September 29th to December 4th
WELCOME TO your fundraising masterclass series
A *new* exclusive series with an opportunity to pitch at our private showcase in front of Capital Providers
Champion Partner
Program Partner
Securing funding as a startup is crucial for building a strong foundation and scaling up, but the process can be overwhelming. To succeed, you need a comprehensive understanding of the funding landscape and the ability to maximize available opportunities.
Ascension is designed to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and network necessary to build a compelling case for raising capital. The program, under a new Masterclass series model, is particularly valuable in today’s challenging economic climate, ensuring you are well-prepared to navigate and secure funding for your startup.
How we define funding:Â
- Non-Dilutive Financing: This type of financing does not require giving away ownership of the company. It includes options such as loans, government grants, HR internship support programs, tax credits, and more.
- Dilutive (Equity) Financing: This type of funding involves selling a portion of the company’s equity (ownership) in exchange for capital. It includes sources such as angel investors, venture capital, accelerators, financial institutions, corporate innovation arms, and others
Ascension Timeline
Please note all sessions below will be completely virtual.
This 4-part series will take place from September 29th to November 6th. It is open to any fintech founder operating a fintech business in Canada:
- Series 1: Managing Investor Relations & Expectations
- October 3rd, 2pm-3:30pm ET
- Series 2: Scaling Product and Users
- Part 1: October 9th, 12pm-1:15pm ET
- Part 2: October 16th, 4pm-5:30pm ET
- Series 3: Being Compliant & Comms that click
- Part 1: Week of October 20th*
- Series 4: Data Room Due Diligence & Financials Done Right
- Part 1: October 31st, 12pm-1:30pm ET
- Part 2: November 5th, 12pm-1:30pm ET
- Masterclass Networking Session with Industry Experts:
- November 12th: 4pm-5:30pm ET
- 4August 25th: Showcase applications launch
- November 12th, 11:59pm ET: Deadline to apply
- November 24th to 28th: Pitch Practice 1-1 with Fintech Cadence
- December 4th, 12-1:30pm ET: Showcase
Criteria for the Fintech Showcase
- Operate a business incorporated in Canada
- Have a validated problem
- Be an early-stage fintech looking to raise funds within the year
- Are pre-Series A
- Are generating revenue or are close to launch
- Have large scale growth ambition and potential
- Want to be venture backed
Capital Providers who have joined Ascension in the past
Ascension Fintech Masterclass Curriculum
Ascension is a no-fee no-equity program for founders seeking to launch their fundraising journey. Masterclass Series in detail:
Additional support
Resources 📚
 As part of the program, you will have access to the following resources:
- Exclusive access to an archive of recorded workshops for the duration of your enrolment
- Software credits with the most relevant software for fintech startups
- Access to recruitment channels, slack channels and community newsletters
Visibility 📣
We aim to amplify your achievements and engage you with the national fintech ecosystem through:
- Networking sessions with industry experts, leaders in the financial landscape, and with other startups participating in the program
- Opportunity to be showcased at Fintech Cadence’s events
- Social Media exposure
Being part of Ascension is more than just a class, it's being part of a community
Ascension in numbers
53
fintechs across Canada have graduated from the program.
$18.3M
raised from our founders
since the beginning of Ascension.
+20
leading Canadian Capital Providers have joined our Ascension showcase.
+100
top tier experts across the financial sector have participated.
Get involved
Help our entrepreneurs achieve their funding milestones and reach success through Ascension. Reach out to ascension@fintechcadence.com for general interest.
Become a Capital Provider
Become an Expert
Become a Partner
FAQ
Ascension is completely free. Fintech Cadence doesn’t take any equity either. We solely ask for engagement, commitment and responsiveness throughout the process.
All masterclass series are completely virtual.
You can participate in the program as long as you are in the pre-series A stage.
Fintech Cadence does not invest in participating fintechs. Pending the Masterclass series you choose and if you are chosen for the exclusive Showcase in December, you may meet with key capital provider stakeholders (government entities, VC’s, Financial Institution venture arms, angel investors etc.), however, we can’t guarantee any financing will be given by any of these stakeholders.
Fintech Cadence team will control the information submitted via the registration answers you provide. Some high-level information may be given to participating Industry Experts and Capital Providers through the program, but we will always ask for your approval beforehand. Please note that participating industry experts involved in the program will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before participating – however please note that participating Capital Providers cannot sign the NDA’s.
Whether it’s during the Masterclass Networking Series or if you are selected into the Showcase, you can absolutely provide your input and share any stakeholder information that you’d like to meet! Fintech Cadence will be sure to have those conversations with you once you are registered to the Masterclass series and/or if you are selected into the Showcase.
Fintech Cadence’s network is mainly Canadian. However, through our Industry Experts, Venture Partners and stakeholderholder collaborators, we will be also inviting international entities into the Masterclass networking series and the Fintech Showcase.
Don’t see your question? Reach out to us at ascension@fintechcadence.com
Champion Partner
Program Partner
Practice and tailor your pitch for capital providers to maximize your investment opportunities.
Better plan and manage your financials for investment readiness and in-house keeping.
Create a stress-free due diligence process with the building and maintenance of your data room.
Understand the financing options (non-dilutive and equity) available in Canada for your venture.
Spark new connections with key stakeholders and capital providers in the industry.
Acquire key learnings from founders and experts in the field through workshops and roundtables.
