Tech & Tax: Fuelling Canadian Innovation
According to a recent report by RBCx, 2025 marked the worst year for Canadian venture capital (VC) fundraising since 2016. Not only did VC funds collectively raise just C$2.1 billion last year, but around 83% of that capital was captured by the five largest funds in Canada.
Put simply, Canada’s start-ups are suffering from a lack of capital.
How effective are Canada’s current tax policies in encouraging our technology and innovation sector? What’s working, and what’s not?
In Mark Carney’s 2025 “Canada Strong” plan, several new government policies are being considered to give our technology and innovation sector a boost in these pivotal and uncertain times.
Increased public sector investment in research and development, the creation of a Canada Patent Box to protect our IP, and the expansion of the Structured Flow-Through Share tax policy to help startups generate capital, stay Canadian, and scale up are just a few of the possible initiatives proposed by the Carney government.
Will Canada emerge as a global leader in artificial intelligence, quantum competing, biotech and other emerging industries?
Or will it be left behind?
On November 17th, this unique symposium, hosted by WEALTH (WCPD Inc.) and Toronto DMZ, will explore where we have come from, where we are going, and offer solutions for Canada’s future.
Event Agenda:
5:30PM – Arrival and networking. Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and chill house tunes by DJ Lord Alan
6:15PM – Welcome Remarks from Peter Nicholson, President & Founder of WEALTH (WCPD Inc.)
6:30PM – 7:30PM – Panel Discussion
Brian Suta, Managing Partner at Leadout Capital
Julie Smithson, CEO of METAVRSE | Co-Founder at Unlimited Awesome & XR Women Global Inc
Lylia Djait-Paulien, CEO & Co-Founder at Tyce
7:30PM – 8:30PM – More networking, drinks, and music