NACO Canada

In 1994, Jeff Bezos sold 20% of Amazon to 22 angel investors for about $50,000 each. Without this early risk capital, Amazon wouldn’t exist. Today, Amazon is worth approximately $2.24 trillion USD. Risk capital goes beyond funding ideas—it’s about driving innovation and creating transformative change. When entrepreneurs have access to angel capital, they unlock more than possibilities; they shape industries and redefine economies. Thank you, Andrew Ross Sorkin, and the New York Times, for the invitation to join some of America’s most notable entrepreneurs and investors in New York City at the DealBook Summit. #Entrepreneurship #RiskCapital #AngelInvesting #InnovationEconomy #AngelsAndDreams

The 2024 Annual Report on Angel Investing in Canada highlights key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the early-stage investment landscape. By examining the data and showcasing success stories, we aim to inspire bold action to strengthen Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. With the right policies and collaborative efforts, Canada can unlock a golden age of entrepreneurship—creating opportunities for all, strengthening communities, and securing a bright economic future. Thank you to Professor Colin Mason, University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School, for his invaluable contributions to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. As the author of eleven consecutive editions of this report, his global perspective and rigorous analysis continue to elevate the conversation around early-stage investing in Canada. While $1.66 billion in angel investment marks a significant milestone, we know there’s still much to be done to support entrepreneurs during these challenging times for raising capital. Participating organizations included: Angel Investors Durham   Angel One Investor Network   Anges Québec   Archangel Network of Funds   Bizfield Angel Network Ltd   Bluesky Equities   Brampton Angels  Brightspark Ventures   Brilliant Phoenix Group   Canadian International Angel Investors   China Canada Angels Alliance   Durham's Neighbourhood Association of Angel Investors East Valley Ventures   Georgian Angel Network   Golden Triangle Angel Network (GTAN)   GreenSky Ventures  HaloHealth   Highline Beta   InterGen   Island Capital Partners   KNDL (prev. SOAN)   Keiretsu Forum   Maple Leaf Angels   Niagara Venture Forum Northern Ontario Angels   OKGN WMAN Angel Funds   Panache Ventures   Pelorus Venture Capital Ltd. SheBoot   SWO - Southwestern Ontario Angel Group Startup TNT   TandemLaunch Inc.  The Firehood   The51   VANTEC Angel Network and eFund   WECAN - Windsor Essex Capital Angel Network   Women's Equity Lab   York Angel Investors Yukon Venture Partners, LLC There’s plenty to celebrate, but more work to do. Let’s keep building.

This Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs around the globe. From redefining industries to breaking barriers and driving innovation, these trailblazers are creating opportunities and inspiring future generations. At NACO Canada, we believe that when founders have access to capital, they gain the freedom to choose their path. Our members across the country empower entrepreneurs with the funding and mentorship needed for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses to new heights. Organizations like SheBoot, The51, Women's Equity Lab, The Firehood, Diversity Institute, OKGN WMAN Angel Funds, The Forum, BDC - Thrive Venture Fund and Lab, Women Funding Women Inc. (WFW), DMZ, Communitech, MaRS Discovery District, Invest Ottawa, The Finance Cafe, Coralus, WEOC National Loan Program, Sandpiper Ventures, Canadian Women's Network, , Canadian Women's Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC), and many others are energizing inspiring founders who are making a meaningful impact on Canada’s economic growth and resilience. In collaboration with our members and partners, we’re proud to showcase groundbreaking women entrepreneurs in our Angels & Dreams Fellowship program. Together, we’re building a brighter, more dynamic future for entrepreneurship. #WEDO #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #AngelsAndDreams

Just got off the phone with the McRock Capital team. We are all excited about sharing the #digitalindustrial story. Register now. Ha Nguyen, Scott MacDonald, Mark Blackwell, Terry Sydoryk, MBA, CEC, Martin Vetter, Tall Grass Ventures

Imagine a Canada without Shopify. What began as a small business now powers millions of entrepreneurial dreams. This is the power of entrepreneurship—it’s not a single moment, but a dynamic journey that transforms industries, communities, and economies. To ensure Canada remains prosperous in the decades ahead, we need to create the conditions that foster and reward entrepreneurial growth. But this journey isn’t just for startups—Canada’s largest and most established companies have a crucial role to play. With the newly launched NACO Canada Angels & Dreams Fellowship Program, we’re clearing the runway for the next generation of Canadian innovators to get lift off. Success is about playing for the long term. Canada’s biggest companies are already getting involved, including senior leaders of industry giants like Amazon AWS, Barclays Canada, Google Canada, Interac, Loblaw Digital, National Bank, Porter Airlines, WestJet, and many others. By supporting the next generation of innovators through this Fellowship, we can help create the structural advantages that drive global competitiveness and transformative growth. Reach out if you want to get involved. Together, we’re building a future where Canada’s entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and lead on the world stage. This is just the beginning. #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #AngelsAndDreams #Fellowship #CanadianBusiness https://lnkd.in/gp-dttZT

Our very own Advisory Council member and NACO Canada Ambassador Keshia Chante took to the stage yesterday at Elevate alongside CEO Claudio Rojas to announce their new Angels & Dream fellowship program. The national initiative pairs entrepreneurs with leaders to foster relationships with impact and build network capital. Fellowship nominations are open for the next 48 hours for all Elevate attendees. https://lnkd.in/gfrz_YES

🚀 Today, we announced the NACO Canada Angels & Dreams Fellowship! A huge thanks to Keshia Chante, Michele Romanow, Paige Whitehead and our inaugural Fellows for joining us on stage to celebrate this milestone! This national program, created collaboration with our incredible members and partners, is designed to fuel the growth of Canada’s entrepreneurs by providing access to NACO’s network of investors and business leaders, unlocking the power of network capital. 💡💼 Curious about what network capital is? More details in the news release below! #AngelsAndDreams #NACOCanada #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #NetworkCapital

🌟 Just one day until our big announcement at Elevate! 🚀 Join Claudio Rojas, Keshia Chante, Michele Romanow, and Paige Whitehead as we unveil exciting news to fuel the growth journey for Canada’s entrepreneurs! We’ll dive into how building the right connections can break down barriers, unlock funding, and drive economic prosperity. Stay tuned for insights that matter! 🔑✨ #Elevate2024 #AngelsAndDreams

Congratulations Samantha McConnell and #MelanieEng on sharing your inspiring story on Dragons' Den Canada! 🐉 🎥 Follow their journey with #angelsanddreams

Major announcement coming for Canada’s #entrepreneurs! Catch a sneak peek tonight on Dragons' Den Canada 📺✨ NACO Canada #AngelsandDreams