In January we launched the first ever OKGN Angel Summit, an investor-led program designed to expose accredited investors to the world of angel investing through a guided, hands-on process where a small venture capital fund is raised, deals are screened, and an actual investment in a startup is made.  

Participating companies and investors are now through the 11-week series of structured meetings including company reviews, founder pitches, and due diligence.  

The inaugural OKGN Angel Summit started with over 40 company applications; our investors evaluated this group and refined it down to the top 24 companies. These 24 companies participated in quarterfinals, where they had to 3-minute pitches followed by a 3 minute Q & A. The final 13 continued on by performing 10-minute pitches for the investor group.

After much deliberation, 5 successful startups were chosen to continue on to the finally. These companies have gone through a rigorous due diligence process and will take the stage one last time to pitch for the prize on April 11th.

Here is a look at the top five:

Connect with Daniel. More on 925 Freelancing. 

Connect with David. 

Connect with Ian. More on Purilock.

Connect with Justin. More on Trellis. 

Connect with Peter. More on VO2 Master. 

The April 11th finale is all about the remaining 5 finalists. These startups will pitch to an audience of community members, with the winner receiving the $130K investment from the fund. There will also be an opportunity to vote for the people choice award (it’s like Dragon’s Den meets American Idol!).

We know a more robust angel network will only care for and feed our already booming innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem and that can only mean good things. Join us on April 11th and be a part of the excitement.

The launch of the first annual OKGN Angel Summit is powered by Accelerate Okanagan and fuelled by the support of John Sechrest, founder of the Seattle Angel Conference.