The Mayor and the City of Mississauga, in partnership with Research Innovation Commercialization (RIC) Centre and Angel One Investor Network, hosted their fourth annual First Look – Angel Investor Networking Event at City Hall last night.
First Look is about connecting new, innovative and emerging start-ups with accomplished investors looking for cutting-edge ideas, products, and services in which to invest. This event helps foster long-term partnerships that will benefit businesses, their industry, and ultimately our City.
“I committed to hosting this event annually in my 2014 Mayoral platform because I heard how difficult it was for start-up companies to attract financing and take their ideas from concept to commercialization,” said Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of Mississauga. “A great idea remains just that unless properly resourced. To make an idea into reality requires funding, mentorship, and a bit of luck. If re-elected, I will continue to host this event because I understand just how important meetings like this can be for emerging businesses” added Crombie.
Now in its fourth year, First Look is producing real results for investors and start-up companies who want to build on their success, reach higher and lead the competition.
“The First Look events provide my members with three core benefits,” said Karen Grant, Angel One’s Executive Director. “Networking with Angels beyond our immediate network, speaking directly with early stage entrepreneurs to identify promising candidates to nurture towards an Angel financing, and finally exposure to emerging start-ups that are a window into interesting new solutions making their way into the marketplace. With almost 80 companies participating in First Look over the four years it has been held, it isn’t surprising to me that almost $2 million has been invested to date as a result of First Look” added Grant.
This year’s event was an outstanding success with over 150 people in attendance from over 17 companies selected by HalTech, Innovate Guelph, Innovate Niagara, Innovation Factory and the RIC Centre.
In 2016, AOMS technologies took part in this event and secured an investment valued at just under $1 million dollars.
“Entrepreneurs and start-ups are transforming how we live and do business. Events like First Look help to fuel the companies that are leaders of tomorrow. This is critically important to growing the prosperity of our communities. “ said Pam Banks, Executive Director
of the RIC Centre. “Last year RIC Centre portfolio companies contributed over $29 million in revenue and created over 500 jobs. The efforts from all of the innovation centres including Haltech, Innovation Factory, Innovation Guelph, Innovate Niagara and RIC Centre power the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs and are a driving force for the region and Ontario,” added Banks.
First Look has cemented its reputation as a popular and trusted professional networking opportunity where entrepreneurs and industry professionals come together to launch the next big idea into the marketplace.
