Billions With Zero Knowledge

Despite the cold weather, Montreal is hot for young entrepreneurs. La Jeune Chambre de Commerce will this Thursday the 28th of February host its 13th edition of Les Anges Financiers. This fast paced evening will give a unique chance to some lucky selected Start-Ups to show off their talent in front of the Montreal Angel community. There is also $25,000 in grants available to winning companies.  I attended last years event where I saw an interesting mix of local companies.

Unfortunately I’ll be travelling this week and miss the event, but I was in touch with Alexandre Teodoresco who is in charge of the event and asked him to answer some questions about the event.

Q: Tell us about the event. What is it exactly?

Les Anges Financier is a contest where 20 innovative Start ups from all over Quebec are selected by a jury made out of some prominent business people. These finalists then have a chance to present their business in front of the Angel community during the Gala of ‘les Anges Financiers’

The event has been organized by ‘la Jeune Chambre de Commerce de Montreal’ for 13 years in collaboration with the ‘Fondation du Maire’ and Economic Development Canada.

The event itself is a bit like a ‘Dragon’s Den’ but larger. The Angels can meet the entrepreneurs at their booth and then the finalist have 2 minutes each to come on stage and impress the community. 2 minutes that can change lives, you can feel the tension. 

Q: What is its mission and its vision?

Our mission is to help young innovative start ups in Quebec raise the capital they are seeking by giving them a unique visibility in front of the Angels community in Quebec. It is also to help the Angel community have access to first rate start ups in Quebec. Our vision is to be one of the most recognized events in Quebec when it comes to mixing up young entrepreneurial talent and Angel funds.

So far we have been lucky to benefit from great media coverage and great support from different governmental organizations as well as the business community. 

Q: How has the event helped young companies in the past?

The event has helped dozens of young companies raise money and get great visibility in the Angel community. We have witnessed great success stories in the past and some great ones are still in the making. Some past winners include, Liquid Nutrition, Pakwa Technologies, Arianne Controls, Opto Security, Emovendo, etc. these companies. Its especially rewarding for us to see some of those finalists come back now as Angels and investors.

Q: How can people participate?

The event will take place on the 28th at the Centre Mont Royal. At the moment, we are finalizing all the invitations for the Angels. So if you are an investor and want to spend a fun and inspiring evening with other Angels, it is very easy to register. Simply go on the web site, www.angesfinanciers.qc.ca .

On Sun 24 Feb 2008.