Collisions YYC

As more investors begin to notice Alberta’s tech ecosystem, there will be a race to invest in these start-ups. But what if you don’t have millions to invest, Red Thread Ventures is a great place to start by investing a smaller sum and get exposure to early-stage investing. Uncover what Red Thread Ventures is doing to create a community for start-ups and investors, why Mark wants to break down the archaic rules of investing, and why Alberta is a great province in which to place your bets.

Rick was told that the “A” in “AI” stands for “accountable”; meaning, we have to be accountable for how AI and ML get deployed to ensure there is no bias. He shares his insights on the valuable ways organizations and governments have deployed AI/ML to digitize industries such as forestry and fisheries, and how the model AltaML uses helps lift up whole communities with great talent and skillsets.

Rather than fit into the standard mould of what a founder looks and acts like, Sheenah is working to transform the way she pitches and lay the foundation for future women leaders to empower them to show up in their own unique way. She guides us through her experiences in pitching and raising capital to help you understand potential obstacles and opportunities. We also discuss the vision for her new company, ARI, and her hopes to bring visibility to tech leaders who don’t look like Mark Zuckerberg.

Bringing your idea out of the basement and into the world is scary enough. And raising capital to grow your idea? Terrifying. It doesn’t have to be! There’s no better person to help you understand venture capital than Matthew Wilson, who’s had 80+ investments. He brings us down to earth to remind us of what really matters (and it isn’t necessarily a higher valuation). He took a unique approach by curating a 600 strong network of entrepreneurs, angel investors, and VCs around the world. Why? Instead of trying to get Albertans to change their mind about what verticals to invest into, Matthew and his team decided to show Alberta companies to those around the world who are already interested in investing in those verticals. Whether you want to raise funds for your big idea or spread your wealth to companies you believe in, Matthew will help you understand the goals of VC on either side.

Randy is invested into 100 companies and funds right now. His favourite part of venture capital is how it democratises the right to invest into alternative asset classes, making room at the table for more players who, historically, may not have had that seat otherwise. Randy breaks down the deal “food chain”, why deal flow is more important than capturing Silicon Valley level deals, and the difference between an inventor and a business person.