Capital Angel Network hosts Meeting & Exclusive Mentorship at Algonquin College
Posted on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025
On March 25, aspiring entrepreneurs from Algonquin College participated in an exclusive mentorship session with members of the Capital Angel Network (CAN), Ottawa’s largest network of early-stage investors. The session was part of a larger event that marked CAN’s official return to campus, as they hosted their members’ meeting at Algonquin College for the first time in many years. Held in Nawapon and the DARE District Incubator, the gathering brought together seasoned investors and members of the College community in a space designed to spark conversation, collaboration and opportunity.
The mentorship session itself was intimate in nature, with approximately ten participants—including student founders, faculty, employees and administrators—invited to share their early-stage ventures and innovation projects. The session was led by two distinguished CAN members: David A. Hayes, a seasoned global technology investor and board member of the Capital Angel Network, and Marc-Antoine Ruel, the owner of fghbuild, specializing in infrastructure observability and engineering productivity consulting.
David and Marc-Antoine offered practical insights and fostered an open dialogue that made the session a dynamic and empowering experience for all involved. They emphasized the importance of networking and timing—underscoring how critical it is to connect with the right partners and enter the market at just the right moment.
At the heart of the discussion was the role of investors in shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Participants explored what it means to be investor-ready, the complexities of giving up equity, when and how to pursue patents and how intentional investment decisions can support long-term growth—not just short-term traction.
This mentorship session—and the broader return of the Capital Angel Network to campus—reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful spaces for innovation, learning and entrepreneurial growth. A sincere thank you to CAN for inspiring our student entrepreneurs and reigniting a powerful connection with Algonquin College. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected future for entrepreneurship in the National Capital Region.