As questions mount about the future of ESG and DEI in global markets, Calgary is set to host a timely gathering of Canada’s startup and investor community.
On Friday, September 26, the Platform Calgary Innovation Centre will welcome founders, funders, and policy leaders for IMPACT 2025 – Investing with Purpose in a Time of Change.
The full-day forum will explore how early-stage investing can balance people, planet, and profit at a time when impact funds face growing pressure to deliver measurable returns. Organizers say the event will spotlight both the challenges and opportunities in building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable growth.
Attendees will hear from some of Canada’s most recognized leaders in venture capital and impact investing. Wattpad co-founder and Two Small Fish Ventures partner Allen Lau will share lessons from scaling a global platform. Janet Bannister, founder of Staircase Ventures, will discuss building founder-focused capital strategies. And Judy Fairburn, general partner at The51, will highlight the importance of backing diverse entrepreneurs.
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Industry specialists including Alison Sunstrum of NYA Ventures and Aaron Manz, formerly of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, will weigh in on the future of food, agriculture, and sustainable energy. Impact-driven founders Alex Petre (Deep Sky), Ariel Torre (IS Energy), and Lourdes Juan (Knead Technologies) will showcase their ventures.
Programming includes a keynote panel, “What does Impact look like NOW?”, alongside a fireside chat and an Impact Startup Showcase. The day will be framed by networking opportunities, including a sponsored lunch and closing happy hour.
Organizers promise participants will leave with actionable strategies, fresh connections, and a role in shaping how Canada approaches purpose-driven investing.
IMPACT 2025 is designed for early-stage investors, founders, corporate leaders, and policymakers.
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