Toronto, Jan. 23, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BDO Canada LLP will connect Canada’s best new tech ideas to much-needed capital at its upcoming Connecting with Venture Capitalists event. Now in its third year, the event gives tech entrepreneurs and startups from across the country the opportunity to pitch to a panel of venture capitalists from such notable firms as Mistral Venture Partners, OMERS, Vanedge Capital, and Yaletown Ventures.
Canadian tech companies often struggle to secure financing, even as the country’s startup culture has grown. VC Day, as the event is popularly known, fills the gap to help entrepreneurs establish solid, sustainable businesses. More than a hundred companies applied to last year’s event, held in Toronto and Halifax. VC Day 2018 has raised the bar by adding events in Vancouver and the nation’s capital.
In advance of this year’s four events, the panel of venture capitalists will review applications and select 10 to 12 finalists. Those selected to attend VC Day 2018 will receive a 15-minute pitch slot in their city of choice.
Individuals or businesses wishing to pitch to the panel can submit an application at www.bdo.ca/VC2018. They can select one of four VC Day events:
- Toronto
- Event: March 8, 2018
- Application deadline: February 16, 2018
- Vancouver
- Event: March 8, 2018
- Application deadline: February 16, 2018
- Ottawa
- Event: March 21, 2018
- Application deadline: March 2, 2018
- Halifax
- Event: March 29, 2018
- Application deadline: March 9, 2018
Why BDO Supports the Tech Sector
The tech industry is a major economic driver in Canada and will continue to grow in importance. Currently, the sector contributes 17% to Canada’s GDP and employs more than 854,000 Canadians, constituting 5.6% of the nation’s total employment. The province of Ontario alone contains one of the highest concentrations of tech firms outside of Silicon Valley, and in order to ensure Canada’s tech sector continues to grow and diversify, investment and long-term strategic planning must remain a priority.
“Canada has established itself as an attractive home for tech. We’re hearing more investors today talk about future growth plans for their tech businesses, whereas a few years ago, exit strategies were the big focus,” said Peter Matutat, leader of BDO Canada’s Technology & Life Science practice. “The Canadian tech scene is well poised to capitalize on the major trends shaping the market in the coming years, from the Internet of Things to augmented reality.”
About BDO
With over 100 offices nationwide, BDO is one of the largest national accounting and advisory partnerships in Canada. Our professionals serve both public and private organizations across a broad range of industries. As a member firm of the international BDO network, we leverage the knowledge and experience of advisors from over 1,300 offices in more than 150 countries. BDO Canada LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO member Firms.
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