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Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: NCFA Supported Events
NCFA / VEC Event (May 21, 2014): Igniting Venture Capital in BC: Expert Panel on new Equity Crowdfunding Opportunities
NCFA and Vancouver Economic Commission | May 1, 2014
Event Hosts:
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada in partnership with the Vancouver Economic Commission.
Sponsored by:
Event Details:
May 21, 2014
8:30am (PST) – 11:00am (PST)
Delta Vancouver Suites (Innes Thompson room)
550 West Hastings Street,Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6 (map)
Member Registration is $25 + (non-members $35)
Tickets are limited. Registration opens from 8:00 am (PST)
Event Hashtag: #NCFALive
Register for this event –> Now
Event Overview:
The crowdfunding industry is exploding with entrepreneurs, investors, portal operators, third party service providers and experts from around the world who are all jockeying for position to take advantage of a promising and brand new fundraising channel for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). (read more). On March 20, 2014, the BC Securities Commission (BCSC) published for a 90-day public comment period a new prospectus exemption – The Startup Exemption - modeled on regulations introduced in Saskatchewan Dec. 2013. This Crowdfunding specific exemption would allow early stage companies such as start-ups and small-to-mid-size enterprises (SMEs) to raise up to $300,000 of capital annually through the issuance of securities online while maintaining an appropriate level of investor protection. How does crowdfunding apply to other exemptions like OM or the proposed one for Existing Securities Holders? We have assembled a premier panel of industry, legal, investment and regulatory experts to bring forth and highlight key views and insights.
Topics include:
- Regulatory briefing: What are the proposed regulations, timeline and next steps?
- What are the challenges of our current capital raising markets and what solutions are coming?
- Are we doing enough collectively as a 360 eco-system to remain competitive in today’s global markets?
- How will crowdfunding spur business and economic growth, employment and innovation?
- Do these regulations provide significant protections for investors?
- What are the legal issues and proposed solutions that revolve around Crowdfunding transactions?
- Market pulse: what is happening on the ground in the Crowdfunding industry? (Issuers, investors, portals, and providers)
- Q&A feedback on BC’s Crowdfunding exemption proposal
Agenda:
8:00 am Registration Opens
8:30 am Session Kick-off
8:35 am Presentations
10:35 am Q&A Discussion (Open forum)
10:55 am Networking
Speakers:
Bill Tam
President & CEO, BC Technology Industry Association (BCTIA)
Bill Tam has been an entrepreneur and advisor to startup technology companies for over 20 years. In 2010, he joined the BCTIA as a mentor with Centre4Growth, advising a wide-range of technology firms. Prior to BCTIA, Bill was the CEO of EQO Communications and a Partner at SpringBank TechVentures, where he led investments in software and wireless. Additionally, Bill has held many senior executive positions. Bill is currently Chairman of the Board at Colligo Networks, an advisory council member at the University of British Columbia’s Electrical and Computer Engineering department, and a board member of BC Bioenergy Network.
Alixe Cormick
Founder, Venture Law Corporation
Alixe is the founder and CEO of Vancouver-based legal firm, Venture Law Corporation and is an Advisory member for the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada. Alixe has assisted over 150 companies listing on stock exchanges and trading board in North America. She is a recognized and active thought leader on exempt securities and crowdfunding. She is also an active Angel Investor.
Paul Geyer
CEO, LightIntegra Technology and Chairman, Neovasc
Paul Geyer is currently CEO of LightIntegra Technology, a firm that has developed ThromboLux technology which is used as a point of care device to determine platelet quality for blood transfusions. Paul is also Chairman of Neovasc , a company that develops medical devices for the rapidly growing vascular and surgical marketplace. Paul received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and in 1999, and was named one of the ‘40 Under 40 Award Winners’ for the top business people in BC by Business in Vancouver. In addition to various board positions, including many years of service on the Board of Science World, Mr. Geyer is an active Angel investor in technology and life science companies and was recognized as the BC Angel Investor of the Year in 2010.
Jonathan Bixby
Jonathan is a serial entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in starting, leading and growing technology companies. Jonathan is currently the Executive Director of GrowLab and is a Business in Vancouver Top 40 Under 40 award recipient. Jonathan Bixby was the CEO and a co-founder of Strangeloop Networks. Under Jonathan’s leadership, Strangeloop raised over $21M in financing. In February 2013 Strangeloop was acquired by Radware (RDWR). Prior to forming Strangeloop, Jonathan co-founded IronPoint Technology, the largest content management company in the country.
Ian G. McKay
CEO, Vancouver Economic Commission
Ian Gerard McKay was appointed CEO of the Vancouver Economic Commission in September 2013. Prior to this appointment, Ian served as the National Director for the Liberal Party of Canada from March 2010 to May 2013. Ian has led a distinguished career as an executive in international financial markets, as well as a political advisor to federal cabinet ministers. Ian has extensive financial market experience with firms such as EuroBrokers, Ueda Butler, Cantor Fitzgerald, and ICAP Capital Markets Inc. Ian’s works with the VEC to broaden and strengthen economic activity in the city of Vancouver.
Daryl Hatton
Daryl Hatton is founder and CEO of FundRazr, one of the top 10 brands in the burgeoning global crowdfunding market according to Forbes magazine. Daryl has founded multiple start-ups and helped bring one, Optio, to a successful NASDAQ IPO in 1999. He actively serves as board member or advisor to multiple other start-ups in BC and Silicon Valley. In 2013 FundRazr won a Technology Innovation Award as Most Promising Startup by the BC Technology Industry Association and was included in the Profit Magazine Hot 50 as one of the fastest growing startups across all industries in Canada.
Leslie Rose
British Columbia Securities Commission
Leslie Rose is Senior Legal Counsel in the Corporate Finance Division of the British Columbia Securities Commission. In the 14 years she has worked at the Commission, she has participated in many policy projects, particularly concerning capital raising exemptions, continuous disclosure obligations for venture issuers, and take-over bid requirements. She is the Chair of the CSA Prospectus Exemptions Committee. Leslie was called to the BC Bar in 1995. Before joining the Commission, Leslie practiced corporate finance, securities and corporate/commercial law primarily for public companies.
Matthew McGrath
CEO/Founder, Optimize Capital Markets
Following on a 12 year career at the RBC Financial Group, Matthew McGrath successfully launched the Optimize Financial Group™ 4 years ago with offices now in both Toronto and New York City. Optimize Capital Markets™ is building the Largest Institutional Crowdfunding Marketplace in North America where Institutional and Accredited Investors can discover and trade in Private Investment Opportunities. Typical deals include Infrastructure Projects, Large Real Estate Developments, and Proven Technology Companies. Since launching out of Toronto in September of 2009, Optimize Capital Markets™ has since expanded its operations to include Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Who should attend this event?
This event is for financial professionals, crowdfunding industry stakeholders, issuers, investors, portals and dealers interested in staying on-top of the proposed Crowdfunding exemption regulations in British Columbia and providing feedback directly to the BCSC. JOIN THE DISCUSSION!
Registration opens from @8:00am (PST)
Event Kicks off at @8:30am (PST) sharp!
Register for this event –> Now
Toronto NCFA Event (April 16, 2014): Igniting Entrepreneurship and Capital Flow in Ontario
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | April 3, 2014
Event Hosts:
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada in partnership with the City of Toronto.
Event Date:
Date: April 16, 2014
Time: 9:00am - 10:30am
Location: Ontario Investment and Trade Centre (Seminar Room)
35th Floor, 250 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M5B 2L7 (map)
Ticketing: Member Registration is $25 (early bird $20) + (non-members $35)
Tickets are limited. All prices include 13% HST
Register for this event --> Now
Event Overview:
The crowdfunding industry is exploding with entrepreneurs, investors, portal operators, third party service providers and experts from around the world who are all jockeying for position to take advantage of a promising and brand new fundraising channel for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). (read more)
On March 20, 2014, the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) published for a 90-day public comment period four new prospectus exemptions including a Crowdfunding specific exemption that would allow early stage companies such as start-ups and small-to-mid-size enterprises (SMEs) to raise up to $1.5 million of capital through the issuance of securities online while maintaining an appropriate level of investor protection.
Join NCFA Canada and the City of Toronto to discuss ‘Igniting Entrepreneurship and Capital Flow in Ontario’. We have assembled a premier panel of industry, legal, investment and regulatory experts to bring forth and highlight key views and insights.
Topics include:
- Regulatory briefing: What are the proposed regulations, timeline and next steps?
- What are the challenges of our current capital raising markets and what solutions are coming?
- Are we doing enough collectively as a 360 eco-system to remain competitive in today’s global markets?
- How will crowdfunding spur business and economic growth, employment and innovation?
- Do these regulations provide significant protections for investors?
- What are the legal issues and proposed solutions that revolve around Crowdfunding transactions?
- Market pulse: what is happening on the ground in the Crowdfunding industry? (Issuers, investors, portals, and providers)
- Q&A feedback on Ontario's Crowdfunding exemption proposal
Agenda:
9:00 – 9:15 Registration + Breakfast
9:15 - 9:55 Presentations
9:55 – 10:30 Questions and Answers + Discussion
* Networking will be available after the Q&A
Speakers:
Ontario Securities Commission
A representative from the OSC to be announced shortly.
Gerard Buckley, Chairperson, Maple Leaf Angels Corporation and Managing Director Jaguar Capital Inc.
Experienced Corporate, Advisory Board and Not for Profit Director with 10+ years of board experience and 30+ years corporate leadership experience in the Capital Markets Industry in Financial Risk Management. Strategic business leader & corporate advisor to F500 companies in various industry verticals. An advisor to Founders & CEO’s of growth companies in technology and knowledge based industries with a focus on governance, financing and financial management. A growth architect with a track record for explosive performance with strong results driven business development experience. Targeting capital intensive companies in development stage requiring strong strategic direction, governance, financial risk management and advanced financial counsel.
Jos Schmitt, Chief Executive Officer, Aequitas Innovations
Prior to launching Aequitas Innovations, Jos set up Brilliant Orange group of companies, served as CEO of the Alpha Group of companies, including the Alpha Exchange; and as EVP Head of the Americas and Global Head of Capital Markets for a global professional services company focused on the financial services industry. During his tenure at this professional services company, he acted as strategic advisor and director of operational and/or technology programs for some of the largest market infrastructure organizations and broker-dealers around the globe. Some of his previous roles include: President and CEO of a European Derivatives Exchange and Clearing House, President and CEO of a pan-European indices Publisher, Chairman of a Derivatives SRO, and Head of Strategy and Business Operations at a European Stock Exchange.John Wires, Founder, Wires Law
John Wires is the Founder of Wires Law, a corporate commercial law firm delivering legal services to entrepreneurs and small and medium sized businesses across Canada. His practice focuses on launching, protecting and selling Canadian businesses. He has appeared in the Ontario Superior Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal and private arbitrations on issues spanning from shareholder and employment disputes to cross border litigation. John graduated from law school with first class honours specializing in both International Trade and Corporate Commercial Law. He was called to the Bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada in 2011 and is a member of the Canadian Bar Association. He has been a guest lecturer at Ryerson University and covered in the media on Crowdfunding in Canada.
Who should attend this event?
This event is for financial professionals, crowdfunding industry stakeholders, issuers, investors, portals and dealers interested in staying on-top of the proposed Crowdfunding exemption regulations in Ontario and providing feedback directly to the OSC. JOIN THE DISCUSSION.
See you @9am sharp for registration and breakfast!
Register for this event --> Now
AVF Conference (June 17-18, 2014): Meet Our Silicon Valley Keynote!
AVF | Marilyn O'Byrne | March 18, 2014
LAUNCH | BUILD | GROW
June 17 & 18, 2014 | Westin Nova Scotian | Halifax
Attend the highly anticipated 2014 event! AVF brings together the best, boldest, most innovative emerging and established IT, Cleantech, and Life Sciences companies in Atlantic Canada.
Dan Park | Vice President | Azure Capital Partners
Dan Park is a Vice President at Azure Capital Partners and is responsible for evaluating investment opportunities across Canada. In addition, Dan supports the firmin the US in software and related infrastructure technologies as well as mobile, web and digital media.
Immediately prior to joining Azure, Dan was a Vice President and a founding member of Foros Group, a technology-focused investment
banking advisory firm based in New York. In this capacity, he helped launch the firm and was responsible for business development and transaction execution. In 2011, Dan helped Foros achieve a top 15 ranking in the Thomson Reuters US M&A league tables. Prior to Foros, Dan worked at Deutsche Bank Securities in New York focusing on technology, media & telecommunications, and healthcare and at BMO Capital Markets in Toronto.
Dan received an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Honors Economics & Finance (First Class Honors) from McGill University, where he served as President of the Management Undergraduate Society and was awarded the Scarlet Key for outstanding contribution to McGill.
Call For Presenting Companies
Don't miss the opportunity to showcase your high growth potential company to our investor audience! Companies may choose to apply to present their company in the following categories:
Information Technology | Life Sciences | Cleantech
FREE TO PRESENT - APPLY NOW
Atlantic Venture Forum Presented by:
The Atlantic Venture Forum is an excellent platform to reach your target audience in the entrepreneurial and investment communities. We customize each partnership to align with your firm's strategic agenda and exceed your expectations. Contact us to see how you can get involved in the 2014 Atlantic Venture Forum!
Denise Chan
Marketing Lead
Direct: 587-350-0072
denise@criticalpathgroup.com
Communications Partners
Created by angel investors for angel investors, First Angel Network (FAN) provides entrepreneurs and investors with a confidential, disciplined, high-quality private equity investment experience. FAN also delivers education and networking opportunities in the areas of investment readiness, angel investing and commercialization.
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is Canada's Crowdfunding Advocate. Newly formed, dynamic and inclusive, the NCFA Canada works closely with industry groups, government, academia, other business associations and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry and voice across Canada.
Symposium on Prosperity (March 19, 2014): Ontario’s Key Policy Challenges
Glendon School of Public and International Affairs and Schulich School of Business | Doug Cumming | March 3, 2014
Focus: Ontario's Prosperity Challenge
The Council of Ontario Universities, the Glendon School of Public and International Affairs and the Schulich School of Business (York University) present the Annual Ontario Research Chairs in Public Policy Symposia Series.
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Location: Miles S. Nadal Management Centre, Lecture Room #2
Ernst & Young Tower, Toronto Dominion Centre
(222 Bay Street, Suite 500, Toronto)
Tackling Ontario's Challenges:
Experts and Decision-Makers Meet to Explore Ontario's Key Policy Challenges
How can we make Ontario better? What policies and technologies can help our province get ahead? Tackling Ontario's Challenges is a series of public events that bring together academic experts and decision-makers from the public and private sectors to explore solutions to Ontario's key economic, environmental and social issues.
The Symposium on Prosperity (Wednesday March 19, 2014) will focus on the state and near term future of Ontario's economic relationship with the US (William Anderson) and the topic of Crowdfunding (Douglas Cumming) as engines of prosperity.
Presented in partnership with Glendon College, this breakfast event will include brief presentations, Q&A and the opportunity to mingle with experts and decision-makers.
Featuring experts such as:
- Dr. William Anderson, Ontario Research Chair in Cross-Border Transportation, University of Windsor
- Dr. Douglas Cumming, Ontario Research Chair in Economics and Cross Cultural Studies, York University
- Mr. Bob Armstrong, former Chair of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and President of Armstrong Trade and Logistics Advisory Services Inc.
- Mr. Craig Asano, Executive Director, National Crowdfunding Association
Click on register now or http://www.glendon.yorku.ca/cousymposium/english/programs/prosperity/registration.php
Register for this event --> Now
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. Join our growing network of industry stakeholders, fundraisers and investors. Increase your organization’s profile and gain access to a dynamic group of industry front runners. Learn more About Us | Prezi or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
Event Toronto (March 7, 2014): Converge 4.0 – Crowdfunding Edition
Omega Group & Madflower Creative | Massoud Abbasi | March 3, 2014
Friday, 7 March 2014 at 7:00 PM - Saturday, 8 March 2014 at 2:00 AM (EST),Toronto, ON
We are excited to once again bring to you another edition of CONVERGE, a one of a kind business and social event that will bring together Toronto’s finest professionals, entrepreneurs, brands and leading organizations for an informative and energetic evening of conversation, camaraderie and celebration. CONVERGE 4.0 will focus on Crowdfunding, one of the most viable and popular methods of raising capital for any project or venture in today’s marketplace.
Register for this Event --> Now
Crowdfunding has made it possible for individuals and companies to access capital they might not have been able to in the past and hence has leveled the playing field for entrepreneurs and anyone with a passion or idea to be able to actually tap into the collective population for capital for their project. It has been nothing less than revolutionary and will only continue to grow in size and scope making it possible for virtually anyone to raise capital for their projects and dreams. In light of this, we thought it would be of immense value to produce a top-notch event and bring together key players in this field such as Indiegogo and Kickstarter amongst many others. We will be announcing our esteemed panelists as they are confirmed leading up to March 7th.
As with the past editions, each CONVERGE features a cast of four successful entrepreneurs who will do 10-minute presentations followed by a Q&A about their business -- including the trials and tribulations they have gone through on their paths to success. They are:
-Craig Asano, Founder and Director, National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA)
-Ayah Norris, Head of Canada Marketing and Community, Indiegogo
-Jordan Whelan, Creator and Producer, The Crowdfunding Show
-Andrew Lord, Associate, Davis LLP, expert crowdfunding lawyer
Sean Stanleigh, the esteemed Editor in Chief, for The Globe & Mail's Report on Business will once again be moderating.
As with previous CONVERGE events, following the exclusive 2 hour panelist session from 7-9pm, attendees will have the opportunity to partake in the upscale social gala until 2am where they can mix and mingle with 500+ influential guests, VIP’s, celebrities, the panelists and the media over cocktails. This portion of the night will be headlined by a special guest DJ and will include prizes and take-away gifts for our guests.
Pictures from the previous CONVERGE can be found at the following link: http://omegagroup.ca/gallery/converge-2-0/
We look forward to seeing you on March 7th at this exclusive event at one of Toronto’s finest and most prestigious venues, The Windsor Arms Hotel in Yorkville. Thank you for your continued support and interest in CONVERGE.
Register for this Event --> Now
Up-Coming Events
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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All Events
The National Crowdfunding
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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