​To attend this event, you must first register for BVX here.

​About This Session

​The data is clear: immigrant and underrepresented founders consistently build high-growth companies and deliver outsized returns, yet many continue to compete for the same limited pool of domestic capital. At the same time, global investors across the UAE, Singapore, the UK, and beyond are actively seeking innovative Canadian startups—but often lack trusted pathways to discover them.

​This conversation explores why Canada's diverse founder community represents one of Canada's greatest untapped investment opportunities, and what it really takes to attract international investors.

​Hear directly from accomplished entrepreneurs, global ecosystem leaders, and investors who have successfully raised capital across borders. They'll share practical insights on building investor readiness, expanding into international markets, establishing credibility with global investors, and leveraging your unique story as a competitive advantage.

​Whether you're preparing to raise your first round or planning your next stage of growth, this session will provide actionable strategies to help you think beyond Canada's borders.

​Featured Speakers

​Dr. Saira Siddique
Physician, serial entrepreneur, and founder of four startups with two successful exits. Dr. Siddique has raised over USD $10 million from leading global venture capital firms to scale HealthTech ventures across multiple international markets. Her career spans the World Bank, KfW Development Bank, Allianz Insurance, the NHS, and the global startup ecosystem.

​Tehmina A. Chaudhry
Founder & President, Canada Startup Association (CSA). A serial entrepreneur and ecosystem builder with more than 20 years of experience connecting founders with capital, markets, and global opportunities. She is also Co-Founder and Board Member of GAIN and a Limited Partner at GSA Ventures.

​Joycelyn David
Founder, Tulong Technologies and former CEO of AVC, one of Canada's leading multicultural marketing agencies. A recognized leader in multicultural innovation and AI, Joycelyn has been named among the Most Influential Filipinas in the World and has led multiple high-growth companies recognized by The Globe and Mail's Report on Business.

​Theresa Evanoff (Moderator)

​Executive Director, Global Angel Investor Network (GAIN). A seasoned executive with over 20 years of leadership in strategy and innovation across Asia, Europe, and Canada.  She spent 19 years in Singapore in management consulting, launching major startup accelerators, founding a social enterprise, and leading strategy for multinational corporations.

​Who Should Attend?

• ​Startup founders and entrepreneurs seeking investment

• ​Immigrant and underrepresented founders

• ​Investors, angel networks, and venture capital professionals

• ​Scale-ups looking to expand into global markets

• ​Innovation ecosystem builders and accelerators

• ​Students and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in fundraising and international growth

​About Global Angel Investor Network (GAIN)

​Global Angel Investor Network (GAIN) is a non-profit membership organization and Canada’s only national angel platform built to bring global capital, global investors, and global opportunities directly to Canadian founders.  It connects immigrant and underrepresented Canadian founders with investors across Canada and internationally, and offers early-stage companies pitch mentoring and global trade access, while providing investors with vetted deal flow and networking opportunities.

​About BVX 2026

​Brampton Venture Expo (BVX) is Brampton's leading innovation and entrepreneurship event, bringing together founders, investors, industry leaders, corporate innovators, and ecosystem partners to explore the future of technology, business, and growth.

​Organized by the Brampton Venture Zone (BVZ) by Toronto Metropolitan University and powered by the Brampton Innovation District (BID), BVX serves as a platform where industry, innovation, and entrepreneurship converge to accelerate economic growth and business success.

​​Photography Disclaimer

​When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction.