Discovery Foundation’s Capital Connect Program

Focused support for founders preparing for funding —

in all its forms.

Fundraising is not a one-size-fits-all journey.

From equity rounds and loans to accelerators, competitions, and strategic grants, there’s a lot to untangle. We know how exhausting it can be to move through layers of training and feedback that feel disjointed, repetitive, or surface-level.

Discovery Foundation’s Capital Connect Program offers focused, practical support for founders preparing for funding.

Our advisor network brings expertise across key business areas that commonly surface in funding conversations. The goal is simple: help you get past the pitch gates and feel prepared for what comes next.

Whether that’s strengthening your pitch or addressing the gaps that emerge in diligence—from financial modeling to go-to-market—we work alongside you to ensure the fundamentals hold.

This year’s Capital Connect focuses on:

  • 1:1 strategic pitch refinement and targeted advising support

  • Peer Pitch Practice circles

The Details

  • Advising is approved through an application process or partner-programs

  • Priority access is provided to equity-deserving founders

  • Program intake reopens March 2026

Apply Today

Be paired with founder-friendly coaches who help you:

  • Strengthen your pitch to move confidently through early funding gates

  • Surface and address the gaps that emerge in investor conversations

  • Prepare for the deeper diligence questions that follow

Your first session will begin with a diagnostic kickoff or pitch coaching call, depending on your needs.

From there, we’ll determine what support makes the most sense: refining your narrative, strengthening your financial story, or addressing gaps in areas like GTM or modeling.

Come prepared with your most current pitch—even if it’s a messy FrankenPitch.

No judgement here—we’ve seen it all!

1:1 Pitch & Funding Readiness

Peer Pitch Circles

Structured, collaborative sessions designed to help founders refine their pitch and pressure-test their funding narrative in a supportive, learning-oriented environment.

  • Strengthen your pitch narrative through iterative, real-time feedback

  • Gain perspective on how your pitch lands with different audiences

  • Build confidence through practice in a founder-led space

Priority access is provided to founders participating in 1:1 Advising and partner cohorts; additional sessions may be announced publicly based on availability.

Is this program for me?

Is this program for me?

This program is designed for founders who are actively building, and want feedback that actually moves the needle. You:

  • Lead a BC or Yukon-based tech or tech-enabled business*

  • Are navigating the stretch between validation and scalable growth

  • Are preparing to fundraise or pursue ecosystem funding

  • Are seeking thoughtful, strategic feedback—the kind that strengthens your strategy, not just your slides

This program is delivered virtually, and prioritises support for equity deserving founders across BC and Yukon.

*What do we mean by “tech-enabled”?

A tech-enabled business is one where technology plays a meaningful role in how you deliver value—not just a tool, but part of how you operate or scale.

This could include:

  • Using proprietary or specialized processes supported by technology

  • Leveraging digital systems to automate or enhance delivery

  • Building a model where technology drives efficiency, growth, or customer experience

We aim to be inclusive of founders who use technology intentionally and strategically — not only those building software.

Apply Today

  • “We are benefitting from help in improving our financial model. We greatly value the 1-on-1 sessions that help us get data room assets complete.”

    –Kamal Singh (Halitra)

  • “All Volition events I've attended have yielded very positive returns for my business, from opportunities for collaboration to potential for new clients. I will definitely be attending future events.”

    – Kim Jacob (Arvorei Communications Group)

  • “At no point during did I feel unwelcome, incompetent, or undervalued in my experiences. I had a great experience. I am a native (white presenting) woman in the ag tech startup space, so a lot of times people will make uncomfortable (not always intentional) comments, especially when it comes to food security and climate change. The Advisor did an extremely great job at making me feel welcome. They were extremely approachable, thoughtful, and provided valuable feedback. Thanks!”

    – Amanda Ackroyd (Insporos)

  • “The learning and connections you make are amazing, and truly a great resource for founders and entrepreneurs. Listening and connecting with people who have had similar challenges or something related is peace of mind knowing.”

    – Brody Bohm (One Up)

  • “The advisor took their time to listen and support! They gave us insight to being better and improving not only our pitch but our mentality about the business focus. They were pleasant, intelligent and had strong communication skills. They provided clear and concise instructions, and also gave us a charge of energy to make things better! Lastly, nothing was sugar coated or bland, it was direct and informative!”

    – Shylo Smith (Primeapplause)

Our ongoing collaboration with Discovery Foundation has enabled us to support over 300 startups across BC since 2021, and we're always looking to expand our network of partners to strengthen innovation ecosystems for a better tomorrow.

There are multiple ways to partner with us through this program:

  • Nonprofits (or running not-for-profit programming): Access dedicated advising hours for your community (e.g., to prepare them for an upcoming pitch competition or investor forum)

  • Community Partners: Join our cross-promotion network to amplify complementary programs and events, creating more streamlined pathways for entrepreneurs

  • Corporate Partners & Sponsors: Sponsor additional coaching hours for BC or Yukon-based founders or entrepreneurial employees in your company.

Reach out at melanie@VolitionAdvisors.com to discuss any of these opportunities.

The Discovery Foundation is a registered charity whose mandate is to promote and facilitate commercial innovation and the development, growth, and sustainability of the science and technology sector in British Columbia. The Foundation, through the Technology Education Program (TEP), provides funds to qualified Agents to deliver high-impact educational programs and training across British Columbia.

In Partnership with

PROGRAM IMPACT REPORT

Capital Connect In Action

Curious about how the 2025 Discovery Foundation’s Capital Connect Program helped build stronger funding pathways for women and gender-diverse founders across BC?

Click below to see the outcomes that shaped our 2025 program.

Learn More