New world order: Scaling globally in an era of “middle power” ties

​Tariffs and market uncertainty have had detrimental effects on Canadian startups. Amid the upheaval, however, new opportunities are emerging. This panel will explore how Canadian startups can scale internationally amid trade friction and shifting geopolitical alliances. 

​Agenda

​9:00 a.m. - Registration
9:15 a.m. - Opening remarks
9:20 a.m. - Panel discussion
10:00 a.m. - Networking

​Panelists:

• ​Elena Balkos, Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

• ​Mona Minhas, Managing Partner, BDC Thrive Venture Fund & Women in Tech Venture Fund

• ​Will Ma, Managing Director, MaRS IAF (moderator)

​Attend MaRS Mornings during Toronto Tech Week for networking and insights from tech and innovation leaders. Whether you are scaling a startup, managing a fund, or seeking new opportunities this is your "daily stand-up" with the innovation community.

​Attendees include: 

• ​Founders from pre-seed to IPO.

• ​Investors scouting the next signal in the noise.

• ​Policy-makers shaping the regulatory landscape.

• ​Corporate partners seeking innovation.

• ​Tech media telling the stories of the ecosystem.

​Toronto Tech Week is a citywide celebration of the people building what’s next. From May 26–29, 2026, founders, investors, and builders come together for hundreds of community-led events across Toronto, connecting tens of thousands of people around Canadian tech. Torontotechweek.com.

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