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Kootenay Venture Network

Kootenay Venture Network

The Kootenay Venture Network (KVN) is a group of accredited investors who invest in early-stage technology companies based in the Kootenay Region. Our members are connected to the Kootenays and believe in its potential to grow and prosper.

The KVN functions much like a traditional Angel Investor Group in that it:

  • Evaluates and considers KAST sponsored deal flow.
  • Provides opportunities to network and collaborate
  • Offers opportunities to learn and share knowledge.
  • Introduces founders and investors to facilitate investment

The KVN doesn’t do traditional investment forums, rather we come together when a founder is ready and work with them to support their next stage of growth.

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KVN Investment Thesis

The KVN targets a specific type of investment:

  • Incorporated company registered in British Columbia
  • Is registered as an Eligible Business Corporation (EBC)
  • Based or operating in the Kootenay Region
  • Fewer than 50 qualified shareholders (Qualifies for the Private Placement Exemption)
  • Technology-based business model
  • Founder, Family, Friends capital stake of minimum $15,000
  • Seeking to raise $25,000 – $250,000
  • Initial investment of $5,000 to $150,000 per investor
  • Company valuations from $1M – $3M
  • Investment return in 5-8 years
  • Maximized non-dilutive financial sources

Please note not all criteria need to be met for an investment to be considered by the KVN. Also, the KVN is administered by KAST however all investment decisions are made by its members.

For more information for Investors, click here

For more information for Founders, click here

Program Info

Program Schedule

Dates: Every Second Thursday, September 21 – November 2
Time: 6:30 – 8:00PM PST, biweekly
Pitch Event: 6:30 – 8:300 pm PST on November 9
Location: Sessions will happen virtually on Zoom, Pitch event will be available in person and on Zoom

Session Topics

  • Fundraising Fundamentals, Due Diligence, and Data Rooms
  • Sales Strategies
  • Marketing Fundamentals
  • Honing Your Pitch
  • Financial Forecasts
  • Legal (Terms and Captables)

What You Will Learn

  • Understanding the Investor Mindset
  • Polishing Up Your Pitch
  • The Investor Evaluation Process
  • Deal Mechanics & Understanding Returns

Participant Selection Criteria

Founders who apply before September BB, 2023 are eligible to participate in the program.

Program Cost

The Kootenay Venture Network Investment Readiness Training program is free to participating founders (entrepreneurs). We only ask that businesses that join are committed to attending sessions, come prepared, and engage with other participants

Program Schedule

Dates: Every Second Thursday, September 28 – October 26
Time: 6:30 – 8:00PM PST, biweekly
Pitch Event: 6:30 – 8:300 pm PST on November 9
Location: Sessions will happen virtually on Zoom, Pitch event will be available in person and on Zoom

Session Topics

  • Investing 101 & Preparing for Pitch Night
  • Initial Pitch Night
  • Investment Evaluation Kick-Off
  • Due Diligence and Regional Investing Trends
  • Financial Due Diligence
  • Negotiation & Valuation
  • Due Diligence Team Presentations
  • Demo Day: Pitch Finale
  • Post-Investment & Closing

What You Will Learn

  • The Foundations of Early-Stage Investing
  • Financial Due Diligence
  • Understanding Returns
  • How to Select Investment Opportunities
  • Deal Mechanics

Participant Selection Criteria

Are a member of the Kootenay Venture Network?

Program Cost

The Kootenay Venture Network Investor Training program is free to participating members (investors). We only ask that members who join are committed to attending sessions, come prepared, and engage with other participants

Coming Soon!

KVN members and founders acknowledge the Kootenay Venture Network (KVN) and Kootenay Association of Technology (KAST) does not assume responsibility for the content, validity, or consequences of attending or consideration of its events, educational content, communications, presentations or interactions. And that a lawyer licensed to practice in British Columbia is consulted prior to making an investment decision.

Other Programs

In 2022 the Kootenay Youth Entrepreneurship (KYE) program was proposed as a collaborative, multifaceted program that aimed at introducing entrepreneurial skills to youth aged 16-30 across the Kootenay Development Region.
Discover entrepreneurship and attend events and skill-building seminars tailored to your needs to launch a business!