FounderBall

Calling All Canadian Founders:

Pitch for Your Shot at
$500K in Funding!

Are you building the top startup and ready to raise capital?

Apply now to compete in Canada’s most exclusive pitch competition.

Here’s how it works:

Step 01

The Intake

Close Date: may 15, 2026

The window opens. We are filtering for traction, not just decks. 20 Semi-Finalists selected to enter the arena.
Enter The Arena (APPLY TO PITCH)
Step 02

the pitch

Close Date: May 25 – 29, 2026

The 8 strongest finalists advance to the grand finale: a high-stakes pitch-off aboard a luxury yacht on Lake Ontario this June.

Enter The Arena (APPLY TO PITCH)
Step 03

the Battle

Close Date: JUNE 11, 2026

Pitch live at the most exclusive party of the year. 8 Finalists, VC’s, Celebrities, and YOU. 

Enter The Arena (APPLY TO PITCH)
Step 04

one winner

One winner takes the $500,000 prize and gets exclusive access to network and party on the yacht.

Enter The Arena (APPLY TO PITCH)

The Judges

Tim Ray

CEO & Co-Founder, Verifast
Dejana_Dua

Dejana Dua

Deep Tech Investor, ventureLAB & Techstars

Abdullah Snobar

CEO, DMZ Ventures

Alfan Jetha

Co-founder, RxSource Corp

Peter Misek

Managing Partner, Framework vC

Matt_McGowan

Matt McGowan

SVP, Bell Media & Techstars

Brett Belchetz

Co-founder & CEO, Maple

What finalists gain:

Direct access to seasoned entrepreneurs,

active angels, and seed investors in an intimate, unforgettable setting.

Media exposure and 

features

spotlighting you and your startup.

Networking with the region’s most promising founder

and operators – connections that last beyond the event.

FounderBall

This isn’t just another pitch night 


it’s where Canadian ambition

meets its loudest audience.

Apply now

applications close May 15th.

FAQs

What is Founder Ball?

Founder Ball is Toronto’s pitch competition and investment event. 20 semi-finalists are selected from startups, narrowed to 8 finalists who pitch live on June 11, 2026 for a $500,000 equity investment from Founder Ball Fund I. The event culminates with an En Blanc yacht party on Lake Ontario.

Equity investment. Cash in exchange for shares in the winning company.

Terms are outlined in the Founder Ball term sheet, which will be shared with all finalists. We encourage you to review it with your legal counsel before accepting.

Yes. All finalists receive the term sheet in advance so there are no surprises. You can request it once you reach the finalist stage.

No. Your business could change between the time you apply and the time we write the check. You are never obligated to accept.

No restrictions. But we are investors, so spend it on growth.

Details are in the term sheet. We believe in transparency, so you will know exactly what governance involvement looks like before you commit.

No. You run the company. If you need help, ask. We are not going to dangle promises of “added value.” We are well connected, but it is too early to know exactly what you need yet.

Exposure. The room is packed with investors, operators, potential customers, and partners. It is an efficient use of your time and visibility, not a generic demo day.

Yes, we insist. The investment is in the founding team, not one person.

No. Founder Ball is currently focused on supporting Canadian founders.

We are filtering for traction, not just decks. If you have a real business with real momentum, you should apply. Industry agnostic.

  • April 15 to May 15: Applications open. 20 semi-finalists were selected.
  • May 25 to May 29: Semi-finalists pitch online. 8 finalists chosen.
  • June 11: Finalists pitch live at the Founder Ball event at TD and from there top 3 get invited to the En Blanc yacht party on Lake Ontario.

Traction, technical defensibility, and market velocity. A polished deck alone will not get you through. Show us real numbers and real momentum.

  • Direct access to seasoned entrepreneurs, active angels, and institutional seed investors in a curated, high-trust environment.
  • National press coverage and editorial features through our dedicated PR partner, positioning your company in front of a broader investment and consumer audience.
  • A vetted network of the region’s most active founders, operators, and capital allocators, with relationships designed to extend well beyond the event.

Visit founderball.org/apply -now to submit your application. Applications close May 15, 2026.