Okanagan Angel Summit 2026 | Investor & Founder Forum

New for 2026, the Okanagan Angel Summit Investor and Founder Forum brings together entrepreneurs, angel investors, and ecosystem leaders for a day of thoughtful conversations and meaningful connections around early-stage venture investing. Taking place ahead of the Summit Finale in the evening, it is designed to create space for deeper discussions about what it takes to build and scale high-growth companies.

Throughout the day, attendees will dive into the realities of raising capital, constructing strong investment portfolios, navigating founder-investor relationships, and building scalable ventures. Designed to be interactive and connection-focused, the Forum includes curated networking and candid conversations with founders and investors who are actively shaping the innovation ecosystem.

Whether you are an entrepreneur preparing to raise capital, an investor looking to expand your network, or a supporter of the startup ecosystem, the Angel Summit Forum is an opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to the future of innovation.

Forum attendees are encouraged to continue the experience into the evening by purchasing a Forum and Finale ticket. The evening Finale marks the culmination of this year’s Summit journey, where the Top 5 companies take the stage to deliver their final pitches.

Info: Start the day with a casual hike at Knox Mountain. Open to all, this free-to-attend, informal gathering offers a relaxed opportunity for founders, investors, and sponsors to connect before the Forum begins.

Info: Join us in the Innovation Centre Atrium for coffee and networking. This dedicated time allows attendees to check in, reconnect, and meet fellow founders, investors, and community members.

Info: Join our MC, Justin Goodhew, CEO of Trellis, followed by Forum Sponsor, Emily Phair, Partner of The Mullings Group, for a quick welcome to officially open the Forum.

Info: Opening Keynote by Ben Yoskovits. AI has changed the startup landscape in ways that make early-stage evaluation both harder and more important than ever. Anyone can build software now. The market is flooded with look-alike products. The signal that actually matters has shifted: it's less about what a founder is building and more about why they're the right person to build it, whether they have a real insight, and whether they can find customers. This talk walks through how to evaluate AI-heavy deal flow, what's changed, and what hasn't.

Info: Enjoy a relaxed lunch designed to bring founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders together. This informal setting offers a chance to meet new people, share ideas, and continue conversations from the day.

Info: Jason Richards, CEO of Minga, delves into what comes after a successful exit—and why it matters more for the region than any one single win. Drawing on his experience, Jason challenges the common “unicorn” narrative and introduces the concept of the “10-Unit Rule”: the idea that sustainable growth in the Okanagan won’t come from one breakout company, but from consistently building and backing many.

Info: Camille Saltman, General Partner of OKGN WMAN Angel Funds, hosts an engaging conversation with leading entrepreneurs Sean O’Connor, CEO of 4AG; Lynda Brown-Ganzert, CEO of RxPx; and Dr. Hila Behar, CEO of Bryosphere. Together, they’ll share candid insights on investing, fundraising, and the realities of building and scaling a company.

Info: End the Forum on a high note by connecting with fellow founders, investors, and community leaders ahead of the evening Finale.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Kelowna Innovation Centre, 460 Doyle Ave, Kelowna, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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