FounderBall
In collaboration with
Calling All Canadian Founders:
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:
Close Date: may 15, 2026
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.
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.
Close Date: JUNE 11, 2026
Pitch live at the most exclusive party of the year. 8 Finalists, VC’s, Celebrities, and YOU.
One winner takes the $500,000 prize and gets exclusive access to network and party on the yacht.
Co-Founder & CEO at Chexy
Deep Tech Investor, ventureLAB & Techstars
CEO, DMZ Ventures
Co-founder, RxSource Corp
Managing Partner, Framework vC
SVP, Bell Media & Techstars
Co-founder & CEO, Maple
Founder, Startupfest
Founder & Advisor, Paper Education
What finalists gain:
Direct access to seasoned entrepreneurs,
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.
Startupfest Ultimate Experience
One semi-finalist will be named “Startupfest’s Pick” and receive: A ticket to Startupfest (July 8-10 2026), A round trip flight to Montréal, An onstage pitch spot in the startup showcase, a spot on the demo floor, and a VIP party invite.
This isn’t just another pitch night
it’s where Canadian ambition
meets its loudest audience.
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.
Traction, technical defensibility, and market velocity. A polished deck alone will not get you through. Show us real numbers and real momentum.
Visit founderball.org/apply -now to submit your application. Applications close May 15, 2026.