Join Toronto’s startup community for an evening of themed networking, live startup pitches and meaningful conversations with founders, investors, operators and technology professionals.

Startup Pitch and Themed Networking Toronto is a three-hour in-person event designed for people who are building companies, exploring new ideas, investing in startups or working across Toronto’s technology and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The evening begins with structured themed networking. Instead of relying only on random introductions, attendees connect around practical startup topics such as fundraising, go-to-market strategy, product development, pricing, hiring and growth. Participants vote on the topics they are most interested in, helping shape the discussions for the evening.

This format gives founders and professionals an opportunity to discuss real challenges, exchange perspectives and meet people with relevant experience.

The second part of the evening features five selected startup founders presenting their companies to the audience.

Each founder gives a short pitch introducing the startup, the problem being solved and the opportunity they are pursuing. The pitch session is followed by questions and feedback from attendees, including founders, operators and investors.

For founders, the session provides an opportunity to test ideas, receive feedback and introduce their company to new potential connections. For investors and startup professionals, it is a chance to discover early-stage companies and hear directly from the people building them.

After the structured program, the evening transitions into open networking.

Attendees can continue conversations from the themed sessions, meet the pitching founders and connect with people they may not have had a chance to speak with earlier.

The event is designed for a broad range of participants, including:

Startup founders and co-founders

Angel investors and venture capital professionals

Startup operators and product managers

Engineers and technical leaders

Sales, marketing and go-to-market professionals

Entrepreneurs and business owners

Recruiters and hiring managers

Professionals exploring opportunities in startups

Anyone interested in Toronto’s startup and technology community

Startups represented at Ascent Valley events may come from sectors including SaaS, artificial intelligence, FinTech, ClimateTech, ConsumerTech and other emerging industries.

You do not need to currently run a funded startup or be actively raising capital to attend. The event is also suitable for people exploring a business idea, looking for collaborators, searching for a co-founder or simply wanting to expand their professional network in Toronto.