CEO Roundtables Toronto

Fundraising in 2026: Panel & Mixer

What does fundraising look like in 2026? The capital landscape has shifted. The "growth at all costs" era is over, replaced by a focus on sustainable unit economics, AI-driven efficiency, and strategic resilience. Whether you are raising a pre-seed or gearing up for a Series A, the rules of the game have changed. Join Startup Grind Toronto on May 28th at Startuptive for a tactical deep dive into the current state of venture capital. We’ve assembled a powerhouse panel to give you a 360-degree view of the fundraising journey: Swish Goswami (CEO and Founder, Stealth Startup, formerly Head of Growth @ Boardy, CEO of Surf) breaks down how to leverage modern growth tactics and AI to build the traction that investors can't ignore. Kayli Smith (Co-Founder & CEO of Friendlier) shares the raw, "boots-on-the-ground" experience of successfully raising capital and scaling a circular economy startup in today’s evolving economy. Miryam Lazarte (Founder & CEO of Global Startups Accelerator; General Partner, GSA Ventures): Offers a unique dual perspective as both an accelerator leader and a venture capitalist focused on global scale. Wael Jabir (Moderator | Chief of Staff at Hustle Fund): Represents an early-stage venture firm investing in "hilariously early" startups. Wael brings insights from Hustle Fund’s massive 600k+ media ecosystem and their 2,600-member global angel community. This isn't just a panel; it’s a masterclass in modern storytelling and financial strategy. Come for the insights, stay for the high-energy mixer with fellow founders, beer, and pizza. The Agenda: 6:00 PM: Doors Open & Pre-Event Networking 7:00 PM: Fundraising in 2026: Panel Discussion & Q&A 7:45 PM: Founder & Investor Mixer (Pizza & Beer provided) Stop pitching like it's 2021. Come learn how to win in 2026. About Our Venue Partner Startuptive is a collaborative coworking community designed for ambitious founders, remote teams, and independent professionals. We offer flexible workspace options, high-speed internet, curated events, and a supportive environment that helps you focus, connect, and grow your business. Whether you’re launching your first startup or scaling your next big idea, Startuptive is where productivity meets community. Agenda --- Hosted By Ankur Sethi, Director Ankur Sethi is a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over 17 years of experience building and scaling consumer businesses across technology, finance, and healthcare. He has led ventures from inception to over $350 million in annual revenue and $2 billion in valuation, combining operational excellence with a deep understanding of evolving consumer behavior. Daria Tilikanova, Co-Director Daria Tilikanova is a business and startup coach who helps founders and service-based entrepreneurs build scalable businesses with clear strategy, strong positioning, and predictable revenue systems. Originally from Russia, she founded and sold two education companies before moving to Canada, where she shifted into full-time mentoring for early-stage and growing founders. Daria has worked with 200+ entrepreneurs across tech, education, wellness, and agency-based businesses, guiding them from first clients to stable growth and team building. Alongside her private practice, she is a Venture Fellow at Winner Capital, supporting startup evaluation and founder readiness for investment. Her coaching combines business structure, mindset work, and execution clarity - helping entrepreneurs grow without burnout or chaos. Lydia Emanuel, I run a consultancy that focuses on Talent Strategy and Operations for fast-moving companies. Instead of just hiring people, I build the systems that help businesses scale without the chaos. I also lead Events and Sponsorships for Startup Grind Toronto, connecting the best brands to our local tech community. Diana Subbotkina, I help grow the Toronto startup ecosystem through Startup Grind Toronto, connecting founders, investors, and operators through curated events, partnerships, and community initiatives. My work focuses on bringing the right people into the room and creating opportunities for meaningful connections and growth. Shabs Badsha, Sukanta Goswami, Inquisitive entrepreneur connecting and collaborating with earlystage ventures by investing time and energy in bringing new ideas and concepts to the market. --- Global Partner Carta (http://www.carta.com/launch?utm_campaign=20240423-nam-general-smb-startup_grind_partnership&utm_medium=social&utm_source=startup_grind) Carta helps people manage equity, build businesses, and invest in the companies of tomorrow. Carta Launch is the only free cap table product, helping new founders get started. The company is trusted by more than 40,000 companies, over 7,000 funds and SPVs, and over two million equity holders to manage cap tables, compensation, valuations, liquidity, and more. For more information, visit carta.com. Partners Startuptive (https://startuptive.com/) Startuptive is a collaborative coworking community designed for ambitious founders, remote teams, and independent professionals. We offer flexible workspace options, high-speed internet, curated events, and a supportive environment that helps you focus, connect, and grow your business. Whether you’re launching your first startup or scaling your next big idea, Startuptive is where productivity meets community. Winner Capital (https://winner.capital) Winner Capital is an early stage to growth stage syndicate fund investing across North America --- Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. We host monthly events in more than 600 cities and 125+ countries featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Our monthly fireside chat interviews, startup mixers and annual conferences provide ample opportunities to connect with amazing startups and the people behind them, tap into a strong support network, form meaningful connections and gain inspiration for the startup journey ahead. For more information visit StartupGrind.com or follow us on twitter @StartupGrind. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-toronto-presents-fundraising-in-2026-panel-amp-mixer/.

Founders Coffee Club

Building a company is one thing. Figuring out how to grow it is another. ​We are creating a room where founders think better, together. A curated gathering for founders who are working full-time on their business and already have something in the market. ​The format is simple: coffee, conversation, and real discussions around what it actually takes to sell, scale, and make better decisions as a founder. ​No panels. No pitches. No surface-level networking. ​Instead, expect a relaxed but focused space to share what you’re working on, what’s challenging right now, and what’s actually moving the needle. ​This is designed for founders who are actively building—not exploring ideas—so conversations stay relevant, practical, and high-signal. ​Space is limited to keep the room thoughtful and engaging.

💘 May Founders & Executive-Level Singles Mixer Professionals

**Meet like-minded singles who understand ambition, responsibility, and building something meaningful — in both life and relationships.** **When:** Friday\, May 22\, 2026 \| 7:30pm – 10:00pm **Where:** Bar Rustica Late Night Pizza (571 Queen Street WestToronto) **Tickets:**[ \[Buy Here\]](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/toronto-dating-hub-may-founders-executive-level-singles-mixer-tickets-1988535205329?aff=meetup) **(must buy ticket from website - RSVP from Meetup doesn't count)** **You’ll feel at home here if you identify as someone like:** **Founders & Entrepreneurs** * Startup Founder / Co-Founder * Small Business Owner * Agency Founder / Creative Director * E-commerce Brand Owner * Tech Founder / Product Builder **Senior Professionals & Executives** * Director / Senior Manager / VP * C-suite (CEO, COO, CFO, CMO, etc.) * Strategy / Operations / Consulting Lead * Corporate Law / Finance Leadership **Established Professionals Across Fields** * Senior Lawyer / Associate / Partner * Investment Banker / Wealth Manager / Analyst * CPA / Accountant / Financial Advisor * Healthcare Professional in senior or specialized roles * Tech Lead / Engineering Manager / Product Manager **If your life looks like:** * Full calendar, high responsibility, big goals * You’re intentional about dating (not just casual swiping) * You want someone who understands ambition — not intimidated by it * You value emotional maturity + long-term partnership potential * **…you’ll feel like this room was built for you.** Can’t make it? Follow **[Toronto Dating Hub](https://www.torontodatinghub.com/)** for upcoming mixers & events!

2026 VIP Launch Executive Mixer

On May 14, 2026, a select group of executive leaders will gather in Toronto for the **[BFUTR Launch Executive Mixer](https://carter.obsidi.com/event/b6a3331f-5da0-47b5-8cdf-ce667f363f55)**—an invitation-only evening that officially kicks off the BFUTR 2026 season. 🚀 This is where senior leaders step away from the noise to connect with peers navigating the same enterprise challenges: scaling AI responsibly, reinventing the workforce, modernizing legacy systems, and turning data into lasting competitive advantage. 🤝📊 The evening will feature a short executive panel where industry leaders share how their organizations are responding to these shifts in real time—what’s working, what’s not, and how leaders are making decisions as the enterprise is reprogrammed. 🎤 With the room intentionally small and curated, the mixer creates space for meaningful dialogue, strategic relationships, and powerful connections with other executives shaping the future of their organizations. 🧠🔗 Guests will also get the first look at **[BFUTR 2026](https://bfutr.obsidi.com/)**, including headliner announcements, programming reveals, and the conversations set to define this year’s summit in November. 👀✨ Start your BFUTR Executive experience by connecting with the tech titans driving the industry forward to new heights. ⚡ **[Register now to secure your invitation.](https://carter.obsidi.com/event/b6a3331f-5da0-47b5-8cdf-ce667f363f55)** **📅 Date:** May 14, 2026 **📍 Location:** Toronto, Ontario **📌 Venue:** Confidential — shared only with confirmed attendees. **🔥Attendance is by invitation only - Director plus audiences without exception.** Submitting a registration form and receiving a registration email does not guarantee entry. Only guests who receive a separate confirmation of attendance will be admitted.🔥

Reverse Pitch Night @ Smart & Biggar

Tired of being the one in the hot seat? We’re flipping the script. On May 26th, Startup Grind Toronto is heading to the Smart & Biggar offices for a Reverse Pitch Night. We’ve invited a panel of active investors to step up to the mic and pitch you. Who should be in the room? Venture-scale Founders: Especially those in the "build and scale" phase looking for the right capital partners. Founders Navigating a Raise: If you’re preparing a term sheet or refining your pitch, come see how the other side thinks. Deep Tech & Product Innovators: Founders building IP-heavy products who need to bridge the gap between innovation and legal defensibility. The Tech Ecosystem: Investors and builders looking to connect during the height of Toronto Tech Week. What you’ll take away: Watch top-tier VCs reveal their 2026 thesis—what industries and stages they are actually betting on right now. Gain insights into the legal foundations of a successful scale-up, from corporate structure to navigating venture deals. Learn how to treat your intellectual property as a strategic asset that drives your valuation. Direct access to the partners at LaBarge Weinstein and Smart & Biggar alongside Toronto’s leading founders and investors. Agenda 5:00 PM: Drinks, Pizza & Networking 5:45 PM: Reverse Pitches & Q&A 6:30 PM: More Networking About Our Partners Smart & Biggar: Canada’s leading intellectual property firm, dedicated to helping innovative companies protect and maximize the value of their IP assets on a global scale. LaBarge Weinstein: A premier boutique law firm specializing in the startup lifecycle, from venture capital financing to high-profile M&A and IPOs. Stop guessing what investors want. Come hear them pitch it to you. Agenda --- Hosted By Ankur Sethi, Director Ankur Sethi is a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over 17 years of experience building and scaling consumer businesses across technology, finance, and healthcare. He has led ventures from inception to over $350 million in annual revenue and $2 billion in valuation, combining operational excellence with a deep understanding of evolving consumer behavior. Daria Tilikanova, Co-Director Daria Tilikanova is a business and startup coach who helps founders and service-based entrepreneurs build scalable businesses with clear strategy, strong positioning, and predictable revenue systems. Originally from Russia, she founded and sold two education companies before moving to Canada, where she shifted into full-time mentoring for early-stage and growing founders. Daria has worked with 200+ entrepreneurs across tech, education, wellness, and agency-based businesses, guiding them from first clients to stable growth and team building. Alongside her private practice, she is a Venture Fellow at Winner Capital, supporting startup evaluation and founder readiness for investment. Her coaching combines business structure, mindset work, and execution clarity - helping entrepreneurs grow without burnout or chaos. Lydia Emanuel, I run a consultancy that focuses on Talent Strategy and Operations for fast-moving companies. Instead of just hiring people, I build the systems that help businesses scale without the chaos. I also lead Events and Sponsorships for Startup Grind Toronto, connecting the best brands to our local tech community. Diana Subbotkina, I help grow the Toronto startup ecosystem through Startup Grind Toronto, connecting founders, investors, and operators through curated events, partnerships, and community initiatives. My work focuses on bringing the right people into the room and creating opportunities for meaningful connections and growth. Shabs Badsha, Sukanta Goswami, Inquisitive entrepreneur connecting and collaborating with earlystage ventures by investing time and energy in bringing new ideas and concepts to the market. --- Global Partner Carta (http://www.carta.com/launch?utm_campaign=20240423-nam-general-smb-startup_grind_partnership&utm_medium=social&utm_source=startup_grind) Carta helps people manage equity, build businesses, and invest in the companies of tomorrow. Carta Launch is the only free cap table product, helping new founders get started. The company is trusted by more than 40,000 companies, over 7,000 funds and SPVs, and over two million equity holders to manage cap tables, compensation, valuations, liquidity, and more. For more information, visit carta.com. Partners Smart and Biggar (https://www.smartbiggar.ca/) Winner Capital (https://winner.capital) Winner Capital is an early stage to growth stage syndicate fund investing across North America LaBerge Weinstein (https://www.lwlaw.com/) --- Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. We host monthly events in more than 600 cities and 125+ countries featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Our monthly fireside chat interviews, startup mixers and annual conferences provide ample opportunities to connect with amazing startups and the people behind them, tap into a strong support network, form meaningful connections and gain inspiration for the startup journey ahead. For more information visit StartupGrind.com or follow us on twitter @StartupGrind. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-toronto-presents-reverse-pitch-night-smart-amp-biggar/.

Breakfast Masterclass @ Goodmans LLP: Venture Financing and Term Sheets

Hear from Kathleen Chan (Founder and CEO at Calico), Jonah Midanik (Managing Partner at Forum Ventures) and Goodmans Partner, Danielle Levesque, as they share their experience of venture financing as a founder, investor, and lawyer to growing technology companies. This session is curated specifically for Seed+ founders and active venture investors looking to navigate their next funding round. The Agenda: 8:30 AM: Arrival & Networking 9:00 AM: Keynote Masterclass 10:00 AM: Refreshments & Networking The Perks Spend the morning with a founder, investor and lawyer who have extensive experience with venture financing. Network with a select group of growth-stage peers and institutional investors - high-level conversation without the noise is guaranteed! Enjoy refreshments provided by our hosts at Goodmans. Secure your seat to master your venture capital strategy. Agenda --- Hosted By Ankur Sethi, Director Ankur Sethi is a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over 17 years of experience building and scaling consumer businesses across technology, finance, and healthcare. He has led ventures from inception to over $350 million in annual revenue and $2 billion in valuation, combining operational excellence with a deep understanding of evolving consumer behavior. Daria Tilikanova, Co-Director Daria Tilikanova is a business and startup coach who helps founders and service-based entrepreneurs build scalable businesses with clear strategy, strong positioning, and predictable revenue systems. Originally from Russia, she founded and sold two education companies before moving to Canada, where she shifted into full-time mentoring for early-stage and growing founders. Daria has worked with 200+ entrepreneurs across tech, education, wellness, and agency-based businesses, guiding them from first clients to stable growth and team building. Alongside her private practice, she is a Venture Fellow at Winner Capital, supporting startup evaluation and founder readiness for investment. Her coaching combines business structure, mindset work, and execution clarity - helping entrepreneurs grow without burnout or chaos. Lydia Emanuel, I run a consultancy that focuses on Talent Strategy and Operations for fast-moving companies. Instead of just hiring people, I build the systems that help businesses scale without the chaos. I also lead Events and Sponsorships for Startup Grind Toronto, connecting the best brands to our local tech community. Diana Subbotkina, I help grow the Toronto startup ecosystem through Startup Grind Toronto, connecting founders, investors, and operators through curated events, partnerships, and community initiatives. My work focuses on bringing the right people into the room and creating opportunities for meaningful connections and growth. Shabs Badsha, Sukanta Goswami, Inquisitive entrepreneur connecting and collaborating with earlystage ventures by investing time and energy in bringing new ideas and concepts to the market. --- Global Partner Carta (http://www.carta.com/launch?utm_campaign=20240423-nam-general-smb-startup_grind_partnership&utm_medium=social&utm_source=startup_grind) Carta helps people manage equity, build businesses, and invest in the companies of tomorrow. Carta Launch is the only free cap table product, helping new founders get started. The company is trusted by more than 40,000 companies, over 7,000 funds and SPVs, and over two million equity holders to manage cap tables, compensation, valuations, liquidity, and more. For more information, visit carta.com. Strategic Goodmans LLP (https://Www.goodmans.cq) Canadian Corporate Law Firm Partner Winner Capital (https://winner.capital) Winner Capital is an early stage to growth stage syndicate fund investing across North America --- Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. We host monthly events in more than 600 cities and 125+ countries featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Our monthly fireside chat interviews, startup mixers and annual conferences provide ample opportunities to connect with amazing startups and the people behind them, tap into a strong support network, form meaningful connections and gain inspiration for the startup journey ahead. For more information visit StartupGrind.com or follow us on twitter @StartupGrind. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-toronto-presents-breakfast-masterclass-goodmans-llp-venture-financing-and-term-sheets/.

TiEQuest Summit 2026 | May 25, 2026

🎟 **This is a paid event. Tickets must be purchased on Luma.** **Get yours: [https://luma.com/tiequest-2026](https://luma.com/tiequest-2026)** **\#\#\#\# TiEQuest Summit 2026 \- Building in Canada for the World** A morning built for founders who are done thinking small - and ready to hear how the best in Canada actually went global. **🧠 What to Expect** Sharp talks and practical insights from founders, operators, and investors who are actually doing the work. No fluff, just the real story of what it takes to scale ambitious companies from Toronto to the world. **🤝 Who's in the Room** Founders at every stage. Operators building something meaningful. Investors looking for what's next. If you're shaping the future of Canadian tech, you belong here. **📍 Where** U of T Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, one of Canada's most exciting hubs for tech and entrepreneurship. **📅 Monday, May 25, 2026** **⏰ 8:30AM – 12:30PM** **📍 108 College St, Toronto, ON**

TechTO Summer Social | May 27

**🎟 This is a paid event. Tickets must be purchased on Luma. Get yours:** [luma.com/techto-summer-social-may-27-2026](https://luma.com/techto-summer-social-may-27-2026) TechTO is BACK with its annual Summer Social at Bobby Bermuda's Sunset Bar. 🌊 **The setup** 600 people. Tacos. Drinks. Sunshine on Toronto's waterfront. One of the most coveted outdoor venues in the city. Need we say more? 🤝 **The crowd** Founders, operators, investors, and builders from across Canada's tech scene - all in one place, all in a good mood. This is the event where real connections get made. 🌮 **What's included** Every ticket comes with food and one drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Just show up and make it happen. 📍 Bobby Bermuda's Sunset Bar (formerly The Slip), 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto 📅 Wednesday, May 27, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The Merge Social: A Tech Week Afterparty

Toronto Founders and Entrepreneurs Networking at 5 Elements Espresso Bar

Join the Toronto Founders Hub every other Saturday at 3:30pm for our regular meetup at 5 Elements Espresso Bar. Sit down with other entrepreneurs to network and discuss business ideas or strategies. \- Broaden your network \- Get critical feedback \- Socialize in low pressure setting I look forward to seeing you!

Sun Life Speakers Corner weekly Toastmasters event

Do you want to improve your Public Speaking skills, your Impromptu Speaking skills, learn how to present Feedback with Evaluations, and build your Leadership skills? If the answer is YES to any, attend SUN LIFE SPEAKERS CORNER online for an informative and fun filled session each Tuesday at Noon EST/EDT (except following a Holiday Monday). Guests/Visitors are welcome to participate in the Table Topics (impromptu) session. Join and become a Member to have access to all roles and Pathways, the education system. Please email info.sunlifespeakerscorner@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

Tech Week: Toronto AI, Business, Tech & Finance Networking Event

***Tickets must be purchased in advance!*** 🔗: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tech-week-toronto-ai-business-tech-finance-networking-event-tickets-1988794903092 Come join us at Tech week for Toronto AI,Business,Tech & Finance Networking Event to connect with Professionals and entrepreneurs. **Welcome to the Toronto AI, Business, Tech & Finance Networking Event!** Join us for an evening of Toronto Tech Week of dynamic networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration right in the heart of Toronto. This in-person event will take place at **Oria On King** , a stylish high end venue perfect for connecting with like-minded professionals in the AI,Business, Tech, and Finance industries. Whether you're looking to expand your network, explore new opportunities, or simply engage with fellow enthusiasts, this event is the place to be. Meet and interact with some of the brightest minds in the industry, including entrepreneurs, innovators, and professionals driving the future of Business,Technology and Finance through AI-driven solutions. Don’t miss this chance to expand your horizons and make meaningful connections! **Event Highlights:** * **Networking Opportunities**: Connect with industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of AI, technology, and finance. * **Collaboration Opportunities**: Explore new ventures and partnerships in AI and finance technology by engaging with like-minded professionals. * **Cutting-Edge Trends**: Discover the latest advancements in AI technologies and fintech developments, and how they are transforming the finance,tech, and business sector. **Date & Location:** * **When**: Thur, May. 21st, 2025, 7:00 PM- 10PM * **Where**: Oria On King This exclusive event offers a golden opportunity to elevate your journey in technology and finance. Join us for an unforgettable evening of innovation, networking, and exploration. 🚀 #TechFinanceExpo #AIInnovation #NetworkingRevolution #FinTechConnect **Who Should Attend?** * **Professionals**: Expand your network in a vibrant and engaging environment. * **Job Seekers**: Discover new opportunities or connect with future employers. * **Recent Graduates**: Get insights from industry experts and build your professional network. * **Entrepreneurs & CEOs**: Forge new partnerships and exchange insights with other business leaders. * **Investors**: Find promising ventures and startups ready for investment. * **Project Managers & Startups**: Collaborate on new projects or recruit the talent you need. * **Media Professionals**: Connect with industry innovators and influencers. **Stellar Socials Experience:** At **Stellar Socials by Limitless**, we specialize in creating exceptional networking experiences that bring together professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Our mission is to inspire collaboration, innovation, and growth by facilitating meaningful connections through curated events that resonate with our diverse audience. This relaxed social gathering encourages organic conversations, allowing attendees to connect without pressure. Whether you're attending solo or with friends, come prepared to meet new people and explore exciting opportunities. With a focus on building valuable relationships, you'll leave with new contacts, fresh insights, and potential collaborations. **Join Our Community:** * **Instagram**: [@stellarsocialsbylimitless](https://www.instagram.com/stellarsocialsbylimitless/) * **Facebook**: [Stellar Socials by Limitless](https://www.facebook.com/people/Stellar-Socials-By-Limitless/61567104153339/) * **TikTok**: [@stellar.socials](https://www.tiktok.com/@stellar.socials?_t=8rruhvs9xN2&_r=1) **Notice of Photography**: *Please note that photos and videos will be taken during the event for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed. If you prefer not to appear in media, kindly notify one of the event organizers.*