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
Event Wrap-up (Oct 10, 2013): How Crowdfunding is Transforming Canada – Stories from the Edge
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | Oct 18, 2013
Toronto, ON -- On Oct 10, 2013, NCFA Canada hosted another successful crowdfunding event and forum with 80+ gathering at the Centre of Social Innovation (Annex) from 6-9pm EDT bringing together industry stakeholders including startups and business owners, portal operators, integration consultants, providers, regulators and securities lawyers to share 'inside' stories of how 'How Crowdfunding is Transforming Canada', celebrate NCFA Canada's 1st year Anniversary and witness an exciting crowdfunding pitch competition.
The event kicked off with attendees enjoying a short networking session while the ING presentation room was prepared for this unique 'story telling' event. The NCFA team welcomed members and guests with a celebratory 1st year anniversary achievement message followed by a sponsor's message from CSI Catalyst.
Session #1: "How Crowdfunding is Transforming Canada" opened with Craig Asano telling the story of how NCFA Canada was formed followed by Brian Koscak who provided a legal update and overview of the crowdfunding landscape. Rick Whiler was then called upon to provide an update from the OSC's perspective on the potential for an equity crowdfunding exemption in Ontario. Rounding out the first session, Suzanne Paschall dialed-in via Skype from Saskatoon to announce an exciting collaboration between NCFA and Indie Ink Publishing to launch what is likely Canada's first 100% Crowdsourced and Crowdfunded book (about Crowdfunding of course)!
Session #2: Crowdfunding Pitch Competition had 7 pitchers promote their projects ranging from wearable technologies to non-profit social impact based campaigns. Each pitcher had 5 mins max plus use of audio/video equipment to impress a panel of crowdfunding expert judges and an active crowd. Judges then provided direct and constructive feedback to participants which was highly valuable to all in attendance. To determine the winning pitch and finalists, votes were crowdsourced and tallied. Congratulations to Matthew Stein of KnowRoaming for his winning pitch (disruptive SIM stickers for affordable calls and web abroad), and to finalists Ashley Beattie of Kiwi Wearables (more) and Vladimir Baranov's orthotics without shoes of Walk Sock (site).
Session #3: Networking was catered by CSI Coffee Pub who served copious trays of gourmet Italian meats and world cheeses perfectly pairing with Mill Street's Organic lager and other beverages on offer.
Special thanks to the following participants and supporters of NCFA Canada:
A big thank you goes out to our event sponsors, industry participants, special guests, NCFA Canada members (and prospective members) and all attendees who came out to this event on such short notice (stem to stern in 8 days) clearly demonstrating their ability to stay plugged in and on top of an industry that evolves at lightening speed.
1. Sponsor: The venue was sponsored by CSI Catalyst, a portal operated in partnership between HiveWire and CSI.
2. Sponsor: Mill Street Brewery kindly sponsored this industry and community event by supplying premium product that was enjoyed by all attendees (Mill Street Organic gets two thumbs up).
3. Special Guests: Rick Whiler and Jennifer Jeffrey of the Ontario Securities Commission (both involved with the appointed advisory committee reviewing a prospective crowdfunding exemption in Ontario)
4. Speakers (in order of appearance): Pat Shaw (Founder/MD, Amplifi), Craig Asano (Founder/Executive Director, NCFA Canada), Brian Koscak (Chairman, EMDA), Rick Whiler (Corporate Finance, OSC), Adam Spence (SVX Lead and Associate Director, MaRS), Suzanne Paschall (CEO, IndieInk)
5. Pitch Competition Judges: John Wires (Founder, Wires Law), James Cooper (Director/Author, Kickstarter for Filmmakers), Rajen Sanghvi (Director, Shoplocket), Christopher Charlesworth (Co-founder, HiveWire)
6. Crowdfunding Pitchers (in order): Gwen Elliot (Co-founder, GPS University), Vladimir Baranov (Founder, Walk Sock), Ryan Doherty (Founder, I Am Sick), Matthew Stein (Co-founder/CTO, KnowRoaming), Jan Brown (Founder, Jananas), Ashley Beattie (Co-founder, Kiwi Wearables), Mike Heinrich (Evans Health), Julia Simone (Researcher, Canadian Geothermal Energy Association)
100% Crowdsourced and Crowdfunded Book Project Announced (NCFA - Indie Ink Publishing)
Photo: Rick Whiler - OSC Update
Photo: The Crowd
Photo: Networking
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 eBrochure | Prezi or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
10 Tech Entrepreneurs Disrupting The Event Industry
Event Manager Blog | Julius Solaris | August 26, 2013
This article looks at the top tech entrepreneurs changing the way we attend and plan events for good. The proliferation of startups in a particular industry can only be a positive sign. Despite the growing numbers of players only a few managed to disrupt the industry. Not all founders managed to grow to a successful business, attract investment and become household names. While everyone who launches a startup in the event industry and manages to keep it commercially sound deserves credit, only a few become inspiration for others.
Jayesh Parmar
I am a fan of Jayesh and how he provokes the event industry. His company Picatic has been among the first to launch crowdsourcing for events – one of the hot trends for this year – and recently announced a ‘pay what you want’ model for events. Allowing attendees to pay what they feel is surely a big bold step. I don’t know yet whether it is going to be a successful move but Jay has the guts to adventure in areas avoided by the masses and that means being an entrepreneur to me.
Continue to the full article --> here
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 eBrochure | Prezi or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
Niagara Event Wrap-up (Sep 27, 2013): Bridging Classroom and Community Learning in Recreation 2013
NCFA Ambassador | James Cooper | October 7, 2013
Welland, ON - Sep 27
Drawing on the success from last year’s inaugural “Bridging Classroom and Community Learning in Recreation”, the Welland Community Wellness Complex was once again host to the free event on Sept. 27, 2013. This year’s theme “Tapping into technology to build your organization” attracted over 120 Brock University and Niagara College students, alumni and working professionals to the ½ day event which featured experts discussing current trends in social marketing and crowdfunding (technology-based fundraising).
Presentations were made by James Cooper, a passionate storyteller, film director, comic writer, author, and representative of the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada who successfully financed a film using crowdfunding. Building from there, attendees were then treated to a talk by Janice Arnoldi, a Partner with Arnoldi McPherson Social Media Marketing in St.Catharines. As the founder and Chapter Leader for Social Media Club Niagara, part of a world-wide organization focused on social media literacy and education, Janice was able to share tools and strategies for navigating the social media world.
As one Brock alumni and professional remarked: “It was a great afternoon for me….in fact I am working on our twitter account right now using some of what was suggested. Also, I reconnected with some former contacts from the College and the YMCA”.
The annual community bridging workshop which represents a partnership between Brock University, Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Niagara College and the City of Welland will continue to focus on other issues related to community recreation and leadership.
Source: James Cooper (Kickstarter for Filmmakers)
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 eBrochure | Prezi or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
Dynamic Crowdsourced Event on October 10 in Toronto “How Crowdfunding is Transforming Canada: Stories from the Edge”
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | October 2, 2013
What:
NCFA Launches Innovative Book Project - 100% Crowdsourced and Crowdfunded!
In celebration of our 1st year anniversary since NCFA Canada was founded last October 2012, NCFA Canada has been inspired to launch an exciting crowdsourced and crowdfunded book project at its anniversary party. In collaboration with Indie Ink Publishing, How Crowdfunding is Transforming Canada: Stories from the Edge celebrates all things crowdfunding by sourcing real-life stories from the crowd to "take the conversation to the next level".
The crowdfunding movement is inspiring a new generation of thinking and collaborating to develop a network and shared values to catalyze self-sufficiency, entrepreneurship and solve the world's smallest or greatest problems. This book and anniversary event is NCFA Canada's chance to say 'thank you' to its board, advisors, sponsors, partners, 'friendlies' and members, as it drives forward collectively with its vision to build Canada's crowdfunding industry.t
Crowdsourced Stories from the Edge: Participate and listen to inspiring stories of how crowdfunding is driving innovation, job creation and at the hub of social and economic change at a grass roots level across Canada. This is a unique opportunity for participants to share their crowdfunding story and help shape Canadian crowdfunding history by propelling the industry forward. Hear first-hand experience from successful and unsuccessful crowdfunding insiders, experts and peers, and learn from insightful campaigns that took a life and shape of their own.
Crowdfunding Pitches for NCFA Promotional Package and Potential TV Spot: Crowdfunding campaigns are much like elevator pitches. NCFA Canada is facilitating this pitch style competition for crowdfunders to pitch their idea to the crowd who will vote on the top business, product idea, or project. Two winning pitches will receive an NCFA marketing package consisting of campaign support and promotion. In addition, these pitches will be presented to a national television producer for show consideration and that means you could be on the air! This is for crowdfunders that are planning to launch a campaign in the near future or are mid-campaign.
When: Thursday, October 10, 2013, 6:00PM to 9:00PM (EST)
Where: Centre for Social Innovation (CSI), 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2R4 (map)
Tickets: Campaign Pitchers and Students ($10), Members - Early Bird ($15), Members - Crowd Building ($20), Non-Members ($30) (Register now)
Registration: Contact Craig Asano for special media passes casano@ncfacanada.org or call 416-618-0254
Event Page: https://www.eventbrite.com/event/8453429435
Event Sponsors: Host - NCFA Canada, Venue - CSI Catalyst, F&B - Mill Street Brewery
About the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a newly formed cross-Canada non-profit with the mandate to be inclusive in providing education, advocacy and awareness in the emerging crowdfunding industry. NCFA Canada is community-based, membership-driven entity that was formed at a grass-roots level to fill a national need in the market place. Members are industry stakeholders (portals, experts, service providers, and enablers), small businesses and entrepreneurs using crowdfunding to fund their initiatives, and investors seeking to learn more and connect with a dynamic and growing crowd. For more information please visit ncfacanada.org.
For further information:
Media Contact
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Executive Director
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org
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 eBrochure | Prezi or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
Special Event Toronto (Oct 10, 2013): How Crowdfunding is Transforming Canada: Stories from the Edge
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | October 1, 2013
EVENT SPONSORS
Host: NCFA Canada
Venue: CSI Catalyst
Beverage: Mill Street Brewery
CROWDSOURCED EVENT OVERVIEW
Date: Thursday, October 10, 2013
Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm (EST)
Where: Centre of Social Innovation (CSI) - SPADINA (map)
Register for this event now
Join NCFA Canada in Celebrating Our First Anniversary Party!
In early October of 2012, NCFA Canada launched with the objective to advance crowdfunding movement in Canada focusing on education, advocacy and providing networking opportunities for members. Over the past year, we’ve worked hard to advance the industry, share quality information, provide a leading voice and connect with crowdfunding hubs, leaders, government, academia and stakeholders across the country.
We’ve been blown away by the support we’ve received towards our cause and the potential ‘power of the crowd’. The crowdfunding movement is inspiring a new generation of thinking and people who are collaborating to develop an ecosystem, network and shared values to mobilize self-sufficiency, catalyze entrepreneurship and solve the world’s smallest or greatest problems. Please join us and help us celebrate our first anniversary party in style.
It's our chance to say 'thank you' to our board, advisors, sponsors, partners, 'friendlies' and members, as we drive forward collectively with our vision to build Canada's crowdfunding industry.
NCFA Launches Innovative Book Project -100% Crowdsourced and Crowdfunded!
In celebration of our 1st year anniversary and all things crowdfunding, NCFA Canada has been inspired to launch an exciting crowdsourced and crowdfunded book project in collaboration with Indie Ink Publishing to “take the conversation to the next level” and illustrate to the masses how crowdfunding is transforming this great country, one story at a time.
This is a unique opportunity for you to share your crowdfunding story and help shape Canadian crowdfunding history and propel the industry forward. The book's contents will be written and funded entirely by the crowd. (more details to come...)
This is a Crowdsourced Event: Tell Your Crowdfunding Story at this Social Networking Event!
This is a dynamic and interactive Crowdsourced Event for NCFA advisors, members, partners, supporters, crowdunders, experts, innovators, makers, and project backers/investors. We invite you to celebrate our journey with us and share your story with our growing NCFA Canada Crowd (#NCFACrowd)! We'll make sure it gets across the country 🙂
Share your story and get in NCFA's video: We're looking to capture some really cool live video at this event that will be used for NCFA Canada's crowdfunding book launch campaign page.
Note: Get your best story telling vocals out! In line with our crowdsourced principles, we'll have the crowd vote on the BEST STORY and INSPIRATION of the night (for a prize)!
Ticket Types
Member - Student with ID ($10)
Member - Early Brid ($15)
Member - Crowd Building ($20)
Member - Join the Crowd ($25)
Non-Member ($30)
*Limited number of tickets for this special social networking event! All ticket types include delicious food and at least one drink.
EVENT DETAILS
Agenda
6:00 – 6:30 Networking the Crowd
6:30 - 6:45 Welcome Introduction
Hosts: NCFA Canada Team
Session 1: Crowdsourced: Stories from the Edge
6:45 – 7:30 Crowdsourced stories from the edge
Inspiring stories of how Crowdfunding is driving innovation, job creation and at the hub of social and economic change at a grass roots level across Canada. Learn first-hand experience from successful and unsuccessful crowdfunding insiders, experts and peers. Uncover the secrets to not only taking that first crucial step to launching your own campaign but listen to insightful stories that took a life and shape of their own.
Networking Break
7:00 – 7:30 Networking Break
Session 2: Crowdsourced: Crowdfunding on CTVs The Social (pitches from the crowd)
7:30 – 8:15 Are you launching a Canadian crowdfunding campaign in the near future? If so, CTV’s new national daytime talk show, The Social wants you (view)! The Social is looking for bright, energetic individuals who could sell a ketchup popsicle to someone in white gloves. J Get immediate national television and social media exposure for your campaign and a potential endorsement from the four spectacular hosts. Practice 'your pitch' (5mins max per presenter) and bring along your prototype for 'show and tell' visuals. The Crowd will vote on the top business or product idea. The winning pitches will be presented to CTV for final selection and that means you could be on the air. This is only for crowdfunders planning to launch a campaign in the near term or for mid-campaigners.
Networking Party
8:15 – 9:00 Celebrate NCFA Canada’s 1st Year Anniversary!
9:00 – late After party (up to the ‘Crowd’)
--> SEE YOU THERE <--
* LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE for this Special NCFA Canada Event
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 eBrochure | Prezi or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
Event wrap-up: ShopLocket hosts Toronto stop of the Indiegogo Canadian Tour
NCFA Advisor Katherine Hague | September 25, 2013
On Friday September 20th, ShopLocket and Extreme Startups hosted the Toronto stop of Indiegogo’s Canadian Road Trip. It was an amazing experience for the ShopLocket team to meet more Indiegogo campaigners face-to-face and learn about their crowdfunding experiences first hand. It was also great to see the number of people that attended simply to learn more about crowdfunding, how to run a successful campaign, and connect with like minded individuals.
We are really starting to see crowdfunding gain momentum in Canada, and this was reinforced by the number of people at the event that mentioned plans to launch their own campaigns in the near future.
The pizza and beer filled evening didn’t follow any strict format; just a casual Friday evening to mingle, ask some questions and get answers. Ayah Norris, in charge of marketing and community for Indiegogo Canada, was present to share her stories from her stops across Canada, along with her overall knowledge in the field. Ayah’s experience in working with Indiegogo campaigns across categories really helped bring valuable insight to those looking to get the most out of their campaigns. We heard discussions around everything from tips on generating press, how to choose rewards, and even growth hacks to maximize your funding. Overall, it was remarkable to see the passion in the room as people discussed their projects and campaign ideas over the course of the evening.
Also in attendance was tech writer Tom Emrich, who is particularly interested in the impact of crowdfunding in Canada’s technology market — with the recent successes of InteraXon’s Muse, Bionym’s Nymi, and Blacksumac’s Piper as main topics of conversation. In fact, you can usually find Tom covering Toronto’s hottest tech events, sporting his very own Google Glass.
We also wanted to give a shout out to a few recently launched campaigns that came out to the event and shared their projects; Alertly, Moss Graffiti Kits by Sprout Guerrilla, and Sea Mystic.
The great news is that there’s still more stops left on the Canadian Road Trip. Check out the remaining places on the tour and get your tickets before they’re gone. If you’re thinking about doing an Indiegogo campaign or are looking for insider tips on how to crush your funding goal, you can’t miss this event.
About ShopLocket:
ShopLocket helps entrepreneurs sell their products online after their crowdfunding campaigns end. By enabling pre-orders, ShopLocket offers the fastest way to take payment information and charge later when you’re ready to ship. Get set up in minutes, create an elegant checkout experience, and start taking orders, without the hassle of a traditional ecommerce platform.
Author: Dan Kalmar @shoplocket
Dan Kalmar is the Community Manager at ShopLocket. He also makes a mean cup of tea.
Wrap-up: Event Toronto (Sept 5, 2013): Crowdfunding for Beginners
NCFA Canada | Posted on Sept 16, 2013
On September 5, 2013, NCFA Canada presented at another well attended Crowdfunding event in the Auditorium of the North York Public Library titled "Crowdfunding for Beginners", as part of the small business series of 2013.
Between 60-70 small businesses, creatives, makers and innovators attended the event to learn how crowdfunding markets in Canada are emerging and how they are helping thousands of small businesses to raise capital for product research and development and launch funding to help get their companies off the ground while tapping into the 'power of the crowd' at the same time.
Craig Asano, Founder and Executive Director of NCFA Canada presented first by providing an excellent Crowdfunding 101 overview at an industry level. He talked about the key industry drivers, benefits, challenges and trends of global and Canadian crowdfunding markets, and also touched upon regulations while challenging the audience to think out of the box.
Next, James Cooper, film director, author of www.kickstarterforfilmmakers.com, and newly appointed NCFA Canada Ambassador delivered a lively and engaging talk on everything you need to know about planning to launch your own crowdfunding campaign.
NCFA Canada would like to thank our wonderful host, Ashley Marissa Spencer, Library Assistant - Business Development at the North York Central Library for organizing this successful event.
Related: Register for the next up-and-coming event: Sept 19th hosted by TechCONNEX from 8:00am - 10:30am
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 eBrochure | Prezi or contact us at casano@ncfacanada.org.
