📣 Proxies’ Campaign Closes Friday + Highlights from the G7 & Our 10-Year Anniversary

🔔 Your campaign updates feed

🍷 Proxies is closing tomorrow! Proxies is creating a new form of wine alternative—not dealcoholized wine, but layered blends of fruit, teas, spices, and bitters, designed to pair with food and be enjoyed in your best glasses. There are less than 48 hours left to invest in this opportunity.

Invest in Proxies | $1.76M Raised | 101% of target

🚁 AIRmarket is talking partnerships! The right partners are important when building Canada’s first drone network. AIRmarket leads the iART Alliance, a 45+ member group that includes Suncor, TC Energy, Alberta Wildfire, McElhanney, and others that are customers preparing for BVLOS operations at scale. Read more.

Invest in AIRmarket | $63K Raised | 25% of target

🔔 Alumni updates

Drink Glimmer Wine was recently featured in the Vancouver Guardian’s Homegrown Business series, spotlighting CEO Jane Stoller and the brand’s mission to deliver flavourful, celebratory bubbles—without the alcohol or the hangover.

joni’s Model A bundles are now available through Staples Professional, making it easier than ever for organizations across Canada to offer free, sustainable period care. Each bundle includes a dispenser and a supply of joni pads and tampons—ideal for supporting inclusion in low-traffic or employee spaces.

This past weekend, VEGAIN proudly sponsored the long drive hole at the 2nd annual Golf for Skates tournament—supporting access to minor hockey for families across the community. They kept golfers fueled with ice-cold cans of SURGE™️Clear Protein.

🤔 What’s on our minds

What the G7 Summit Means for Canadian Entrepreneurs & Investors

The G7 Summit wrapped up this week in Canada, bringing global leaders together to tackle key challenges shaping the future—climate action, energy security, AI regulation, and economic resilience. While political headlines dominated the news cycle, the outcomes of the summit carry real implications for Canadian entrepreneurs and investors.

Here’s what you need to know:

🌱 Innovation & Clean Tech Took Centre Stage

Canada leaned into its strengths as an innovation economy, spotlighting sectors like:

• Clean energy and long-duration storage—with strong alignment on renewables and grid resilience

• Critical minerals and rare earths—a core pillar for future-facing manufacturing and green infrastructure

• AI and quantum computing—Canada reaffirmed its commitment to ethical, responsible leadership in emerging technologies

If you’re building in these sectors, now is the time to double down. And for those following market trends, there’s growing public and global support for technologies that accelerate sustainability and resilience.

🌍 Trade Uncertainty Underscores the Need for Diversification

Despite hopes for progress, there were no major breakthroughs on trade—particularly with the U.S.

• Tariffs and protectionist sentiment remain unresolved, increasing volatility for cross-border commerce

• Canadian businesses should focus on expanding into EU and Indo-Pacific markets to reduce risk

• Operational flexibility and diverse supply chains will be essential for long-term growth

🤖 AI Regulation is Coming—Be Prepared

The G7 recommitted to advancing the Hiroshima AI Process, focused on:

• Developing shared rules for AI safety, transparency, and accountability

• Encouraging innovation within a framework of democratic values and user trust

• Canadian AI companies that build for safety and ethical use will be better positioned as global standards emerge

🍁 Canada’s Reputation as a Trusted Global Partner is Growing

As other countries face political volatility, Canada’s steady leadership stood out:

• Positioned as a hub for international collaboration on clean energy and digital infrastructure

• Viewed as a reliable home for tech innovation, capital formation, and inclusive economic growth

• Canadian startups are increasingly seen as trusted global partners—especially in mission-driven sectors

Bottom Line:

The G7 didn’t deliver flashy announcements—but it quietly reinforced Canada’s global role in building the next generation of innovation. For founders, the summit points to clear opportunities: build for resilience, align with climate and digital priorities, and don’t wait for regulatory certainty to start building responsibly. For those watching the private market landscape, it’s a timely reminder that long-term trends continue to favour forward-thinking, globally relevant ventures.

🤔 From our desk

10 Years of FrontFundr: Reflecting on a Decade of Community Capital

Last week, we marked a major milestone in the movement to democratize private markets—FrontFundr’s 10-Year Anniversary. Held in Toronto, the event was more than just a celebration—it was a powerful reflection on how far we’ve come as a community of founders, investors, and innovators shaping the future of funding in Canada.

The evening kicked off with a fireside chat between our CEO Peter-Paul Van Hoeken and Joe Canavan, 2025 NACO Angel of the Year, exploring what meaningful impact in early-stage investing really looks like. From emphasizing the importance of backing character over credentials to calling for policies that support innovation and risk-taking, their conversation struck a chord with many in the room.

A high-energy panel followed, featuring speakers from Blossom Social, HOVR, and FrontFundr, who shared how they turned their users into co-owners and built momentum through authenticity, community trust, and mission alignment. The key message? The most powerful funding strategy is one that puts your community at the center.

We also recognized three standout campaigns leading the way in inclusive capital:

• 🏆 Sheringham Distillery – Sustainable Future Award

• 🏆 HOVR – Equity for Everyone Award

• 🏆 Blossom Social – Equity Icon Award

From record-breaking raises to grassroots advocacy, these companies are proving that ownership matters—and it should be accessible to all.

👉 Read the full event recap on our blog to see how far we’ve come—and for more insights from the engaging conversations.

🎙️ Hear from our latest founder feature

Redefining the Wine Experience: The Story of Proxies with Co-Founder & President Charlie Friedmann

🍷 On a breakthrough moment: Partnering with André Mack was a game-changer. At his New York restaurant, we hosted a dinner pairing Proxies alongside wine, with top food and wine journalists in attendance. The response was incredible—it proved Proxies could stand alongside traditional wines.

📈 On growth milestones: We’ve built partnerships with top restaurants like The French Laundry and Eleven Madison Park, but real growth comes from retail. With $15M+ in revenue and 500,000+ bottles sold, we’ve scaled intentionally, focusing on the right opportunities. Now, demand is accelerating.

🚀 On what sets Proxies apart: We’re not just following the non-alcoholic trend—we’re building a category. Big wine brands struggle to connect with younger consumers, but Proxies bridges that gap. Our direct-to-consumer expertise gives us a lasting edge as the industry evolves.

🎧 Want to hear the full story? Listen on Spotify.