A three-day virtual program supporting Canadian women in tech this April 23-25, 2021

Montréal, Québec – Techstars, the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, and BDC Capital’s Women in Technology Venture Fund, one of the world’s largest venture capital funds dedicated to investing in women-led technology companies and helping build a robust ecosystem to support women in tech, today announced the launch of Techstars Startup Weekend Women in Tech Canada Online. The event will take place virtually on April 23-25, 2021, and engage women entrepreneurs across Canada.

Techstars and BDC Capital’s Women in Technology Venture Fund partnered on this initiative to support women in tech by providing them with the right knowledge and networks necessary to start a technology company in Canada; and ultimately create jobs and wealth opportunities which are traditionally underrepresented in the startup and venture capital landscape.

Each three-day Startup Weekend allows participants to connect with like-minded individuals looking to build something new, pitch startup ideas to a panel of judges and learn what it takes to start their own company. In just 54 hours, participants will experience the highs and lows that make up life at a startup.

Techstars Startup Weekend Women in Tech Canada Online: Friday, April 23 through Sunday, April 25

What: Techstars Startup Weekend Women in Tech Canada Online

Who: Female tech entrepreneurs across Canada are encouraged to attend

When: April 23-25, 2021

Where: Virtual

Details: RSVP here.

"We're excited to partner with Techstars, a global accelerator, to bridge the gap for aspiring women entrepreneurs," said Michelle Scarborough, Managing Partner, Strategic Investments and Women in Technology Venture Fund. "Our network across Canada benefits greatly as Techstars Startup Weekend events bring tech entrepreneurs, corporate partners, and investors together, helping to accelerate our next generation of women in technology across Canada."

Results from past Techstars Startup Weekend events include the formation of more than 65,000 teams by more than 550,000 entrepreneurs in 150 countries. Some teams even started to generate revenue during the event, while others went on to raise funds from angel investors or venture capitalists.

"This is the vision and promise of an organization like Techstars – opening access and leading the charge in entrepreneurial ecosystem development through collaborating with groups like BDC," said Steven A. Rodríguez, Regional Manager across US/Canada at Techstars. "BDC has already been fueling pipeline development work for years. Techstars and these communities are excited to see this program go live and we look forward to all the opportunities it will create."

The launch coincides with International Women's Day – a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women – which takes place every year on March 8. This is a time to recognize the outstanding contributions of all women and an opportunity to promote and support gender equality. Techstars and BDC are committed to being part of the solution for advancing diversity and inclusion in the tech space. This partnership will directly impact those who choose a career as technology entrepreneurs, angel investors or venture capitalists. 

All aspiring women tech entrepreneurs interested in participating should register on the homepage, or connect with the organizing team at canada.women@startupweekend.org.

About BDC Capital

BDC Capital is the investment arm of BDC, the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs. With over $3 billion under management, BDC Capital serves as a strategic partner to the country’s most innovative firms. It offers businesses a full spectrum of capital, from seed investments to growth equity, supporting Canadian entrepreneurs who have the ambition to stand out on the world stage. Visit bdc.ca/capital.

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