WiMLDS Montreal #4: AI and Entrepreneurship

We’re excited to announce our 4th WiMLDS Montreal event, presented and hosted by BDC Capital! A cocktail, food and some great speakers on startups, artificial intelligence, and intersections between the two will be waiting for you. Whether you are in these fields or simply curious to learn a bit more about them, we look forward to seeing you!

AGENDA
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6:00 pm — Doors open (food and drinks provided)
6:30 pm — Talks
7:45 pm — Panel
8:30 pm — Networking

TALKS
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Amy Pollard | Analyst, Strategic Investments & BDC Women in Tech Fund

Amy is involved in all aspects of the deal process including sourcing and due diligence. She is also responsible for portfolio management activities including portfolio monitoring, reporting, and bi-annual portfolio valuations. Since founding her first entrepreneurial venture as a teenager, Amy has actively volunteered in global entrepreneurial and tech communities through organizations such as Startup Canada, Startup Weekend, Startup Nations and Junior Achievement.

"Launching and Leading an AI-based Product Company: Challenges and Lesson Learned" | Soodeh Farokhi | Founder & CTO, C2RO Cloud Robotics

Abstract: As a tech entrepreneur, I share my journey of launching a high tech product company offering Cloud based AI software solutions here in Montreal and raising/helping in raise over $4.5M VC money and growing the company to 18 people. I discuss the challenges of developing and delivering our AI-based software product to the market via a B2B SaaS business model. I dig more into my current role as a Chief Technology Officer, who needs to also wear many other hats, as a founder, every day. You hear the technical challenges that a new product has faced while it is under product-market-fit exercise penetrating through an international market with all sorts of different regulations and laws.

"The Five Ws of Funding" | Sahar Ansary | Partner, R&D Partners

Abstract: An overview of the who, what, when, where, and why of funding. I will present the types of funding available throughout a business’s lifespan (ideation, growth, and expansions) as well as some of the best practices when looking for funding and approaching funders, lenders and investors.

PANEL
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"Starting and Scaling a Company in AI: Insights From Women Who Have Taken the Leap"

Naureen Anwar | Co-founder & CEO, NameShouts
Nina Iordanova | Co-founder & CEO, Hello Iris
Marina Pavlovic Rivas | Co-founder & CEO, Eli
(Moderator) Yosra Kazemi | Co-founder, Sunia Technology

SPONSOR
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Thank you to our event sponsor and host BDC Capital.

BDC is the bank for entrepreneurs and has made it a priority to support the growth and success of women entrepreneurs. BDC provides the financing, advice, and access to networks that entrepreneurs need to grow their business. Over the past three years, BDC has doubled the number of women entrepreneurs it supported and doubled its lending target to $1.4 billion by 2021 for majority women-owned businesses. BDC will provide $200 million in capital to women-led technology companies through the Women in Technology Venture Fund and have already invested in more than 25 amazing women-led tech companies.