Event category: Finance, Fundraising & Exits

Events

November 14, 2024

03:20 PM - 03:50 PM EDT

BetaKit Keynote Stage 2024-11-14 30 MINS

The Masked Investor

Get ready for "The Masked Investor" – where one disguised investor spills the unfiltered truth, from working with VCs and avoiding founder pitfalls to the secrets of product success. Join the excitement as the incognito VC reveals investment strategies, insights, and predictions for the future and navigating the SaaS investment landscape. Who "IS" the Masked Investor - we may never know but we'll keep you guessing.

Moderator

AYDIN MIRZAEE

CEO & Co-Founder

Fellow.app

THE MASKED INVESTOR

04:05 PM - 04:10 PM EDT

BetaKit Keynote Stage 2024-11-14 5 MINS

Firehood Angel Winners

$100K+ of Funding! Watch as the Firehood Angel Camp Winners are revealed.

DANIELLE GRAHAM

General Partner Phoenix Fire & Co-Founder,

The Firehood

03:50 PM - 04:05 PM EDT

BetaKit Keynote Stage 2024-11-14 15 MINS

Pitchfest Final Throwdown

Our judges have shortlisted the best of the best! Now get ready for an epic showdown at the PitchFest Finale Throwdown, where innovation and creativity collide in a riveting clash of wits and business smarts. With live audience polled results, we’ll find out which company will reign supreme and be our PItchfest Winner for 2024.

Moderator

PATRICK WHITE

Co-Founder & Managing Director

L-Spark

TBA

TBA 2

02:30 PM - 03:00 PM EDT

Room 214 2024-11-14 30 MINS

Totally Fubar! 3 Epic Founder Fails

Join us for a wildly entertaining and epic oversharing session where real founders spill the beans on their biggest blunders and the invaluable lessons they learned. Get ready for a candid, laugh-out-loud experience as we uncover the cringeworthy, hilarious, and often humbling stories behind these epic fails. Walk away with practical advice and a newfound appreciation for the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship.

Moderator

KENNETH PHAM

Director

Scotiabank

KELSEY HAHN

CEO & Co-Founder

Monark

EWAN REID

Founder & CEO

Mission Control

MIKE POTTER

Co-Founder & CEO

Rewind

01:50 PM - 02:20 PM EDT

BetaKit Keynote Stage 2024-11-14 30 MINS

Up Close and Personal with Janet Bannister

Join us for an exclusive conversation with the renowned Janet Bannister as she delves into her remarkable career, reveals the intricacies of the investor journey, and shares invaluable tips for founders navigating their own paths. This insightful dialogue is packed with tactical advice, heartfelt empathy, and actionable strategies. Don't miss out on this must-hear session!

Moderator

SEAN SILCOFF

Technology Reporter

The Globe & Mail

JANET BANNISTER

Founder & Managing Partner

Staircase Ventures

12:45 PM - 01:20 PM EDT

2024-11-14 35 MINS

PITCHFEST Round 2

It’s day two – and more anxious, excited founders take to the stage for the ultimate showdown. Pitchfest Round 2 will see more incredible companies pitch to our panel of investors. Who will make it through to compete for the grand prize at the end of the day?

Moderator

PATRICK WHITE

Co-Founder & Managing Director

L-Spark

KATY YAM

Partner / General Manager

Real Ventures / Founder Fuel

JESSE WIEBE

Community Development Lead

Startup TNT

RYAN HENRY

Partner

Sand Hill North

02:30 PM - 03:00 PM EDT

Room 214 2024-11-14 30 MINS

Mastering Global Compliance: Roadmapping Growth for Hyper-Regulated SaaS Success

In the hyper-regulated SaaS landscape, scaling your business requires a strategic roadmap that prioritizes compliance across various regions and countries. This guide offers essential tips on creating a workback plan from launch, ensuring your product meets global industry regulations, and overcoming common pitfalls. Whether you're in fintech, healthcare, or any other regulated industry, these insights will help you navigate the complexities of compliance across borders with confidence.

Moderator

MERYEME LAHMAMI

Principal

Pender Ventures

BLAIR WILEY

Chief Legal Officer

Wealthsimple

GEORGE PSIHARIS

Chief Operating Officer

AlayaCare

10:20 AM - 10:50 AM EDT

Room 210 2024-11-14 30 MINS

Power Partnerships: Accelerating Market Reach Through Strategic Collaborations, Acquisition and Co-opetition

Learn how leveraging partnerships, including with competitors, can drive significant growth and expand your market reach. Discover practical strategies and real-world examples of successful co-opetition that have transformed businesses and accelerated success.

Moderator

VALERIE ANKA

Commercial Account Director

EDC

JOHN KIRKPATRICK

Managing Director

STS Capital

KAILIN NOIVO

Co-Founder & President

Noibu

TONY PIALIS

Founder & CEO

Alphawave Semi

09:20 AM - 09:50 AM EDT

BetaKit Keynote Stage 2024-11-14 30 MINS

The State of SaaS in Canada: Trends, Challenges, and Growth

In this 'View from the Top' session, Douglas Soltys of Betakit sits down with Inovia's co-founder Chris Arsenault for an in-depth exploration of the SaaS funding landscape in Canada. Part presentation, part fireside chat, key trends will be discussed regarding the state of funding for growth, and the various financing options when approaching an exit strategy. We'll hear how Canadian SaaS companies are innovating to stay competitive, and how they can build optionality into their model. Whether you're a SaaS founder, investor, or tech enthusiast, this session offers valuable insights into the state of SaaS in Canada and what it means for your company.

Moderator

DOUGLAS SOLTYS

Editor in Chief

BetaKit

CHRIS ARSENAULT

Partner

Inovia Capital

ROBERT KENEDI

Founder & Host

Decelerator