If you like it, then you better put a term sheet on it. Startupfest introduces another $100k investment prize solely for a female-led startup.

And $50 passes for Women in Technology | July 9–12, 2019

Startupfest is the original Canadian startup event, a gathering of thousands of entrepreneurs from around the world that began nearly a decade ago. In that time, the conference has charted the course of startup ecosystems as they’ve grown and changed. And since the festival’s first conference, its stage and audience has been a reflection of the amazing diversity in society — and increasingly, in the startup ecosystem.

Last year, the conference launched the Startupfest Inclusion Initiative. This program connects entrepreneurs from underserved and underrepresented communities to the opportunities that will help them take their ideas and businesses to the next level.

This year, the Inclusion Initiative is back, with a focus on women in technology. Thanks to our partners BDC Capital and Fasken Martineau, we’re pleased to be offering passes to Canadian women working in the technology sector at a 90% discount. To be considered for a $50 pass (regular $500), women entrepreneurs and innovators simply need to complete the online application here.

Martine St-Victor works with Startupfest as Diversity Emissary. Martine’s role will be to ensure that everything Startupfest does is done with all existing and potential entrepreneurs in mind, regardless of race, creed, colour, religion, economic position, or sexual orientation.

“I’m thrilled to again be part of the mission to encourage diversity and inclusion. As the initiative’s Emissary, I wish to reach out to the voices behind the Start-Ups we don’t hear enough of,” says Martine. “Women receive only 2.2% of VC money. And, as per the New York Times, only 8% of investing partners at the top 100 VC firms in the United States are women. The percentage is not much different in Canada. These numbers are anaemic and need to change. I want to be part of the engineering behind that change.”

But there’s more: Each year, Startupfest has a number of investment prizes. The festival is adding a new one in 2019, with the help of some veteran entrepreneurs and investors: $100,000 available to a female-led startup in the form of a convertible note. This is open to any female-led startup in attendance, and it’s in addition to the Startupfest $100,000 investment prize.

The prizes are awarded by a panel of judges based on pitches and discussions onsite at Startupfest. That means a female founder could walk away with $200,000 in investment, or that two separate $100,000 prizes could be awarded to two founders.

“As a veteran of the startup industry for over 30 years, I am thrilled at the initiatives Startupfest continues to take to level the playing field for founders everywhere and ensure that the best startups get funding.” Author, industry veteran, and Startupfest board member Chris Shipley.

Startupfest 2019 will also see the return of the sold-out Women in Tech Boot Camp presented by BDC Capital’s Women in Technology Fund, on July 10th. If you’re interested in attending, simply tick the box on the Inclusion Initiative application form here.