Angels for Climate Solutions Program Details for Startups

Getting your Climate Solution Investment Ready

Are you a startup with a tech-enabled climate solution?

You could be one of the 15 startups slated for success in the Angels for Climate Solutions program. This program’s results-driven workshops will test your investor readiness and set you on the path to winning a $100,000 investment.

Exercise your Grit

15 select startups will undergo 6-weeks of core investment training and immediately put the course outcomes to the test at the first pitch night. Pitching directly to the investor cohort, the top 5 finalists will be selected and will advance to the second leg of the program: 5-weeks of specialized investor training plus side-be-side due-diligence sessions with the investors.

Pitch for $100K

The top 5 finalists will pitch to the angel investor cohort one final time, and one company will walk away with an investment of $100,000.

Application Deadline: November 30, 2022
 

Program Benefits

What you can expect to gain by enrolling in the Angels for Climate Solutions Program:

  • *NEW* 1:1 investment mentorship
  • Refine and sharpen your pitch
  • Revisit funding fundamentals
  • Craft a compelling story for your solution
  • Optimize your sales strategy and marketing plan
  • *NEW* Specialized investment training tailored to the top 5 startups
  • Prepare for due diligence
  • Have the opportunity to pitch for $100,000
  • Build and nourish investor relationships

Bonus: Fast-track for Project Greenlight

The Top 5 finalists from the startup cohort will enjoy a fast-tracked application experience when applying for demonstration opportunities through the Vancouver Economic Commission’s flagship Project Greenlight (PGL) program. They will also receive tailored support from PGL program managers, including pre- and post-application pitch guidance.

Project Greenlight provides innovators the opportunity to pilot their solutions atop some of the region’s largest infrastructure networks, including stormwater systems, energy hubs, transit systems, municipal vehicle fleets and commercial real estate portfolios.

Bonus: Winner Takes More

*NEW* The grand prize winner will also be nominated to receive additional seed grant funding of up to 100K from Sustainable Development Technology Canada.

This program actively seeks the participation of startups from underrepresented groups.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to the growth of startups, the tech ecosystem, and the resilience of our economy. We encourage the applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds, including women, Indigenous peoples, people of colour, new Canadians, and neurodivergent people.

Apply by November 30, 2022

Are you a tech startup getting ready to secure investment for your climate solution?

 
Apply to the Angels for Climate Solutions program to navigate the capital-raising process, connect with angel investors, and have the opportunity to pitch for $100,000.

No financial commitment | Virtual Delivery | Open to BC-based startups
 
Apply Now

What is climate tech?

Climate technologies are designed to contribute to the decarbonization of the planet or otherwise mitigate the impacts of climate change. They can be physical or digital and incorporate a broad range of technologies and innovations across myriad industries, such as:

  • Clean energy
  • Mobile and transportation
  • Food and agriculture
  • Geoengineering and land use
  • Supply chain and circular economy
  • Heavy industry
  • Built environment

Solutions can include anything from: carbon capture, lab grown meats, intelligent grid management, electric technologies, net-zero transportation and low-carbon alternatives, etc. Her are some great examples of climate tech!

Not sure you’re a fit? We encourage all who are tackling environmental challenges to apply as we recognise that the boundaries of “climate technology” are continually changing and growing.

Cost


Q: Do I have to pay a fee as a participating company?
A: No! The program is free for all selected startups.


Who should Apply/Eligibility


Q: Do I need to be located in British Columbia to participate?
A: Yes, the program is only open to startups based in British Columbia. However, the program will be run virtually.


Q: Why am I being asked for details about my background or personal identity?
A: This program seeks participation from groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in both the angel investor and startup communities. As such, we encourage the applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds, including women, Indigenous peoples, people of colour, new Canadians, and neurodivergent people.

However, you are not required to disclose any of these details if you are not comfortable with doing so.

Format


Q: What is the time commitment for companies?
A: For the starting training programs, you can expect the following:

  • 3-hours/week for the core training for 6 weeks, January - February 2023
  • 4 hours/week for the specialized training for 5 weeks, March - April 2023

Q: How do the 1:1 mentorship sessions work?
A: In additional to training (live and online), all companies in the program will have access to tailored 1:1 business advising from Volition’s Business Advisors:

  • 2 sessions for each company in Top 15 (topic of choice, to be used between January 11 and April 30, 2023)
  • 1 session of pitch coaching for top 10 between Pitch Night 1 and Pitch Night 2

Curriculum


Q: What will we learn?
A: Refer to the program modules below. For further questions on the curriculum, please contact hsafi@vancouvereconomic.com
Startup Core Training
These sessions will give entrepreneurs the tools to get ready, prepare their data room and be ready to pitch in front of the investors.
OrientationJan 9Program Orientation and Data Room Overview
Module 1Jan 11The Investor Process
Module 2Jan 18Communicating your Go to Market
Module 3Jan 25Master you Money Model
Module 4Feb 1Investor Pitch and Presentation
Module 5Feb 8Pitch Roundtable
Module 6Feb 15Communicating your Sales & Growth Plan

Specialized Investment Training
Tailor-made sessions to prepare entrepreneurs for due-diligence and the final pitch night
Module 7-11

These sessions will be tailored to the needs of the Top 5 companies, and may include topics such as Valuations, Pro Forma design, Building your Product Roadmap, Honing Your Impact, and Negotiations.

During these final modules, Companies will also have the opportunity to ask questions and prepare for the final event and Due Diligence process they will be going through with their Investor group.

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