Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Fintech and Networking Events
Infographic: CCS2015 Post Event Report
On March 3, 2015, the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada hosted the 1st annual Canadian Crowdfunding Summit at MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, Canada. The event sold out with over 300 attendees, 50+ speakers, 12 live pitching & showcasing companies from Canada, the US, and abroad.
Looking to get involved in the 2016 Canadian Crowdfunding Summit? Contact us today.
Crowdfunding Cultivates ‘Fail Fast’ Culture, Helps Women Raise Startup Capital
Fortune Favours the Bold
“Fortune Favours the Bold” was a recurring message at Enterprise Toronto’s third annual Money Forum earlier this week, which drew a diverse crowd of entrepreneurs and startup founders to City Hall to explore aspects of financing new ventures.
Forum panelists repeatedly cited having a high risk tolerance and confidence in one’s vision as prerequisites for succeeding as an entrepreneur. Equally important was knowing when to reach out for support and advice. Non-profits Futurpreneur Canada and the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada were on hand to both embolden new business leaders and to provide that much-needed advice.
Craig Asano, Executive Director of the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA), outlined a dizzying array of opportunities available to startups through the fast-changing world of crowdfunding. The better-known crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter focus on fundraising through donations and rewards, while he explained debt-based crowdfunding and equity crowdfunding lie on the more complex end of the spectrum, often involving securities law and jurisdictional issues.
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The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 950+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
THANK YOU: May 28th Summer Networking Kicked-Off!
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | May 31, 2015
Thank you to the event organizers, sponsors, volunteers and attendees for kicking off the Summer IN-STYLE at our May 28 Fintech Crowdfunding Networking event!
We hope you made some great connections and enjoyed those delicious Highlander brews and killer views from the EVP rooftop! View pics
We managed to raise $500 contribution towards the expansion of a Highlander Brew yeast library and school - thank you for your support!
SEE YOU SOON!
Thank you from the Event organizers:
NCFA - National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
Crowdmatrix - Equity crowdfunding platform
Extreme Innovations - Building ideas, teams, products, companies
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Thank you from the Sponsors:
Highlander Brew - Delicious Ontario microbrewery
The OCMX - Institutional marketplace
Hivewire - Full service crowdfunding agency
Borrowell - Low, fixed-rate personal loans
Wealthsimple - Smart investing made simple
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1100+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
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Still have questions? Email: info@ncfacanada.org
Exempt Capital Markets Critical for Small Business in Canada
Epoch Times | By Rahul Vaidyanath | May 22, 2015
Next wave, crowdfunding, a new task for already challenged regulators in fragmented system
By definition, the average Canadian hears very little about the country’s exempt or private capital markets. Not much is typically known about the raising of capital to fund the operations of small business as opposed to that of public companies that issue stock or bonds.
But private capital is critical for financing small business and entrepreneurship, and it ultimately leads to job creation. It also provides unique opportunities for wealthy investors.
The exempt capital markets feature higher-risk securities being sold to eligible investors without extensive public disclosure documentation. The investors, such as venture capitalists or private equity funds among others, can work closely with the small business or start-ups providing advice with the aim of improving the investment’s chance of success.
Small businesses and entrepreneurs cannot afford the cost of public disclosures, aren’t typically seeking the greater amount of funding sought in public markets, and don’t have the time or personnel to deal with the duties of being a public company. Their focus has to be on developing the business itself.
Growth in private market financing reportedly continues to exceed $100 billion a year, although consistent supporting data is lacking. This is an additional challenge in Canada, which doesn’t have a single national-level capital markets regulator like the U.S.’s Securities and Exchange Commission. Canada instead has separate provincial securities regulators.
As the exempt market continues to broaden, regulators have a difficult task to ensure an efficient market (transparency and pricing), investor protection, and cutting out misrepresentation.
Next Wave: Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a way of raising capital that makes use of advances in technology (Internet) and social media. Using online platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo, small businesses can connect with a theoretically unlimited set of investors.
This new way to raise capital [crowdfunding] is taking the world by storm.
, Finance Minister, Canada
Canada’s finance minister Joe Oliver referred to new cooperation among several provincial regulators in his keynote address at the fourth annual PCMA Private Capital Markets Conference held Tuesday, May 19, at the Toronto Board of Trade.
“Just last week, six commissions [provincial securities regulators] agreed to a common set of rules for crowdfunding. This new way to raise capital is taking the world by storm,” Oliver said.
The change in the six provinces—British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia—will be to allow equity crowdfunding so that early-stage investors can gain a share in the company. Previously, the rules only allowed crowdfunding investors to make donations or to receive rewards from the company such as its products.
MORE: 6 Canadian securities regulators to adopt start-up Crowdfunding Exemption
Now it can be likened to a retail investor having the same opportunity as a sophisticated institutional investor.
But with reward comes greater risk, and regulators are acting to protect investors by requiring the company to make some disclosures about itself including how it intends to use the funds. But these requirements are a far cry from a full prospectus in public capital markets.
Lack of Information
“The current state of data and information available on the exempt market is inadequate for informing any significant policy debate or for imposing new regulations,” writes Professor Vijay Jog in a University of Calgary School of Public Policy research paper.
Given this challenge, it is very difficult for regulators to get a handle on this market for the sake of investors. High net worth investors may be able to tolerate greater financial risks, but that doesn’t mean they have the sophistication to understand the risks in exempt markets. While progress is being made to broaden the applicability of crowdfunding, the overarching problem with regulating exempt capital markets in general is the lack of data.
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MPP, Hon. Brad Duguid Officially Opens the Inaugural 2015 Canadian Crowdfunding Summit on March 3, 2015 at MaRS Discovery to a sell out crowd.
Checkout: Video Recap | Storify | Sessions & Content Pack
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 950+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
Toronto Event (June 2): Money Forum 2015
Enterprise Toronto | Chris Rickett | Apr 24, 2015
Looking for ways to fund your business?
Attend the 2015 Enterprise Toronto Money Forum
Join Enterprise Toronto for a full-day session focused on helping small and medium-sized businesses get connected to financial resources to help them grow and succeed.
Darrell BrickerCEO, Ipsos Public Affairs
What Canadians Think: About Practically Everything
Dr. Darrell Bricker is the CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, a division of the world's second largest market research firm with offices in 25 countries. He is a frequent guest as a media commentator on political, social and business issues. Darrell will share insights into "What Canadians Think: About Practically Everything". You will learn why Canadians think the way they do about things, and how these facts apply to your business and what your organization be thinking about.
Panel Discussion - Looking Under the Couch Cushions: Non-Traditional Sources of Funding
Every business needs money to succeed. This panel discussion will highlight different funding sources for entrepreneurs, as well as the stories of entrepreneurs who have been successful in using non-traditional funding sources to start and grow their businesses.
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Steven Uster - Co-Founder, FundThrough
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Craig Asano - Executive Director, National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
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Scott Bowman - Senior Director Ontario, Futurpreneur Canada
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Andrew Graham - Chief Executive Officer, Borrowell
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Rubson Ho - Chief Crowdpleaser, Crowdmatrix Inc.
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David Joyce - Co-Founder, ReDeTec
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Megan Chan & Erynn Mayes, Kanga Australian Meat Pies
Tactical Break-Out Sessions
- Crowdfunding 101: A Comprehensive Overview of Crowdfunding
- Building a Business Plan for Your Financial Institution
- Non-Traditional Funding Sources: Finding Ways to Fund Your Business
- How to Apply for Financing: Funding Your Business with Futurpreneur
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015
Time: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West - Council Chambers
Cost: $25
Register: www.moneyforum2015.eventbrite.com
Limited Number of Early Bird Tickets @ $15
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 950+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
Toronto Event (May 28, 2015): NCFA Summer Kickoff Networking Event
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | May 7, 2015
Summer Kickoff Networking Event!
Join hosts National Crowdfunding Association of Canada and Crowdmatrix and Extreme Innovations for a summer kickoff networking night and social mixer in the heart of the financial district in Toronto.
Cast off the winter blues and head up to the Extreme Venture Partners Rooftop patio for sweeping panoramic views and some frosty Highlander Brew. Interested in disrupting the finance industry, raising capital or participating in the crowdfunding industry? Here's a perfect opportunity to mingle with the crowd, fintech startups, investors and industry experts. Strategize with colleagues, friends and potential partners to propel your venture to the next milestone in one of Canada's fastest growing sectors.
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Who is this event for?
This event is for NCFA members, friends and supporters as well as anyone interested in networking and collaborating with startups, investors, angels, early stage-focused VC's and other experts in the crowdfunding, fintech, mobile payments, crypto-currency and big data analytics industries.
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Paying it forward...
Contribute to event sponsor and community supporter Highlander Brew's live crowdfunding campaign who are fundraising to expand their brewery and launch Canada's only Brewery Technician educational school! Purchase raffle tickets to win some great Highlander prizes at the networking event.
Event Hosts & Contributing Sponsors:
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Event Details:
May 28, 2015 from 5:30 PM - 9:30PM
Extreme Venture Partners (Rooftop patio)
67 Yonge Street, 16th Floor, Toronto, ON M5E 1J8 (map)
Panoramic view
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Registration and Ticket Prices:
$15 Early Crowd
$20 Standard
$25 Late
$30 Co-founders (2 tickets)
$5 per raffle ticket / $20 for 5 tickets for Highlander Brew Prizes
All tickets include entrance, food and drinks
13% HST extra (we'll pick-up the eventbrite platform fees)
Hashtag #NCFALive
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Get a ticket before they're gone!
About National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
As Canada’s crowdfunding advocate, NCFA Canada works closely with industry, government and academia to build support for Canada’s rapidly growing Crowdfunding community by providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities to a national membership base of 1100+ industry stakeholders, small businesses, and investors. NCFA Canada is a community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at a grass-roots level to fill a national need in the market place. For more information please visit ncfacanada.org.
About Crowdmatrix
Crowdmatrix Inc. is building an online equity crowdfunding platform that, when launched, will facilitate capital-raising by bringing together companies seeking private funding and sophisticated investors that are willing to back them. A portfolio company of Extreme Venture Partners, Crowdmatrix will leverage technology to provide entrepreneurs and growth companies with an efficient marketplace where they can find capital, close deals and fund their ambitions. For more information please visit www.crowdmatrix.co.
About Extreme Venture Partners
Extreme Venture Partners (EVP) is one of Canada’s most successful venture capital funds over the past decade. With its focus on mobile, EVP I (launched in 2007) achieved superior investment returns while helping to launch and help grow more than 20 companies which ultimately lead to over 1000 well paying technology jobs in Canada. For more information please visit www.evp.vc.
About Highlander Brew Co
Highlander Brew Co. is located in South River, Ontario, in the Almaguin Highlands from which Highlander takes its name. The brewery began operations in 2009 when Brewmaster Brian Wilson made the brewery’s first beer, a traditional Scottish Ale. For more information please visit www.highlanderbrewco.com or our live crowdfunding campaign!
About the OCMX
The OCMX provides institutions and investors with a totally transparent and online marketplace from which institutional-sized opportunities can be screened and analyzed by institutional sized investors. The concept behind our Institutional Marketplace has been recognized as the next generation in Corporate Finance. For more information please visit www.theocmx.com.
About HiveWire
HiveWire is a triple-bottom line enterprise focused on accelerating the adoption of clean technology solutions, as well as enabling social enterprises, by assisting with the efficient allocation of capital to companies and projects. We help organizations access the power of the crowd through the application of innovative technology. Our overall goal is to facilitate connections between investors and opportunities by developing integrated ecosystems that generate shared value. For more information please visit www.hivewire.ca.
About Borrowell
Borrowell is an online marketplace lending platform that provides responsible Canadians with better borrowing options. Our online application process is simple and caters to Canadians with good credit scores who want a better alternative to high interest rates on credit cards and avoid the inconvenience of bank loans. The loans are funded by carefully selected institutional investors, allowing us to offer better rates, better service and a better customer experience. For more information please visit www.borrowell.com.
About Wealthsimple
Wealthsimple is Canada's fastest growing online investment manager. Our mission is to make smart investing easy for everyone. We help you build a globally diversified ETF portfolio and include on-demand financial advisory services, all for one of the lowest fees in Canada - just 0.35 to 0.5%. For more information please visit www.wealthsimple.com.
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See you there!
Interested in getting involved as a sponsor?
If you'd like to get involved with this event please contact us at info@ncfacanada.org.
Interested in learning about social media and crowdfunding? Check out our May 26 Webinar: Social Media & Crowdfunding Intensive Toolkit
Webinar (May 26, 2015): Social Media & Crowdfunding Toolkit Intensive
NCFA Canada in partnership with Raindance Canada | May 8, 2015
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada is excited to present a social media and crowdfunding intensive webinar in collaboration with Raindance, a non-profit film training and networking organization that works to support and promote independent filmmakers around the world, and The Social Smiths, a data-driven social media and crowdfunding management company.
If you are planning to launch, design and market a successful crowdfunding campaign (or have a live one on the go), this is a must attend comprehensive webinar that covers essential marketing and social media strategies to grow and engage your audience. This webinar builds on the crowdfunding basics and focuses on leveraging social media before, during, and after your campaign to successfully reach your goals.
Webinar Overview:
Are you making the most of your networks to educate, engage, and incentivize your online community?
Whether you're a Creative, Brand, or Business, social media is the most effective platform for communicating your message to fans and customers. Social media provides a platform to create shared experiences between you and your fans, but most marketers aren't taking advantage of this unique opportunity, resulting in poorly received crowdfunding campaigns and negative customer experiences.
In this hands-on 3 hour workshop, you'll learn how to cultivate a vibrant social media community, primed to support your commercial and crowdfunding projects. Topics covered in the workshop include:
- 7 simple content generation and management tools
- The 3 month Social Growth Strategy
- Defining and sharing your creative voice
- Stoke/Strike/Quench: how to make the most out of the 3 phases of your crowdfunding campaign
- Creating your Evangelist Team: how to seed super-fans
What others are saying about this workshop:
"Well-organized, thorough, eloquent speaker on the subject of social media! Jaimy knows what she's talking about and has more real-world experience on the subject than I've ever encountered. Truly impressive. Could not see this being led by anyone else!" -Ioanna
"This was an excellent introduction to the world of social media in the filmic context, and it gave me a realistic idea of what crowdfunding might mean." -Isaac
"So focused. Knowledgeable. Fast!" -Diane
"Very knowledgeable and so willingly shares this knowledge. She is an excellent communicator in terms of explaining all the elements of the course and very well spoken overall. Seems to still be genuinely passionate about her work and you can see she sincerely wishes to pass on this knowledge to her workshop participants." -Margot
Workshop Details:
Date: Tuesday, May 26th, 2015
Time: 6:30 pm – 9:30pm EDT
Webinar link and details will be emailed 24 hours prior to event
System Requirements: click here for more info
Registration:
$25 for NCFA members or Raindance Canada members
$30 for non-members
>>> Register here <<<
Webinar Presenter
This webinar is presented by Jaimy Warner, Executive Director of Raindance Canada, a non-profit film training and networking organization that works to support and promote independent filmmakers, as well as an NCFA Crowdfunding Ambassador. Raindance provides filmmaking workshops, networking events, and career development opportunities for new and emerging filmmakers worldwide. Under the banner of The Social Smiths, Jaimy's crowdfunding and social media management company, she recently raised over $41,000 for the Geek & Sundry web series LARPs: The Series. Jaimy can be found on Twitter @JaimyWarner or @SocialSmithies.
Webinar Facilitator
Sunny Shao is an Advisor at the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) and also an Independent Consultant focussed on marketing strategy and fundraising, financing, and crowdfunding projects for new ventures. She graduated from the MBA program at Schulich School of Business at York University last year and and has been involved with NCFA Canada since January 2013. Sunny can be found on Twitter @explicitivity.
About Raindance Canada
Raindance Canada is the local chapter of Raindance International, a non-profit film training and networking organization that works to support and promote independent filmmakers around the world. Raindance is also the founder of the Raindance Film Festival and The British Independent Film Awards. Currently Raindance operates 11 filmmaking hubs internationally, and is home to the Raindance International Film Festival - Europe's largest and longest running independent film festival. For more information please visit: www.raindance.org/toronto.
About The Social Smiths
The Soc
ial Smiths is a data-driven social media and crowdfunding management company that creates strategic opportunities for Brands, Businesses, and Creatives to build meaningful relationships with online audiences. The Social Smiths have developed social solutions for Raindance Canada, Centre for Inquiry Canada, LARPs: The Series, and consulted on several dozen crowdfunding campaigns. For more information please visit: www.thesocialsmiths.com
About NCFA Canada
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada crowdfunding hub providing education, advocacy and networking opportunities in the rapidly evolving crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is a community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at the grass roots level to fill a national need in the market place. For more information please visit the website: ncfacanada.org
>>> Click Here to Register <<<
