In collaboration with
The ultimate collision of capital and celebration. Join 250 of Canada’s most influential builders for the annual En Blanc Yacht Party, where every ticket holder joins Founder Ball Fund I to back the city’s next unicorn.
April 15 – MAY 15
The window opens. We are filtering for traction, not just decks. 20 Semi-Finalists selected to enter the arena. One Semi-Finalist will also be the recipient of the ultimate Startupfest experience.
Pitch live at the most exclusive party of the year. 8 Finalists, VC’s, Celebrities, and YOU. This is not your father’s demo day.
In collaboration with
PART PITCH COMPETITION.
PART EN BLANC YACHT PARTY.
Founder Ball is where the “Bougie” meets the “Bold.” We’re tearing down the wall between the stage and the crowd. This isn’t just a demo day. It’s a battle for Canada’s top startups, competing for $500,000, national attention, and backing from Founder Ball Fund I.
Access is backed by participation.
Your payment isn’t a ticket, it’s an investment. Each contribution is pooled into Founder Ball Fund I and deployed into the winning startup, giving you a seat on the cap table alongside other investors. Instead of paying to attend, you’re allocating capital into a live opportunity, while gaining access to the room.
One startup amongst the finalists will also be selected as “Startupfest’s Pick”, and be the recipient of an amazing Startupfest experience including: a ticket to Startupfest, a round-trip to Montréal, an onstage pitch spot in the Startup Showcase, a spot on the Demo Floor, and a VIP party invite.
CEO & Co-Founder, FourthD
VP of Marketing & Comms, WCPD
Founding Partner, Kaizen Equity Partners
CEO & Co-Founder, Ajamjo
Director, TD Innovation Partners
Deep Tech Investor, ventureLAB & Techstars
Partner at Leadout Capital
CEO, Shift Canada
CEO, DMZ Ventures
SVP, Bell Media & Techstars
CEO & Co-Founder, Horizon Advisors
Co-founder, RxSource Corp
CEO, NectAir
Partner & National Leader, MNP
Founder & CEO, Jagger
Managing Partner, Leadout Capital
Founder & CEO, ZerotoOne Strategic
Managing Partner, Framework vC
Founder & CEO, Linkus Group
CEO & Co-Founder, Axess Law
CEO & Co-founder, Fundmore
Marketing Director, Ajamjo
Co-founder & CEO at Maple
Founder & CEO, First Pay
$500K
Investment
May 26, 2026 6:00 PM – 9:00 pm
This is an invite-only event for:
Top 20 founders from the pitch competition
Sponsors, partners, and judges
Free to attend. Catering & bar included.
Location:
THE battle: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
8 Vetted finalist battle for the glory of half a million dollar.
Location:
TD Terrace, 4th Floor, 160 front St W, Toronto, ON
THE WARM UP: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location:
Toronto Harbour
THE celebration: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
7:30PM Debark
Don’t be fashionably late, The Yankee Lady III sets off and the celebration begin.
Location:
Toronto Harbour, We Leave Land.
The after party: 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM
The tie comes off. The network opens up. We take over the rooftop at Portland Square for the official closing celebration.
Location:
600 King St W, Toronto, ON
Wherever your gravitational force takes you, our constellation offers wonder. We have invited industry icons like Bruce Croxon and Joanna Griffiths to filter the noise and find the signal.
50 Seats Reserved for Non-Accredited Investors.
Venue: Clio
Address: 600 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M3
Vessel: The Northern Spirit
Address: 207 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 1A7
June 11, 2026. The full day runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
An all-white dress code celebration aboard the Yankee Lady III on Lake Ontario. The yacht departs at 7:30 PM. Do not be late.
Founder Ball is an independent event in partnership with Deno Experiences, the experience arm of Denobiq Technologies Inc. It is sponsored by partners including TD, DMZ, Framework VC, Kaizen, ventureLAB, and others.
Visit founderball.org/contact/