Press Release: Valhalla Private Capital Joins Kootenay Investment Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 14, 2022

Valhalla Private Capital Joins Kootenay Investment Challenge
Western Canada’s Largest Angel Network to Support Kootenay Entrepreneurs

Kootenay, B.C. – The Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) is pleased to announce its partnership with Valhalla Private Capital in support of the Kootenay Investment Challenge in the fall of 2022. Recognizing the difficulties rural startups face when seeking investor funding, Valhalla reached out to KAST to see how the Valhalla angel network could best support the participating entrepreneurs and investors.

The Kootenay Investment Challenge brings together two intersecting cohorts, one composed of Kootenay region investment-ready tech entrepreneurs and the other a blend of experienced and aspiring investors focused on supporting early-stage startups. Valhalla has joined the Kootenay Investment Challenge as a participating investor and a professional mentor. In addition, Valhalla will be hosting a virtual forum for Challenge participants to attend and participate in further investment discussions after the program completes.

“Valhalla Private Capital continues to be impressed by the work the KAST team has done to bring together their local community of founders and investors, and we are proud to be partnering with them on their 2022 Investment Challenge. We look forward to supporting this endeavour.” Grant Lawrence, Angel Investor, Co-Founder Valhalla Private Capital

KAST’s partnership with Spring Activator brings the region a 10-week-long Kootenay Investment Challenge. This Challenge will take local tech entrepreneurs and investors through the ins and outs of early-stage investor funding through weekly sessions on Thursdays from September 29th through December 2nd from 4:00 – 6:00 pm PST. “Spring is absolutely thrilled to bring the investor challenge to the Kootenay region and support the creation of a thriving investment community to support the entrepreneurship of the region” Davina MacPhail Program Manager at Spring Activator. The grand finale pitch event will conclude with one startup receiving a direct investment. KAST welcomes the support and expertise Valhalla Private Capital, the largest angel network in Western Canada, will bring to this program. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Valhalla Private Capital, and through this partnership, participants of the Kootenay Investment Challenge will learn from Valhalla’s vast experience and gain access to their network,” says Melanie Fontaine, Executive Director of KAST. “KAST hopes this Challenge will lead the way for future angel investing groups within the Kootenay region.”

To learn more about the Kootenay Investment Challenge, please visit: www.kast.com/kic/

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 About the partners:

About KAST: Since 1998, KAST (Kootenay Association for Science & Technology) has led our region’s economic development through technology and innovation. We are the only non-profit tech association serving the entire Kootenay region. Our main offerings are the Venture Acceleration Program, the Nelson Innovation Centre and Youth Programming.

About Spring Activator: Spring empowers impact entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem influencers to connect and change the world through innovation. For entrepreneurs in the idea stage to raise their first investment round, wess, gain traction, and raise capital with the goal of changing the world. For investors, Spring delivers the tools, training, and network to validate and launch their business tailored programming, networking events, and access to deal flow to angel investors who are focused on early stage impact ventures. Spring has reached more than 50 communities on 5 continents and continues to serve investors, entrepreneurs, and partners at every stage of their journey. More information at www.spring.is.

About Valhalla Private Capital: Valhalla is a full-service corporate finance firm focused on early-stage entrepreneurs. With the largest angel network in Western Canada, a suite of investment funds, education, training & mentorship programs, and M&A advisory services, Valhalla serves the entire lifecycle needs of entrepreneurs who operate businesses and entrepreneurs who invest in businesses. More information at www.valhallaprivatecap.com.

Media Contact:

Crystal Swan | Communications & Administration Manager, KAST | crystal@kast.com

Davina MacPhail | Impact Investing Program Manager, Spring Activator | davina@spring.is