Latest news with #AltitudeAccelerator
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Altitude Accelerator Announces New Investor Fund and Award Recipients from Founders and Funders Event
BRAMPTON, Ontario, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On June 11th Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels hosted the inaugural Founders and Funders: Where Innovation Meets Investment, a high-impact, one-day event designed to spark meaningful connections and collaboration to fuel Canada's next wave of innovation. This landmark event was made possible through the City of Brampton's leadership and partnership, serving not only as the host city but as a committed champion of the region's innovation economy. Brampton continues to position itself as a thriving hub for tech, entrepreneurship, and investment—and Founders & Funders exemplifies this vision in action. Award Recipients: Thank you to our sponsors, Pallet Valo, MNP, Smart & Biggar, Preference Capital and YMedia for their ongoing support and contribution to supporting the innovation community. These sponsors have been invaluable as judges for the pitch competition as well as contributors to the grand prize. From Left: Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor, Mayor Patrick Brown and First Look Competition winner, Jeff Skinner, CEO stoked bio Mayor Patrick Brown Innovation Award recipients: From left: Jeff Skinner, CEO, stoked bio; Andrew Opala, Managing Partner, Preference Capital; Paul Lishman, Investor; Brad Schmidt, CEO Panaxium Quote: 'Our intention with Founders & Funders, our inaugural event, was to create a rare opportunity for early-stage companies to gain direct access to angel investors. Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels bring together the resources, network, and investors to support founders' need to succeed. Events like this are designed to connect exceptional innovations with the capital needed to scale. We're proud of the vibrant, supportive, and growing community we've built—every member is deeply committed to investing in and advancing this diverse ecosystem.' ~Pam Banks, Executive Director, Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels. Altitude Accelerator Announces NEW Investment Fund: Pam Banks, Executive Director, announced the launch of a new special purpose vehicle (SPV) designed to unite smaller investments from multiple investors into a single fund supporting promising innovations. Altitude Accelerator identified a significant need for early-stage investment in the Western GTA. This SPV structure enables a broader range of accredited, qualified, and crowdfunding investors to participate with smaller amounts, lowering both risk and financial barriers. In turn, this helps raise critical early-stage capital for startups while giving new investors valuable exposure and experience. Altitude Accelerator has partnered with Preference Capital to establish the SPV and manage tax reporting. By pooling resources, investors can diversify across multiple startups rather than concentrating funds in a single company. With leading Ontario venture capital groups guiding these investments, participants benefit from a professional, transparent process and gain the knowledge to become more effective investors in the future. Quote: 'Our mission at Preference Capital is to open the door for new investors by lowering the barrier to entry. By pooling capital into SPVs, we give every day accredited and qualified investors a front-row seat in professionally-led startup deals—diversifying risk and building real experience with every cheque.' ~Andrew Opala, Founder and Managing Partner, Preference Capital About Altitude Accelerator is a not-for-profit innovation hub and business incubator committed to commercializing impactful technology in Southern Ontario. Altitude Accelerator helps tech founders grow from idea to investment faster & smarter. Two forces–– Altitude + Brampton Angels––one path to scaling. Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario's Innovation District , Altitude Accelerator was created through a partnership with the University of Toronto Mississauga , the Mississauga Board of Trade , and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, & Trade . Altitude Accelerator is part of Ontario's Regional Innovation Centre Network. Media Contact: Pam Banks Executive Director Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Altitude Accelerator Announces New Investor Fund and Award Recipients from Founders and Funders Event
BRAMPTON, Ontario, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On June 11th Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels hosted the inaugural Founders and Funders: Where Innovation Meets Investment, a high-impact, one-day event designed to spark meaningful connections and collaboration to fuel Canada's next wave of innovation. This landmark event was made possible through the City of Brampton's leadership and partnership, serving not only as the host city but as a committed champion of the region's innovation economy. Brampton continues to position itself as a thriving hub for tech, entrepreneurship, and investment—and Founders & Funders exemplifies this vision in action. Award Recipients: Thank you to our sponsors, Pallet Valo, MNP, Smart & Biggar, Preference Capital and YMedia for their ongoing support and contribution to supporting the innovation community. These sponsors have been invaluable as judges for the pitch competition as well as contributors to the grand prize. Over 50 startups applied to the First Look Pitch Competition, and we are pleased to announce Jeff Skinner, CEO and his company, stoked bio as the first prize winner. Stoked bio uses advanced AI and high-throughput biology to rapidly discover and design new drugs for urgent clinical needs targeting bacterial, fungal, viral infections and high-need oncology applications to deliver effective treatments faster and more affordably. Stoked bio will receive $30,000 in prizes––cash and in-kind services from Smart & Biggar, Pallet Valo, MNP and Preference Capital. From Left: Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor, Mayor Patrick Brown and First Look Competition winner, Jeff Skinner, CEO stoked bio Mayor Patrick Brown Innovation Award recipients: Founder of the Year Award: Brad Schmidt, CEO of Panaxium—a Brampton Angels portfolio company—is recognized for his leadership in advancing bioelectronic medicine. Panaxium develops precision neuromodulation therapies aimed at dramatically improving recovery outcomes for patients with stroke and traumatic brain injuries. Funder of the Year Award: Paul Lishman, investor with Brampton Angels, is recognized for his strong support for startup founders and stands out as the leading funding contributor to the Brampton Angels portfolio of companies. Angel Contributor of the Year Award: Andrew Opala, Chairman of the Board at Altitude Accelerator, and Managing Partner of Preference Capital is recognized for his outstanding commitment and impact. His strategic guidance, development of valuable partnerships, and introductions to high-potential startups have strengthened both Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels. From left: Jeff Skinner, CEO, stoked bio; Andrew Opala, Managing Partner, Preference Capital; Paul Lishman, Investor; Brad Schmidt, CEO Panaxium Quote: 'Our intention with Founders & Funders, our inaugural event, was to create a rare opportunity for early-stage companies to gain direct access to angel investors. Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels bring together the resources, network, and investors to support founders' need to succeed. Events like this are designed to connect exceptional innovations with the capital needed to scale. We're proud of the vibrant, supportive, and growing community we've built—every member is deeply committed to investing in and advancing this diverse ecosystem.' ~Pam Banks, Executive Director, Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels. Altitude Accelerator Announces NEW Investment Fund: Pam Banks, Executive Director, announced the launch of a new special purpose vehicle (SPV) designed to unite smaller investments from multiple investors into a single fund supporting promising innovations. Altitude Accelerator identified a significant need for early-stage investment in the Western GTA. This SPV structure enables a broader range of accredited, qualified, and crowdfunding investors to participate with smaller amounts, lowering both risk and financial barriers. In turn, this helps raise critical early-stage capital for startups while giving new investors valuable exposure and experience. Altitude Accelerator has partnered with Preference Capital to establish the SPV and manage tax reporting. By pooling resources, investors can diversify across multiple startups rather than concentrating funds in a single company. With leading Ontario venture capital groups guiding these investments, participants benefit from a professional, transparent process and gain the knowledge to become more effective investors in the future. Quote: 'Our mission at Preference Capital is to open the door for new investors by lowering the barrier to entry. By pooling capital into SPVs, we give every day accredited and qualified investors a front-row seat in professionally-led startup deals—diversifying risk and building real experience with every cheque.' ~Andrew Opala, Founder and Managing Partner, Preference Capital About Altitude Accelerator is a not-for-profit innovation hub and business incubator committed to commercializing impactful technology in Southern Ontario. Altitude Accelerator helps tech founders grow from idea to investment faster & smarter. Two forces–– Altitude + Brampton Angels––one path to scaling. Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario's Innovation District, Altitude Accelerator was created through a partnership with the University of Toronto Mississauga, the Mississauga Board of Trade, and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, & Trade. Altitude Accelerator is part of Ontario's Regional Innovation Centre Network. Media Contact:Pam BanksExecutive Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels Present: Founders and Funders — Where Innovation Meets Investment
An Exclusive Gathering to Accelerate Canada's Next Wave of Tech Innovation BRAMPTON, Ontario, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels are proud to announce Founders and Funders: Where Innovation Meets Investment, a high-impact, one-day event designed to spark meaningful connections and collaboration to fuel Canada's next wave of innovation. The event takes place on June 11th, bringing together the startup and investment communities for a day of insight, collaboration, and opportunity. About the EventFounders and Funders is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together founders preparing for investment and early-stage investors looking for bold ideas with real-world impact. For Founders: Learn how to refine your pitch, raise capital, and prepare for investor engagement Gain access to experienced mentors and actionable tools to become investor-ready For Funders: Discover curated deal flow and emerging tech ventures Join intimate conversations with fellow angels and seasoned founders about the future of Canadian innovation Event Highlights Include: Keynote: Kevin Kliman CEO and co-founder of Humi, a leading Canadian employment software platform, recently acquired for CAD$100 million Speaker Highlight: prominent Canadian investor Diane Wolfenden, General Partner of Phoenix Fire, part of the Archangel Network of Funds Brampton's Key Sector Priorities in Health, Food and Space – Hear from industry experts: Space: Jason Carvalho, Carvalho Capital, Health: Ken Spears, Boston Scientific and Food: Kiran Mann, Brar's First Look Pitch Session – Be the first to hear from standout early-stage startups competing for $30,000 in prizes Investor Readiness Workshop – Hands-on guidance for founders navigating the capital raise with seasoned investors and Altitude Accelerator Entrepreneurs-in-Residence: Giselle Melo, Matr Ventures; Bryan Duarte, BlackTech Capital; and Geoff Simonett, Pinelands Capital Angel Forum – Discover inside perspectives in angel investing – facilitated by Brampton Angels Quote: 'Founders & Funders is about more than just connections—it's about preparation, perspective, and possibility. Early-stage companies rarely get direct access to angel investors, and this event creates that rare opportunity to learn from investors. From how to make your pitch memorable to preparing for a raise, the event is designed to equip founders for success. We're excited to welcome Kevin Kliman, founder of Humi—recently acquired—as a keynote. His journey from idea to exit is both inspiring and instructive for any tech entrepreneur looking to scale. We are grateful for the generous support of the City of Brampton, which proudly backs both Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels. Our sincere thanks also go to the Brampton Innovation District for helping make this event possible.' ~ Pam Banks, Executive Director, Altitude Accelerator and Brampton Angels. Join us on June 11th as we bridge the gap between vision and venture — and fuel the next generation of Canadian tech success stories. For more information click here. Media Contact:Pam BanksExecutive in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
