The fifth annual OKGN Angel Summit Finale features more founders, more investors, and more cash on the table. It’s all happening on March 16 at the Kelowna Innovation Centre. 

The OKGN Angel Summit is back and bigger than ever for its fifth year. Community members are invited on March 16 to witness the excitement as 40 Okanagan angel investors come together to hear pitches from the top six companies vying for their chance at a $225,000 investment. This high-stakes Summit Finale promises to be the most inspiring and impactful yet, with more founders, more investors, and more funds. 

“I’m very excited to see six rapidly growing startups from across BC at the finale of our 2023 OKGN Angel Summit, all happening right here in downtown Kelowna. They’ll be pitching for the largest investment deal in the five-year history of the Summit,” said Scott MacFarlane Fund Manager for the 2023 Summit. 

For companies and investors, the 10-week journey to the Summit began on January 9. The group of 40 investors, had to narrow the applicants down from 48 startups from across Western Canada to the top 6 finalists who come from across BC, including Vancouver, Nelson, and North Saanich. These founders will get the opportunity to pitch live at the Kelowna Innovation Centre on March 16. 

The 2023 Top 6 Finalists Are:

1. 1. Brad Pommen, CEO of SMRT1 Technologies Ltd.
   2. Viridiana Perez, CEO and Co-Founder of NANOSentinel Technologies
   3. Jason Elliott, Co-Founder of Perfectly Snug Inc.
   4. Brianne Miller, CEO of Nada
   5. Jason Lotoski, CEO of Tonit
   6. Stephen Parslow, CEO of salonMonster

Summit Finale attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from a panel of five prominent Okanagan founders who have recently accomplished the acquisition or merger of their own businesses. Joshua Fraser of Estated, Anne-Marie Kirby of Core Health Technologies, Corey Wagner of Bananatag, Lynda Brown-Ganzert of Curatio, and Chris Priebe of Two Hat will take the stage to give us a rare glimpse behind the curtains of what it’s like to be on the other side of the M&A process. 

“The energy and excitement surrounding this year’s OKGN Angel Summit has been palpable,” says Thuy Tran, Programs Director at Accelerate Okanagan. “With a record number of investors, sponsors, and community supporters, we’re thrilled to be able to give entrepreneurs more opportunities, resources, and connections through the 10-week program than ever before. The success is a true testament to the power of collaboration and the generosity of everyone who has come together to share their dollars, time, and expertise.”

FINALE SCHEDULE