Coaching & Coffee: Funding Your Business
Ready to fund your next stage of growth?
Whether you're just starting out or preparing to scale, understanding your financing options can make all the difference. Join fellow entrepreneurs for an interactive session of coffee, meaningful connections, and practical insights on how to access the funding your business needs.
In partnership with Desjardins, this session goes beyond theory. You'll hear directly from banking professionals, gain clarity on financing options available to entrepreneurs, and have the opportunity to ask your questions in a relaxed networking environment.
What you'll learn
How to choose the right business financing for your stage of growth
Where to find loans, grants, and other funding opportunities
How to build strong business credit
What lenders look for before approving financing
A financial readiness checklist to help you prepare for future funding
When entrepreneurs should consider equity funding versus traditional financing
What investors look for beyond a strong pitch deck
Common mistakes entrepreneurs make when seeking investment
How founders can prepare before approaching investors
Plus:
☕ Coffee and networking with fellow entrepreneurs
🤝 Meet banking professionals from Desjardins
💬 "Ask a Banker" networking session where you can get your questions answered
Whether you're launching your first venture or planning your next big move, you'll leave with practical knowledge, valuable connections, and greater confidence in your funding journey.
Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today.
Speakers
Marcus Daniels- Founding Partner & CEO/CIO, Highline Beta
Marcus is the Founding Partner and CEO/CIO of Highline Beta, a corporate venture studio and pre-seed VC that has partnered with more than 40 global institutions since 2016 to build and invest in new ventures beyond their core businesses.
With 26+ years of experience spanning technology entrepreneurship, venture capital, and corporate innovation, Marcus has led more than 30 corporate venture programs and invested in over 70 startups.
He is also the co-founder of Highline Beta ETH+AI, an initiative exploring the future of finance at the intersection of Ethereum, AI, and institutional capital markets.
Prior to Highline Beta, Marcus founded Highline VC, served as Managing Director of Extreme Startups, and built, scaled, and successfully exited multiple digital product companies.
We’re excited to have Marcus bring his wealth of experience in venture building, investment, and innovation.
Benjamen Pinsky- Associate Director, Desjardins
Benjamen Pinsky is an Associate Director on Desjardins’ Technology and Innovation Banking team, where he partners with early and growth-stage technology companies to advance their growth objectives through strategic capital and hands-on support.
Benjamen holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University and has completed advanced training in innovation governance and private capital investing. He brings a practical, founder-focused perspective shaped by hands-on exposure to scaling technology companies across Ontario’s innovation ecosystem.
About PORCH
PORCH is an exclusive club of international entrepreneurs who have been there, done that, and are still doing it. They have come together to support one another on the personal side of the journey (from living to finance to relationships) to learn and grow, and to share their superpowers.
From ongoing virtual and IRL events to 24/7 discussion, learning, and relationships, PORCH levels the playing field and gives you a greater chance at success.
More on PORCH | JOIN THE CLUB TODAY
PORCH Plus Members get FREE access to all PORCH events. An exclusive community with endless value for the price of a lunch a month. See it all come to life through:
PORCH Events include topical sessions with high-profile speakers and experts and highly engaged IRL events focused on relationships, learning and fun.
PORCH Community: 24/7 real-time discussion and support through the active PORCH platform, on-demand resources and content for asynchronous learning, and powerful perks.
If you are interested in getting involved as a sponsor or have any questions, please email or reach out to Tee (Tee@porchcommunity.ca)