Unlocking the Pathway to Silicon Valley
“We were able to close an investment as a direct result of our participation in Pathway!" - Kaylee Astle, Founder & CEO - Blanka
tl;dr
Supporting Founders: Connection Silicon Valley’s Pathway to Silicon Valley event helps entrepreneurs overcome the challenges of entering Silicon Valley by offering business development, fundraising opportunities, and key connections in the U.S. market.
Event Impact: Since 2017, Pathway has supported 95 founders and facilitated networking with 500+ investors and mentors. The program includes investor meetings, mentor roundtables, and offers grants for travel costs.
For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the mere mention of Silicon Valley conjures images of innovation, opportunity, and boundless potential. But for many founders, finding their way there can often be a daunting challenge. Recognizing this barrier and the need for support, Connection Silicon Valley’s flagship event, Pathway to Silicon Valley, offers founders a foothold into this epicenter of tech and entrepreneurship, helping them launch and scale their businesses on a global stage.
"The thought of approaching Silicon Valley can often feel overwhelming and founders don’t know where to begin,” says CSV Founder, Joanne Fedeyko. “Through the programs we run and online community, we help founders access the U.S. market for business development, fundraising, potential clients, and other key business connections.”
Pathway to Silicon Valley is not just an event; it's an immersive experience designed to unlock connections and build a scalable network for women founders and ecosystem leaders. Since launching in 2017, Pathway has supported 95 founders, hosted 85 speakers, and offered connections with more than 500 investors, mentors, and executive leaders, underscoring its impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.
The week-long program offers a comprehensive itinerary designed to equip founders with the tools, resources, and connections necessary to thrive in Silicon Valley.
This year two events are scheduled: May 14-16 and November 19-21. From full-day investor networking and pitch meetings to mentor roundtables led by industry experts in PR, product, design, marketing, and partnerships, participants are immersed in a dynamic environment conducive to growth and collaboration. Eligible startups can also access Mitacs' Entrepreneur International grant, which offers up to $5,000 to cover travel costs, including flights and accommodations.
"Building a network in Silicon Valley as a Canadian founder is essential. It was critical to have the opportunity through the Canadian Women’s Network to meet some of the biggest VC offices in the world,” says Kaylee Lieffers, Founder of Blanka. “We were able to close an investment as a direct result of our participation in Pathway!"
And the benefits of Pathway to Silicon Valley extend beyond the event. At its heart is a commitment to fostering connections and facilitating growth for entrepreneurs worldwide. Through strategic partnerships with accelerators, venture funds, and corporations, Connection Silicon Valley provides a gateway into Silicon Valley, enabling founders to accelerate their growth trajectory exponentially.
"Our mission is to close the gender gap in VC-backed funding for women founders and increase gender diversity within startups in Canada and beyond," Fedeyko adds.
Pathway to Silicon Valley is a catalyst for entrepreneurs to build crucial connections, not just charting a path to success but building a foundation of empowerment and innovation.
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