ACA Northwest Regional Meeting

Networking Dinner (offsite)

Inventure$ Registration

Location: Pre Function Space

Inventure$ Continental Breakfast

Location: Pre Function Space

Inventure$ Opening Ceremony

Location: Exhibition Hall C/D

Inventure$ Programming

Inventure$ registration is required.

NACO Content Stream

Location: Glenn Room 206

• As the World Gets Smaller, How do we Collaborate with Other Ecosystems ( 10:15 AM - 11 AM )

  Today, access to new markets is exponentially getting easier. We need to be looking at a more global view on how we support entrepreneurs in accessing resources, networks, and markets internationally by building connections as a support system and enabling entrepreneurs with global opportunities.

  Speakers: Terry Rock, Platform Calgary; Cheryll Watson, Edmonton Economic Development Corp; Mark Livingston, Export Development Canada;

• How to Build a Culture of Collaboration in our Ecosystem: Angels + Funds + Accelerators ( 11:15 AM - 12 PM )

  It is important to understand the various sources of capital available to entrepreneurs, including the difference between them and how to leverage them. Join us for a discussion around these different resources and how we can work to collaborate as funders in supporting entrepreneurs. 

  Speakers: Sean Sheppard, GrowthX; Tyl Van Toorn, Watershed Partners; Neeraj Gupta, Lawcubator;

• Supporting Founders with More Than Just Capital (Investment Readiness, Growing Pains, Exits), sponsored by Natural Products Canada ( 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM )

  We know capital is always on the top of mind, but when making an investment, there's a lot more support that is available from funders in terms of preparing for investments, advising on growth strategies, providing mentorship and support, and positioning for an exit - investments are more than just dollars, it's about the people.

  Speakers: David Gauthier, Natural Products Canada;  Steve Wandler, Metabridge;  Patrick Lor, Panache Ventures;

• Measuring Success: the Key Indicators to Follow As an Investor & Entrepreneur ( 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM )

  Everyone wants to be successful as an investor and entrepreneurs, but often the struggle is knowing how to assess and measure whether you're successful or not - how do you know? There are some key metrics and data that can and should be looked at to help gauge the current and future outlook of our ventures.

  Speakers: Kevin Brent, Bluesky Equities; Jasper J. Dikmans, FrontFundr; Teruel Carrasco, Radar Endeavor Group;

• The Journey from Founder to Funder (Positive Circle of Entrepreneurship) ( 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM )

  We often don't think of how angel investors come to be, it's often resulting from founding and exiting a company. We'll discuss the journey from founder to funder and the lifecycle of investment.

  Speakers: Andrew Chau, Neo Financial/SkipTheDishes; Dr. Ray Muzyka, ThresholdImpact; Matt Mastracci, EscapeCode Ventures;

Inventure$ Lunch & Keynote

Location: Exhibition Hall C/D

Leading Women In The Investor Landscape, sponsored by BDC

Location: Telus Rooms 108/109

Come join five women leaders from across Canada in the investor landscape as they dive deep into their initiatives followed by a Q&A. Be sure to join the discussion about how to better collaborate on these initiatives between regions!

Speakers: Sandra Foster, Capstone Ridge Group; Stephanie Andrew, Women's Equity Lab and Capital Investment Network; Rhiannon Davies, Atlantic Women's Investment Fund; Shelley Kuiper, Adventure Capital; Jill Earthy, Female Funders; Sandi Gilbert, InterGen;

NACO Investor/Entrepreneur Speed Dating (by invitation), sponsored by Innovate Edmonton (Edmonton Economic Development)

Startup of the Year Applicants

Location: Exhibition Hall C/D

Welcome Reception Pre-Party, sponsored by Valhalla Private Capital

Location: Bank & Baron P.U.B.

NACO, ACA, and Valhalla guests are invited to join us for a VIP networking party after Day 1 of the World Angel Investment Summit, happening within Inventure$. This is a private welcome reception for ACA and WAIS attendees only. Help us kick-off the evening with crafted cocktails, appetizers, and networking before heading to the Inventure$ - Connect Alberta Factory Party!

Inventure$ - Connect Alberta Factory Party!

Location: 120 8 Ave SW, Clarence Block

The official kick-off celebration for Inventures, FACTORY Party will take over three levels of the historic Clarence Block building on Calgary's Stephen Avenue.

Gather together with a diverse community of bright minds and creators for a night of interactive art, technology, curated cocktails, local craft beers, and - of course - music!

All NACO WAIS Attendees are on the guest list and will receive 2 free drink tickets -  First come, first served.

Summit Registration

Location: Macleod Hall Pre Function

Networking Breakfast

Location: Macleod Hall Pre Function/Macleod Hall C/D

Opening Remarks & Keynote: Solium – A simple idea and the ingredients to make it happen. Sponsored by RBC

Location: Macleod Hall C/D

Speakers: Anne Hergott, RBC; His Worship, Mayor Naheed K. Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary;

Keynote Speaker: Marcos Lopez, Solium;

Concurrent Breakout Sessions:

1. INNOVATIVE FINANCING: How Do We Innovate the Way We Invest in Innovation? Sponsored by Lawcubator

   Speakers: Shelley Kuiper, Adventure Capital;  Ziad H. Moukheiber, Boston Harbor Angels;  Neeraj Gupta, Lawcubator;

   Location: Breakout Room 1

2. INVESTING BEYOND CAPITAL: Managing the Success of Your Investments - Do You Have Influence? Sponsored by BDC

   Speakers: Alex MacBeath, Island Capital Partners; Steve Wandler, Metabridge; Sandra Foster, Capstone Ridge Group;

   Location: Breakout Room 2

3. BUILDING RETURNS FOR THE NEXT DECADE: Global Landscapes - What's Happening Around the World? Sponsored by RBC

   Speakers: Randy Thompson, Valhalla Private Capital; Pablo Fernandez Gumucio, Endurance Investment; Yuri Navarro, Panache Ventures;

   Location: Breakout Room 3

Networking Break, sponsored by Platform Calgary & Clark Wilson LLP

Location: Macleod Hall Pre Function Space

Plenary: Collaborating Internationally & Building Networks for Investment

Location: Macleod Hall C/D

Speakers: Charles Sidman, ECS Capital Partners; Marianne Hudson, Angel Capital Association; Randy Thompson, Valhalla Private Capital; Peter Cowley, European Business Angels Network;

Concurrent Breakout Sessions:

1. INNOVATIVE FINANCING: What Structures & Models Are Working? Not? Sponsored by BDO

   Speakers: Kevin Brent, Bluesky Equities; Melissa Smith, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP; Mike Devonshire, CPA, CA, CBV, BDO Canada LLP;

   Location: Breakout Room 1

2. INVESTING BEYOND CAPITAL: How Can We Make Sure We're Getting Invited into the Best Deals & Not Just Getting Leftovers? Sponsored by Gowling WLG

   Speakers: Jess Joss, York Angel Investors; Jennifer Renda, Diverso; Nicholas Luff, Plenyful Ventures;

   Location: Breakout Room 2

3. BUILDING RETURNS FOR THE NEXT DECADE: The Investment Lifecycle - Understanding the Journey from Introduction to Exit, sponsored by BDO

   Speakers: Ian Bandeen, Select Vantage; Jason Burke, Positive Venture Group; James Dahl, CPA, CA, BDO Canada LLP;

   Location: Breakout Room 3

Networking Buffet Lunch

Location: Macleod Hall Pre Function/Macleod Hall C/D

Keynote – The Story of Sparkle, sponsored by BDC

Location: Macleod Hall C/D

Keynote Speaker: Rachel Mielke, Hillberg & Berk;

Speaker: Brenda Slauko, BDC/BDC Capital;

Concurrent Breakout Sessions:

1. INNOVATIVE FINANCING: Investing Beyond Borders - Movement of Capital & Mitigating Your Risks, sponsored by RBC

   Speakers: Fraser Lusty, Equity Gap Limited; Susana Espinosa de los Reyes, Angel Ventures Mexico; Peter Adams, Rockies Impact Fund;

   Location: Breakout Room 1

2. INVESTING BEYOND CAPITAL: Investor Profile - What's Your Investor Personality & How Can You Add Meaningful Value to Your Companies? Sponsored by BDO

   Speakers: Sean Sheppard, GrowthX; James Dahl, CPA, CA, BDO Canada LLP; Lindsay Dodd, Sprout Fund LP;

   Location: Breakout Room 2

3. BUILDING RETURNS FOR THE NEXT DECADE: Reality of Returns - What are the Stats & Who's Making Money (or Not)? Sponsored by OKR Financial

   Speakers: Kristina Milke, Valhalla Private Capital; Jess Joss, York Angel Investors; Michael W. Palmer, CEvO Solutions Inc;

   Location: Breakout Room 3

Networking Break, sponsored by Platform Calgary & Clark Wilson LLP

Location: Macleod Hall Pre Function Space

Plenary: Critical Thinking in an Entrepreneurial World, sponsored by Alberta Innovates

Location: Macleod Hall C/D

Speaker: W. Brett Wilson, Prairie Merchant Corporation;

Concurrent Breakout Sessions:

1. INNOVATIVE FINANCING: Assessing Innovations for Returns - Due Diligence, sponsored by Innovate Edmonton (Edmonton Economic Development)

   Speakers: Lindsey Taylor Wood, The Helm; Shaheel Hooda, Sprout Fund LLP; Charles Sidman, ECS Capital Partners;

   Location: Breakout Room 1

2. INVESTING BEYOND CAPITAL: Investing from Afar - How to Support & Manage Your Portfolio Companies Globally, sponsored by BDC

   Speakers: Luke Krueger, Valhalla Private Capital; Wes Mills, OKR Financial; Patrick Lor, Panache Ventures;

   Location: Breakout Room 2

3. BUILDING RETURNS FOR THE NEXT DECADE: Changing Investment Landscapes & How Investors Keep Up. Special Event Partner: NRC-IRAP

   Speakers: Edward Alfke, Carbon Credit Solutions Inc; Chris Kay, Multiplicity; Yuri Navarro, Panache Ventures; Mark S. Pasloski, National Research Council Canada;

   Location: Breakout Room 3

Pre Gala & Awards Cocktail Reception

Location: Macleod Hall Pre-Function Space

Gala Awards Dinner, Sponsored by Alberta Innovates

Celebrating the Most Promising Startup of the Year, Exit of the Year, and Angel Investor of the Year

Remarks by Mary Moran, President & CEO at Calgary Economic Development.

A Greeting from Alberta Economic Development, Trade and Tourism.

Keynote – Navigating Disruption

Speaker: Bruce Croxon, Round13 Capital

Location: Macleod Hall C/D

Awards Sponsors: BDO, RBC, BDC, Panache Ventures

Entertainment & Networking, sponsored by Bluesky Equities Ltd.

Location: Macleod Hall C/D

Summit Registration

Location: Macleod Hall Pre Function

Networking Breakfast

Location: Macleod Hall Pre Function/Macleod Hall C/D

Keynote: Investing with a Strategy and Building Portfolio Returns

Location: Macleod Hall C/D

Speaker: Professor Colin Mason, Adam Smith School, University of Glasgow, Scotland

Concurrent Breakout Sessions:

1. ANGEL INVESTMENT BASICS: Sponsored by NPC (Natural Products Canada)

   Facilitator: Rob Douglas, Golden Triangle Angel Network

   Location: Breakout Room 1

   • Reality of Returns: Making the Most of Your Success

     Speakers: Steve Kinoshita, Yukon Angels; Pieter Dorsman, Redpeaks Management Inc;

   • Learning from Failure

     Speakers: David Rich, Golden Triangle Angel Network; Steve Wandler, Metabridge;

   • Investing in Technology Startups

     Speakers: Karen Grant, Angel One Investor Network; Pierre Chadi, NACO Board of Directors;

2. ANGEL FUNDS: Sponsored by BDC

   Facilitator: Sandi Gilbert, InterGen

   Location: Breakout Room 2

   • Assessing Various Funds - Where Do I Invest?

   • Using Angel Funds to Build Networks

   • Best Practices

   • Speakers: Patrick Lor, Panache Venture; Peter Adams, Rockies Impact Fund; Alex MacBeath, Island Capital Partners; Rhiannon Davies, Atlantic Women's Investment Fund;

3. SUPER ANGELS: Sponsored by RBC

   Facilitator: Yuri Navarro, Panache Ventures

   Location: Breakout Room 3

   • Selecting / Managing Portfolios – Varying Thesis’

     Speakers: Kurtis McBride, Miovision Technologies; Ziad Moukheiber, Boston Harbor Angels;

   • Engineering Exits

     Speakers: Randy Thompson, Valhalla Private Capital; Edward Alfke, Carbon Credit Solutions Inc;

   • Building High Value Networks of Peers

     Speakers: Ziad Moukheiber, Boston Harbor Angels; Randy Thompson, Valhalla Private Capital;

4. ACCELERATORS & INCUBATORS: Sponsored by BDO

   Facilitator: Sandra Foster, Capstone Ridge Group

   Location: Macleod Hall C/D

   • Best Practices

     Speakers: Chris Kay, Multiplicity; Trent Johnsen, Creative Destructive Lab - Rockies; Joe Canavan, NEXT Canada;

   • Supporting Investor Readiness vs Pitching

     Speakers: Kevin Franco, Platform Calgary; Ryan Heit, Valhalla Private Capital;

   • Valuations & Other Metrics

     Speakers: James Thangaraj, Platform Calgary; Koleya Karringten, Absolute Combustion;

Networking Break

Location: Macleod Hall Pre Function Space

NACO Feedback & Engagement Session with Claudio Rojas, CEO NACO

Keynote, sponsored by BDO

Location: Macleod Hall C/D

Speaker: Hans Knapp, Yaletown Partners

Summit Close & Thank You

Location: Macleod Hall C/D

Networking Grab'n'Go Lunch, sponsored by Government of Yukon

Location: Macleod Hall Pre Function/Macleod Hall C/D

NACO Academy

Option One: NACO Academy: How to Launch an Angel Fund sponsored by Clark Wilson, Gowling WLG, and Lawcubator

There is an increasing trend to pool angel investment money into funds that address the need to diversify Angel investor portfolios and to enable a lower threshold for smaller and/or newer Angel investors into the market. In response to this trend this module was developed to cover the components and considerations when setting up an Angel Fund, the operations of a fund and potential issues or challenges.

Instructor: Pieter Dorsman, Redpeaks Management Inc.

Speakers: David Ford, Clark Wilson LLP; Prathna Ramesh, Maple Leaf Angels; Pierre Chadi, NACO Board of Directors;

Location: Breakout Room 1

Option Two: NACO Academy: Adding Value Through Due Diligence, sponsored by BDO, RBC, and BDC

Effective due diligence (DD) is one of the most important parts of angel investing. This module introduces attendees to the key investigations that will uncover major risk factors and potential deal-breakers. The module emphasizes how to identify the most critical information, the risks of not knowing it, and the methods and costs of getting it. Attendees will learn what it takes to mitigate the risk of investment by validating a market opportunity, a management team, and a plan. They will be introduced to a disciplined investigation approach that systematically examines sources of risk, and establishes the basis for a productive and trusting relationship with the entrepreneur.

Instructor: Kirk Hamilton, Elan Tactical Management

Speakers: Frank Auddino, Del Duca, Auddino & Associates; Jason Nagy, York Angel Investors; Karen Grant, Angel One Investor Network;

Location: Breakout Room 2