When the VCs said no, the city said yes. The company was up against the wall and worried about how to make payroll when they amazingly raised $12.5 million dollars from the streets of Calgary to keep their business going.
The room was full, the atmosphere excited and positive. Investors, business leaders, new entrepreneurs and professionals alike all gathered to hear from two out of the three innovative minds behind ZayZoon. As Darcy Tuer and Tate Hackert took center stage, everyone happily listened to their inspiring story of overcoming challenges, pivoting, pure determination and a whole lot of passion.
Their journey resonated well with the audience, serving as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs and a source of pride for the local tech community. More than a celebration of success, the evening was a powerful reminder of the promising future awaiting new entrepreneurs in our province. A compelling testament to the incredible talent and robust support system thriving in our own backyard.
Angel rounds invest in the founders not the business. Among the several anecdotes shared by supporters, it was no doubt emphasized that the character of a founder plays an important role in attracting potential investments.
It was a fantastic evening with great company, inspiring stories, new connections and a perfect testament to how vibrant the Alberta tech ecosystem is.
This gathering goes beyond the value of financial backing but spotlights invaluable mentorship, expertise, and networking opportunities. It was a testament to the collaborative spirit that thrives within our city, where success was not measured solely by individual achievements but by the collective progress as we work towards building our next-generation economy.
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Thank you ATB and BLG for sponsoring this event
Photos taken by Jill Thompson Photography