Ah, Startupfest! My eighth consecutive year at this hallmark event, and it never fails to deliver that unique blend of high energy, authenticity, and opportunity. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Montréal’s Old Port, Startupfest is more than a conference, it’s a celebration of Canadian entrepreneurship bursting with ambition and diversity, as sweet and distinctive as the maple leaf itself.
Leading The Firehood Angels for the first time in an official capacity was both an honor and a powerful learning experience. Over 130 courageous women founders pitched their ventures to us, some radiating confidence, others battling nerves, but all united by an unshakeable belief in their missions. This wasn’t just a test of ideas; it was a crucible where grit met innovation. For me, angel investing moves beyond passion for concepts; it demands rigorous questions: Is this business model solid? What traction is there? Does the founder possess domain expertise? Is the problem significant? Is innovation defensible? Is there intellectual property potential? Excitement can ignite interest, but it’s not an automatic yes.
The rich dialogue that unfolded each day during our angel deliberations was transformational. We challenged one another, shared expertise, and debated deeply, embodying true collaboration. This process deepened my empathy for founders, understanding that timing is often the unseen variable in success. “Sometimes a ‘no’ isn’t a rejection of potential,” I realized, “but a strategic pause until readiness aligns.”
After meticulous consideration, our team proudly awarded the $100,000 Women in Tech Investment Prize to Tydra Labs, an innovative ocean-tech startup revolutionizing sustainable biomaterials. Co-founder Jaiya Varshney is pioneering an eco-friendly process that extracts chitin from crustacean waste using seawater and bacteria, transforming what was once discarded into a valuable resource. This is the kind of impact-driven innovation that motivates me deeply, the fusion of commercial viability and environmental stewardship.
Startupfest was alive with moments like these, reflecting Montreal’s robust ecosystem fueled by strong university research, tight-knit investors, and accelerators nurturing ocean tech, AI, and healthcare startups. The festival’s diverse programming, from the hardtech-focused HardtechFest to OceanFest and ImpactFest, mirrors this multidimensional growth.
Beyond the prize rooms and pitch sessions, Startupfest pulses with the city’s inherent cultural vibrancy. Montréal’s balance of heritage and forward-looking entrepreneurship creates a unique environment where startups don’t just launch, they thrive and inspire. As I often say, “This festival is more than an event; it’s the heartbeat of a resilient ecosystem committed to diversity, creativity, and impact.”
A big shout-out to the incredible Firehood Angels who brought their fierce, fiery spirit: Cindy Diogo-Kociuba, Nisrine Maktabi, Neha Bahl, Raji RV, Suzanne Knight, Stella Alexandrova, Trecia McLennon, Feyisayo Enuiyin, Eleni Belete, Ting Zhou, and Amanda Naaum. I’m also grateful to our portfolio founders Diana Virgovicova of Xatoms and Sarah Lambert of Ora Medical for their ongoing support that keeps this cycle of mentorship and impact thriving.
I find myself continually inspired by the power of venture capital to back founders who truly have the potential to reshape how we live and work. This work is world-changing in its scope, and the work is just beginning.
As I reflect on my journey across Canada’s tech landscape, Montréal stands tall with its “Maple Momentum” , a mix of ambition, community, and innovation that carries our country forward. The future here is bright, and it’s being built by founders who dare to dream disruptively, investors who believe in impact, and an ecosystem that nurtures both.
As we look ahead, the momentum doesn’t stop here. The next essential stop on Canada’s innovation journey is the HardTech Summit, taking place October 29-30. If Startupfest is where ideas spark and community thrives, HardTech Summit is where deep-tech gets real. This is where science-driven innovation, complex hardware, and industrial-strength entrepreneurship take center stage. It’s a must-attend gathering and I hope to see many of you there as we continue championing the bold, the technical, and the transformative.
Get your ticket here: hardtech.ca
