Schedule

   

Join us as we kick off Invest Canada ’25 with brief welcome remarks and a land acknowledgement to recognize the traditional territory where we’ve come together.

The CVCA Awards are a cornerstone of Canada’s private capital community—recognizing the investments, leadership, and strategic decisions that have shaped the industry. From standout exits in venture and private equity to global dealmaking, regional impact, and community leadership, the awards celebrate those raising the bar across all corners of the ecosystem. Join us as we recognize this year’s recipients and celebrate the stories behind the industry’s most defining achievements.

Private equity and venture capital investors have spent years navigating a relentless cycle of disruption—from pandemic-driven market shocks to inflationary pressures, liquidity constraints, and shifting regulatory landscapes. Now, the latest U.S. tariffs and a new era of protectionist policies are adding fresh complexities to an already volatile environment. With Canada directly affected, these changes are influencing deal structures, fundraising dynamics, and cross-border investment strategies. A better understanding of the geopolitical landscape and the risks tied to investment decisions is more critical than ever. This keynote session at Invest Canada ’25 brings together economic and policy experts to analyze the forces shaping capital markets and investment strategies. Ross Prusakowski of EDC, Erin O’Toole of ADIT North America, and Stefane Marion of National Bank will provide a timely breakdown of the macroeconomic trends affecting capital deployment, portfolio performance, and LP sentiment. Moderated by Vanessa Grant of Norton Rose Fulbright, this discussion will offer a timely look at the challenges and opportunities facing private capital in an evolving global landscape.

Private equity and venture capital firms are refining their approach to value creation, leveraging technology, talent, and operational improvements to drive sustainable growth. Data analytics is playing a bigger role in anticipating risks and opportunities, while strategic leadership selection and operational efficiencies are proving to be critical differentiators. At the same time, LPs are taking a closer look at how GPs execute on value creation—expecting more than just returns, but also clear strategies that strengthen businesses for long-term success. This main stage session at Invest Canada ‘25 will bring together thought leaders to explore the evolving playbook for value creation. Jennifer Pereira of Fengate Asset Management, Gary Glasser of Birch Hill Equity Partners, and Julie Gray of Acuity Partners will discuss how firms are using data to enhance performance, the impact of leadership and talent on portfolio company outcomes, and the strategies that maximize value at exit. Moderated by Mackenzie Regent of KALOS LLP, this discussion will provide an inside look at what’s driving meaningful results in today’s private capital market.

eInformation about this session will be announced shortly. Check back often for updates!

Scaling a venture-backed company to a billion-dollar valuation takes more than just capital. It requires the right investors, a clear growth strategy, and the ability to build and retain world-class talent. While Canada has produced notable unicorns, the path remains challenging—access to funding, global expansion, and competitive hiring continue to test even the most successful founders. Understanding what separates companies that scale successfully from those that stall is critical for both investors and entrepreneurs looking to build the next generation of category-defining businesses. This venture capital breakout session at Invest Canada ‘25 brings together the CEOs behind some of Canada’s biggest success stories to share firsthand insights on what it takes to scale. Maggie Mo, Vice President Finance, Clutch Technologies Inc., Michael Broadfoot, former CEO of Solium Capital, and Roberto Bellini, former CEO of Bellus, will discuss the decisions that shaped their growth, the role investors played along the way, and what Canada needs to do to create more unicorns. Whether leading from day one or stepping in during a pivotal growth phase, each brings a unique perspective on scaling, working with strategic partners, and navigating public markets post-exit. Moderated by Lissa Bjerkelund of EDC, this session will offer unfiltered perspectives on what works, what doesn’t, and how investors can help fuel the next wave of high-growth companies.

Private equity fundraising is a balancing act between capital availability, investor confidence, and shifting market conditions. As LPs take a more measured approach to commitments, GPs must refine their strategies to align with evolving expectations on performance and liquidity. Competitive differentiation, transparency in portfolio construction, and strategic exit planning are becoming even more critical as firms look to sustain momentum in an increasingly complex landscape. The first private equity breakout session at IC25 will explore how GPs can navigate the realities of fundraising today, manage LP relationships effectively, and position themselves for long-term success. Industry leaders including Lauren Harris of Northleaf, Andrew Fortier of Alphi Capital, and Marcel Larochelle of Novacap will share their perspectives on the factors shaping capital commitments, the evolving role of alternative liquidity solutions, and how funds can adapt to meet investor expectations. Moderated by Sunil Sharma of BDO Canada LLP, discussion will offer a timely look at the strategies and considerations influencing today’s fundraising environment.

Information about this session will be announced shortly. Check back often for updates!

As artificial intelligence moves from concept to capability, the focus is shifting from theoretical discussions to real-world applications, measurable returns, improving decision-making, and unlocking operational efficiencies at both the fund and portfolio company level. As AI-native companies scale at unprecedented speeds and costs fluctuate, investors must assess how to integrate AI into their own strategies while capturing value from the next generation of AI-driven businesses. At the same time, Canada continues to be a global leader in AI research and development, but is the market capturing its fair share of commercialization and investment opportunities? This session at Invest Canada ‘25 brings together industry leaders of AI adoption and investment. Cam Linke of AMII, Hanif Joshaghani of Symend, Cory Janssen of AltaML, and David Tingle of Georgian will share case studies and insights on practical AI applications that are delivering results today. They will explore how investors can position themselves as AI reshapes industries, where Canada stands in the race to commercialize its AI expertise, and how the next phase of AI adoption will impact cost structures, competitive advantages, and investment strategies. Moderated by Stephen Charko of KPMG in Canada, this discussion will deliver real-world takeaways for investors looking to capitalize on AI’s next chapter.

Liquidity remains one of the most pressing considerations for private capital firms, influencing fund performance, investor confidence, and overall market stability. As exit timelines extend and traditional pathways to liquidity become more complex, GPs are turning to creative solutions, including secondary transactions, continuation funds, and structured exits, to unlock value and meet investor expectations. The ability to drive liquidity efficiently has become a defining factor in a firm’s long-term success, requiring a nuanced understanding of market dynamics and strategic execution. During this breakout session at Invest Canada ’25, industry leaders will share their perspectives on the evolving liquidity landscape, offering insights into the tools, challenges, and decisions shaping capital flows today. In this conversation, moderated by Brad Parry of Calgary Economic Development, Patrick Jennings (Blackstone), Jeremy Duksin (Baird), Hugues Lalancette (Inovia), and Matthew Sparks (Northleaf) will explore what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what GPs should be preparing for next.

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern; it is a fundamental risk factor in private equity investments. A failure to evaluate security vulnerabilities during due diligence can lead to operational disruptions, reputational damage, and diminished valuations. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, investors must take a proactive approach to integrating cybersecurity into risk management and long-term portfolio oversight. Firms that fail to adapt, risk losing both capital and competitive advantage. This private equity breakout session at Invest Canada ‘25 will examine the latest cyber threats, real-world breaches, and what investors need to know to safeguard their portfolios. Calvin Engen of F12.net and Matt Lee of PAX8 will share firsthand insights, from stress-testing security frameworks to managing risks that emerge post-acquisition. This discussion will provide practical guidance on embedding cybersecurity into investment decision-making, ensuring that portfolio companies remain resilient in an era where cyber risk is a defining factor in business value.

Canada’s $150 billion food and agriculture sector is more than an economic engine—it’s a foundation of national sovereignty and geopolitical influence. Contributing nearly 7% of GDP and employing 2.3 million people, the sector plays a vital role in securing domestic food supply while positioning Canada as a global leader in innovation-driven food production. This main stage session at Invest Canada ’25 will explore how innovations in areas such as AI-powered precision farming, automation, and advanced processing are reshaping agriculture’s role in the economy, and how a new wave of capital is poised to help scale that opportunity. Attendees will be the first to hear a major new commitment aimed at strengthening the food and ag ecosystem and accelerating Canada’s leadership in the global food system. With institutional focus and private capital converging, the conversation will spotlight what’s needed to boost resilience, attract long-term investment, and position food and agriculture as a key pillar of Canada’s future.

The future of energy investment is at a critical inflection point, shaped by rapidly changing geopolitics, the rise of electrification, decarbonization efforts, and potentially soaring energy demand from AI and data centers. Canada has a unique opportunity, given its vast energy resources, but realizing its full potential requires significant investment—particularly in infrastructure that links energy supply to the customer. Meeting this challenge will demand patient capital, regulatory courage, and innovative financing structures. This keynote session at Invest Canada ‘25 will feature energy economist and bestselling author Peter Tertzakian, partner at ARC Financial Corp. and founder of Studio.Energy. His insights will set the stage for a fireside chat with Craig Frenette, Senior Vice President of Brookfield’s Transition Investing team. Moderated by Vivek Warrier of Osler, this discussion will examine how private capital is shaping the energy transition, the opportunities and constraints in scaling new infrastructure, and what it will take to position Canada as a global leader in the next era of energy investment.

Dust off your boots and grab your cowboy hat—Invest Canada’s marquee social event is back, Stampede style. Step into a 19th-century bank-turned-saloon, where the whiskey’s smooth, the conversations are sharp, and connections are made over a strong pour. See you at sundown. Important Note: Pre-registration is not required for this session; however, name badges will be scanned at the door for entry.

Information about this session will be announced shortly. Check back often for updates!

At Invest Canada ‘25, Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist and The Key Man co-author Simon Clark examines one of the most consequential private equity collapses in recent history. His deep dive into the downfall of Arif Naqvi’s Abraaj Group exposes the blind spots that even sophisticated investors missed. How can fraud persist at the highest levels of finance, despite regulatory oversight and extensive due diligence? This session will analyse the structural and behavioural factors that led to the unraveling of a $14 billion private equity firm and what investors can learn from it. Clark’s firsthand insights will challenge assumptions, reveal the failures of conventional due diligence, and highlight the structural failures behind one of private equity’s largest frauds.

Leadership transitions and long-term firm sustainability have become critical considerations for PE and VC general partners. As founding partners step back and new leadership takes the reins, GPs are increasingly turning to external capital—from strategic partnerships to GP-stakes specialty funds—to facilitate smooth successions while ensuring the firm remains competitive and well-capitalized for future growth. Structuring these transitions effectively is key to maintaining investor confidence, preserving firm culture, and positioning for continued success in an evolving private markets landscape. This plenary session at Invest Canada ‘25 will bring together leading investors and advisors to explore how firms are navigating ownership transitions and structuring leadership succession in a way that strengthens long-term value. Senia Rapisarda of HarbourVest Partners, Rick Nathan of Kensington Capital, and Charles Fellers of Colchester Partners will share insights on balancing liquidity, governance, and strategic growth during succession. Moderated by Sarah Elharrar of Davies, this discussion will provide key perspectives to future-proof firms and ensure lasting success.

In a moment defined by volatility, where trade friction, geopolitical shifts, and rising global competition are reshaping the flow of capital, Canada faces hard questions about its long-term economic direction. The ability to navigate this environment requires more than market insight; it demands a deeper understanding of the forces shaping national policy, international positioning, and the institutions driving resilience.

 

In this main stage conversation at Invest Canada ’25, Jean Charest, Partner at Groupe TCJ, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and former Premier of Quebec, joins Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), for an up-to-the-minute exchange on what it will take to anchor Canada’s economic strength in the years ahead. With experience spanning public leadership, global diplomacy, and private sector strategy, the speakers will offer a clear-eyed view of where Canada must lead—and how investors can interpret the signals amid uncertainty.  This session will offer perspective, context, and strategic clarity at a time when it’s most needed.

 

Information about this session will be announced shortly. Check back often for updates!