Welcome to another episode of Who Are These Startups?, the podcast that shines a spotlight on Canadian startup founders. In this episode, our host, the Startup Coach, takes you to the heart of Collision, one of the biggest tech conferences in North America, where he sits down with Danielle Graham, a prominent figure in the Canadian startup ecosystem and the driving force behind The Firehood and the Archangel Network of Funds.

Danielle Graham, a powerhouse in the Canadian venture capital scene, shares insights into her work with The Firehood and the Archangel Network of Funds. The Archangel Network, based in Waterloo, is a crucial backend system supporting multiple emerging managers and their respective funds, including Adrenaline, Starforge, Axion, and Phoenix Fire. The Phoenix Fire fund is particularly noteworthy as it focuses on supporting women-led startups, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the Canadian tech industry.

The Firehood, on the other hand, is more than just a fund—it's a dynamic network of women angels dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs across Canada. With a broad focus on industries such as MedTech, CleanTech, Cybersecurity, AI, and digital transformation, The Firehood ensures that women-led startups have the resources, support, and investment opportunities they need to thrive.

Danielle is no stranger to the Collision conference, a hub where global investors and startups converge. However, her primary focus remains on Canadian initiatives like SAS North, Startup Fast, Elevate, and Uniting the Prairies. These events provide a platform for Canadian women entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and secure significant investments, often culminating in on-the-spot funding decisions that can transform their business trajectories.

One highlight of Danielle’s year is her involvement in Startup Fast, where she oversees the Women in Tech Prize. Now in its third year, this prize brings together angel investors from across Canada to support female founders in a unique and impactful way. With a VIP space on the docks, this event offers a prestigious and supportive environment for women entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and secure vital funding.

A key aspect of Danielle's mission is preparing women entrepreneurs for the investment world. Through a specialized program called Elevate Women Plus, which operates in partnership with Elevate, Danielle and her team provide crucial support to women raising their first rounds of funding. The success of this program is evident, with over 50% of participating companies in each cohort successfully closing their pre-seed rounds—a remarkable achievement that underscores the effectiveness of the program.

For female entrepreneurs looking to break into the startup world, The Firehood offers more than just funding. It provides a community, a support system, and a pathway to success in a challenging and competitive industry.

If you're a woman entrepreneur interested in learning more about The Firehood, or if you're an investor looking to support female-led startups, Danielle Graham invites you to connect. You can find her on LinkedIn or visit thefirehood.net to fill out their intake form and become part of this growing community.

Join us as we continue to highlight the stories of Canadian startups and the people behind them. Whether you're a founder, investor, or someone passionate about innovation, Who Are These Startups? is your go-to podcast for inspiration and insight. Stay tuned for more episodes, and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!