Welcome to July at Venn!

Summers in full swing, and so are the ideas, connections, and community moments that keep us moving forward. From recent highlights to what’s coming next, here’s a look at what’s been happening and what’s still to come.

tech connect in the spotlight

We’re proud to share that our TechConnect program was featured in Digital Journal as part of a piece on Moncton’s growing innovation ecosystem!

The article dives into how New Brunswick is redefining what it means to build tech in Atlantic Canada, and we’re honoured that TechConnect was recognized as part of that story. A huge thank you to our partners, supporters, and the incredible international tech talent that is participating founders who have gone through the program.

Take a moment to read it and get inspired by what’s rising in our region.

Innovate Atlantic

We’re excited to celebrate the launch of INNOVATE Atlantic Canada, a beautifully curated book highlighting the people, places, and ideas shaping our region’s innovation ecosystem.

From startups to established changemakers, this collection shines a light on the bold thinking and collaborative spirit that’s putting Atlantic Canada on the global map. We’re proud to see our community represented alongside so many inspiring stories.

Take a flip through the digital edition and see what’s growing right here at home.

Featured read: Navigating US Market Entry & VC Expectations

For founders eyeing growth (and capital), this one's for you. Atlantic Fintech sat down with Drew Glover, GP at Fiat Ventures, to talk about what VCs are really looking for, and how fintechs can set themselves up for success in the US market.

From building trust with investors to finding product-market fit, this blog is packed with sharp insights and real-world advice.

Venn Friday Office Hours – Startup Mentorship

Supporting NB Entrepreneurs: Your Local Impact

New Brunswick — and Canadian — entrepreneurs create incredible products, from food and beverages to innovative technology. Supporting local businesses strengthens our economy, our communities, and the people behind these brands. There’s no better time than now to #BuyLocal and #BuyCanadian! 🇨🇦

Some of the best products and expertise are right here in New Brunswick. For more ways to support local, check out Excellence NB—a non-profit that showcases businesses, artisans, boutiques, and more from across our picturesque province.

Scaling Smart: How FIntechs and Paytechs Can Successfully Partner with Banks

Co-hosted by Payments and Partnerships and Atlantic Fintech

In today’s fast-evolving financial ecosystem, successful collaboration between fintechs, paytechs, and traditional banks is essential for sustainable growth and market reach. But navigating these partnerships is rarely straightforward. This webinar, co-hosted by Payments and Partnerships and Atlantic Fintech, brings together experts from across the ecosystem to explore what it really takes to scale through bank partnerships — from aligning on regulatory expectations to operational readiness.

Key topics include:

- What fintechs and paytechs should expect when partnering with a bank

- Best practices for building trust, integration, and speed to market

- Managing operational risks, including regulatory readiness, compliance, data governance, and business continuity

- Lessons learned from real-world partnerships — what works, what doesn’t

Whether you're a fintech looking to partner or a bank evaluating third-party vendors, this session will offer practical insights to help both sides unlock long-term value from collaboration

Startup Global - Pop-up Pitch Moncton

About

Entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada are invited to participate in the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition hosted with Venn Innovation, an in-person opportunity for globally aspiring entrepreneurs to win a cash prize of $3,000. The winner will also win a guaranteed spot in our Startup Global Pitch Competition Grand Finale in Mississauga on October 21, where they and 9 other finalists will pitch live on the Main Stage for their chance to win from an overall $70,000 cash prize pool.

Pop up Pitch Details

🗓️Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

📍Venue: Venn Innovation | 770 St George Blvd, Moncton, NB E1E 2C6

Entrepreneurs that are interested in pitching, apply by registering for this event. A Startup Canada team member will review your application. If you are eligible, you will be emailed a confirmation with a specific time slit for their pitch approximately 2 weeks before the pitch day.

Please note: You are not guaranteed a spot by applying. Only 1 person per company may pitch and only the person pitching may be present.

This in person pitch competition will happen over the course of one day. The morning will consist of all the first round “heats”. Out of these heats, the judges will select a Top 5. The Top 5 will then pitch later that day to a secondary panel of judges and a live audience.

Pitchers will have 3 minutes to pitch, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A from the judges.

The pitch is verbal (no pitch deck/visual aid). If you are product based, you are welcome to show it during the pitch but no demonstrations are allowed unless the judges specifically ask.

Of the Top 5, one winner will be selected by the judges and will be awarded win $3,000 cash prize plus a guaranteed spot in the Grand Finale in Mississauga on October 21.

Who is this Pitch Competition For?

This pitch competition is open to entrepreneurs based in Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland). To be eligible for the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition, you must meet the following criteria:

-       The intention/ability to export and expand your business internationally

-       Less than $1,000,000 in revenue, as of February 3, 2025

-       Less than $1,000,000 in funding or investment (grants, bank loans, equity funding), as of February 3, 2025

-       Less than 5 years of operating your business, as of February 3, 2025

-       Have business/operations based in Canada  

Judging Criteria

Pitches will be assessed with the following guidelines: Target market, objective, solution, leadership, traction (if any), competition, and most importantly the ability to go global.

To learn more about the Startup Global Pitch Competition, visit the Startup Global Pitch Competition Webpage!

The Startup Atlantic Kitchen Party is coming to Venn

Join us on September 17 for an East Coast celebration following the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch in Moncton! Whether you’re pitching, cheering from the sidelines or just in the mood to celebrate the local startup scene, come grab a bite, raise a glass, and connect with fellow innovators.

A Venn Go-Karting Showdown

Join us Tuesday, August 20th at 6:00PM for an adrenaline-fueled evening at East Coast Karting! We’re closing out the summer with a little friendly competition on the track AND a BBQ. Whether you’re racing for glory or just there for the good eats and good vibes, there’s a spot for you.

Spots are limited, so keep an eye out. Registration details are coming soon! You won’t want to miss your chance to hit the track (or the snack table).