Unlocking New Funding Opportunities at Investment Readiness Day

On October 18, 2024, WEtech Alliance will host a pivotal event for Windsor-Essex’s entrepreneurs, founders, and investors: Investment Readiness Day. This one-day event is designed to provide founders and business leaders with the knowledge, insights, and connections they need to secure vital investment. With presentations from the Ontario Securities Commission and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP , the event promises to redefine how startups and established businesses engage with early-stage funding in our community.

We’re also proud to be joined by other key partners, including the BDC , Redstick Ventures , Round13 Capital and the WECAN - Windsor Essex Capital Angel Network ,These organizations bring a wealth of experience and capital to the table, making this event a must-attend for anyone looking to accelerate their growth.

A highlight of the day will be the morning session with Ron Spreeuwenberg , Founder of Lilio(Formerly HiMama) a SaaS platform in the daycare management space that raised over $70 million under his leadership. Ron’s practical insights and real-world experience offer an invaluable perspective for founders navigating the complexities of securing investment.

Innovative Capital-Raising Exemptions: Turning Customers into Investors

One of the most exciting aspects of Investment Readiness Day is the chance to learn about the OSC’s innovative capital-raising exemptions, which allow founders to convert their first customers into their first investors. For early-stage companies, securing that initial investment can be challenging, and traditional venture capital routes aren’t always feasible.

By leveraging these exemptions, founders can approach their customers—who already believe in their product or service—and give them an opportunity to invest in the business. This creates a win-win scenario where customers gain a stake in the company’s success, and founders gain access to crucial funding. The OSC and Osler will provide guidance on how to navigate these exemptions safely and effectively during the event.

Opportunities for Traditional Industries: Manufacturing and Agriculture

Investment Readiness Day isn’t just for tech startups. It presents a unique opportunity for business owners in manufacturing, agriculture, and other traditional industries to get involved in early-stage investing. These sectors are the foundation of Windsor-Essex’s economy, and they often face unique challenges that new technologies can address.

Imagine a local manufacturer investing in a startup developing automation solutions that enhance production efficiency, or a farmer backing an agritech startup with tools that can improve yields and reduce costs. Not only do these investments offer financial returns, but they also allow business owners to help shape products that address specific industry challenges.

Founders Supporting Founders: Building a Collaborative Community

At WEtech, we believe in the power of founders supporting founders. Investment Readiness Day is about more than just learning from experts like Ron and representatives from the OSC and Osler—it’s about fostering connections between entrepreneurs. By building relationships with other founders, sharing experiences, and collaborating on solutions, attendees can form lasting partnerships that drive growth and innovation in Windsor-Essex.

Be Part of the Future: Join Us on October 18th

Whether you’re an early-stage founder looking to secure funding, a local investor exploring new opportunities, or a business owner in a traditional industry eager to shape the future of your sector, Investment Readiness Day is the event you won’t want to miss.

Join us on October 18, 2024, for a day of insights, connections, and unlocking new funding opportunities for your business. Be part of shaping the future of investment in Windsor-Essex:

Grab your tickets here.