Investing in Venture Capital (VC) Funds as a limited partner presents a compelling opportunity to diversify an investment portfolio without needing to invest directly into companies. Investing in emerging fund managers can also provide the added benefit of requiring a lower minimum cheque size compared to larger VC funds, and provides an opportunity to further support and grow the local tech ecosystem.
Laura Webb from Osler, will talk about the specifics of venture funds, covering key topics from structure, economics of VC, common terms and governance. Christiana Manzocco from AEC will provide an overview on how to conduct due diligence and invest in emerging VC funds, including the upsides and pitfalls of investing in the asset class, gained through their experience of building a portfolio of 34 venture funds.
Whether you're an experienced investor considering adding VC funds to your portfolio, or someone new to the venture capital space, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge to determine if investing in a fund is suitable for you.
Presentations will be followed by Q&A and networking opportunities. Food and drinks will be provided.
Note that this event is exclusive to accredited investors only.
April 10, 2024 │ 5:00 - 7:30 PM MST
Osler Calgary Office
Speakers:
Laura Webb is a Partner in Osler’s Emerging and High Growth Companies Group and Venture Fund Group in Vancouver. Laura practices corporate and securities law with a particular focus on venture capital fund structuring and formation matters, as well as angel, venture capital, growth equity and venture debt financings and mergers and acquisitions. Laura advises a range of technology companies throughout their lifecycle (from start-up through to exit), as well as the angel, strategic and venture capital investors that fund technology companies.
Christiana Manzocco is the Director of Investments at AEC where she invests in venture capital funds to drive Alberta's tech industry growth. Her notable contributions at AEC include leading the Start Alberta Deal Flow Platform, experience which she leveraged during her time in Lisbon and Amsterdam, as Dealroom.co's Director of Government Marketing. A University of Calgary MBA alumna, Christiana was part of the inaugural CDL - Rockies cohort. She holds accreditation from UC Berkeley's Venture Capital Executive Program and completed ILPA Institute courses accredited by the University of Chicago Booth.
Christiana’s career has spanned industries from financial services to fashion, chiefly as a management consultant on strategic planning, marketing strategies and international expansion projects. Christiana is a Director with the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) Board, as well as a VMS and Canadian Immigrant Women Society Mentor.
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP’s Emerging and High Growth Companies Group and Venture Capital teams help clients recognize, develop and realize innovative venture capital opportunities. Osler acts for more than 1,500 early, growth and late-stage ventures and venture investors across Canada, the United States and around the world. The EHG team publishes its annual Deal Points Report: Venture Capital Financings, which includes data from venture capital and growth equity preferred share financings completed by Osler.
Osler is a leading law firm with a singular focus – your business. From Toronto, Montréal, Calgary, Ottawa, Vancouver and New York, we advise our Canadian, U.S. and international clients on an array of domestic and cross-border legal issues.
Alberta Enterprise Corporation (AEC) promotes the development of Alberta’s venture capital industry by investing in venture capital funds that finance technology companies. AEC focuses on funds that have a strong commitment to Alberta – including a full-time presence in the province. In addition to financial capital, AEC supports Alberta’s venture capital ecosystem by connecting investors, entrepreneurs, and experienced technology executives who share our passion for building a bright, innovative Alberta. As of December 2023, AEC has committed C$347 million for investment to thirty-four venture capital funds including Accelerate Funds I, II and III, covering a diverse range of forward-looking industries including information technology, energy and industrial technology, and life sciences.
Supported by:
InterGen’s investor and leadership development program is funded by
Alberta Innovates and PrairiesCan.