Venture Readiness: Accessing Venture Capital
Join us as we explore the intersection of investment and Indigenous entrepreneurship, while delving into the unique challenges faced by Indigenous founders to identify their ecosystem support needs. We'll discuss inclusive investment practices, such as diversity-focused funds and mentorship programs, and how investors can build genuine, long-term relationships with Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Our conversation will also cover practical advice from Indigenous founders on accessing funding, building investor relationships, and integrating cultural values into their business models. Regardless of which stage you are at in your journey, this webinar offers valuable insights and actionable strategies you can incorporate into your entrepreneurship roadmap.
Presenters
Allison Gibson - Allison is a champion for impact with extensive entrepreneurial expertise. She leverages her fundraising experience to create innovative programs as Spring's Chief Program Officer and is passionate about sharing her VC knowledge to demystify the world of venture capital and create pathways to funding for diverse founders. Allison's favourite part of her job is mentoring startups and supporting investors to integrate gender-lens considerations into their investment thesis and process to increase the amount of capital deployed to under-represented founders.
Andrea Butters - Andrea Butters, an Investment Project Manager based in Toronto, is a dynamic professional with a rich background in software engineering and digital marketing. Her work is deeply driven by a commitment to fostering equity across communities. Andrea's unique blend of technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills enables her to effectively promote and advocate for inclusivity and social justice. With a profound passion for technology, she leverages its potential to drive meaningful change. Andrea's dedication to creating a more equitable world is at the core of her professional endeavours, reflecting her belief in technology’s power to effect positive transformation.
Devon Krainer - Passionate about using finance for social and environmental change, Devon Krainer has a decade of impact investing experience across twenty countries. Devon is an Investment Associate at Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, a venture fund backing Indigenous and Native American entrepreneurs. Prior to joining Raven, she led ESG strategy at a Canadian pension plan and served at a global economic development organization advising funds and companies in emerging markets. Outside the office, Devon can be found in the mountains hiking and camping.