-of-the-napkin ideas; and the allure of champagne-popping exits. Visit startupfest.com
About BDC Capital
BDC Capital is the investment arm of BDC- Canada's only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs. With $3 billion under management, BDC Capital serves as a strategic partner to the country's most innovative firms. It offers a full spectrum of risk capital, from seed investments to transition capital, supporting Canadian entrepreneurs who wish to scale their businesses into global champions. Visit bdc.ca/capital
SOURCE Business Development Bank of Canada
Media Contact: Katherine Johnsen, Director of Marketing + Partnerships, Startupfest, [email protected], (403) 437 1510
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