Building Trust & Relationships with Investors: Insider Insights from a Top Investor
We’ve all heard the golden rule of startup fundraising: “Don’t ask for money on the first date — you need to build a relationship first.”
But how do you actually turn polite coffee meetings into a signed term sheet? How do you build real trust with investors who see hundreds of pitches every year?
If you’re a founder preparing to raise capital, or a student, researcher, or aspiring entrepreneur eager to understand how investors actually think — this is your opportunity to get unfiltered, actionable wisdom straight from the source.
Patrick Lor is a two-time founder turned investor with an outstanding track record. He co-founded iStockphoto (acquired by Getty Images) and served as President of Fotolia North America (acquired by Adobe). Today, as Managing Partner of Panache Ventures — a leading seed-stage VC firm backing enterprise SaaS, fintech, AI, and more — Patrick has invested in over 100 Canadian startups. He’s known for his hands-on approach, sharp pattern recognition, and commitment to backing exceptional and often underestimated founders.
In this high-impact 90-minute Masterclass, Patrick will share practical strategies on:
How to build genuine trust and strong relationships with investors
What investors look for when deciding to back a founder (and common mistakes to avoid)
The mindset, communication, and preparation needed to successfully raise capital
Real-world insights into founder-investor dynamics from both sides of the table
Who Should Attend?
Students, researchers, founders, and innovators across any sector who want to deeply understand the fundraising process and how investors think. Whether you’re preparing for your first raise, refining your approach, or simply looking to learn from the best, this session will deliver clear, battle-tested guidance.
Limited spots are available to keep the session intimate, interactive, and high-value with plenty of time for questions and discussion.
Photography & Video Consent
Events and workshops hosted in our space may be photographed or recorded. By registering for or attending an event, you consent to the use of photographs and video footage that may include you for promotional and marketing purposes. If you wish to opt out, you must identify yourself at reception upon arrival so appropriate accommodations can be made.