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Investment Bootcamp

Your fundraising playbook

Get capital-ready with fundraising insights & strategies developed for Black-led tech startups.

In partnership with

A 4-month bootcamp that equips early-stage, Black-led startups with the training, mentorship and fundraising insights to secure early capital.

A commitment without compromise

Be part of a professional, ambitious alliance devoted to launching successful Black-led ventures.

Develop your capital strategy with 3 months of access to an entrepreneurship residence over Yspace, York University’s virtual incubation program for early-stage tech entrepreneurs.

Our programs are fully funded by public institutions, giving participants access to our network of mentors and experts at no cost to them.

Keep everything you’ve built. All BEA programs are non-dilutive—we don’t take any equity from your company.

Fundraising fundamentals & beyond

Financing workshops

Navigate the funding landscape with educational workshops focused on pre-seed and seed-stage financing rounds for Black-led tech startups.

1:1 Fundraising coaching

Get dedicated, one-on-one coaching and advising on your team’s fundraising strategy, and ready your next steps with confidence.

Demo Day

Participants in the Investment Bootcamp will wrap up their program with a Demo Day, where they’ll get the chance to build 1:1 connections with the BEA’s ventures & investment network.

Mentors by your side

Work closely with Black mentors and experts in the tech scene for continued guidance on how to secure early capital for your startup.

Program details & eligibility requirements

For pre-revenue stage startups with limited or no existing traction, but a validated MVP (preferably with a pilot).

What you’ll gain
Get ready for our next cohort

Session Dates

Sep 27 - Feb 6, 2025

Apply From

Jun 11 - Aug 23, 2024

Applicant Interviews

Sep 2 - Sep 6, 2025

For post-revenue stage startups with existing traction at a minimum of $1,000 monthly recurring revenue (MRR), and a basic understanding of the investment process.

What you’ll gain
Get ready for our next cohort

Session Dates

Sep 27 - Feb 6, 2025

Apply From

Jun 11 - Aug 23, 2024

Applicant Interviews

Sep 2 - Sep 6, 2025

Demo Day:

January 31, 2025

Our application process

A lifelong network that has your back

Cohorts and graduates of our Investment Bootcamp will get ongoing access to peer founder circles and other startup perks from the BEA Learning Community.

Meet our Alumni

“BEA is an incredible resource for both strategic refinement and venture visibility. The team works exhaustively to ensure the participating founders are receiving top quality resources and networking. A good example of this was Demo Day where they went above and beyond to curate an atmosphere that was both exceptionally professional and dynamically cultural.”

Joshua Benjamin

Synoptech

The BEA team has been incredibly supportive of my early entrepreneurial journey. They've created an amazing community to help local Black founders like myself take their first steps!"

Jonathon Bloomfield

Edventive

"Working with the BEA allowed me to get that first version out, get proper lingo to talk about my vision with more clarity, foresee how potential investors might react, and challenge myself to discard aspects of my own idea that weren’t working. Being very early in the process, I’m glad I got exposed to founders who were further along so I could see what it really takes to birth an idea."

Mutiat Bello

MyPreconUnit.io

"The BEA culture has been instrumental in providing invaluable support, both professionally and personally, propelling entrepreneurs like myself and our ideas forward. From a professional standpoint, the support offered by BEA is unparalleled. Whether it's access to resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, or guidance on navigating challenges specific to Black entrepreneurs, BEA has been an invaluable resource. This support has empowered us to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and thrive in the competitive business landscape. Equally important is the personal support and sense of community that BEA cultivates. Being part of a network of Black entrepreneurs who share similar experiences, challenges, and aspirations creates a profound sense of belonging and solidarity. It's not just about advancing our businesses; it's about uplifting each other, celebrating successes, and providing a shoulder to lean on during tough times."

Yemi Ifegbuyi

Cozii Technologies

"Honestly, since joining BEA I've grown exponentially as a founder. Their wealth of resources & amazing workshops have helped me accelerate the growth of our business. I truly believe BEA will be a catalyst to creating the top Black owned startups in Canada!"

Merveille Mukoko

Yekola

Program & application FAQ

Learn more details about the program below, or get in touch with us for all other enquiries.

The BEA’s Investment Bootcamp is a 4-month bootcamp that equips early-stage, Black-led startups with the training, mentorship and fundraising insights to secure early capital.

Applications for our next Investment Bootcamp are open from June 11 and due on Aug 23. Applicant interviews will take place between Aug 27 – Sept 6.

The cohort will run from Sep 27, 2024 to February 6 2025, with the final Demo Day taking place on February 6 2025.

Nothing! All BEA programs are free and non-dilutive (we take no equity).

Participants of the Investment Bootcamp will receive 3 months of YSpace Membership and all its startup perks, including dedicated office hours and growth services for both Streams.

Our Investment Bootcamp is open to all Black-identifying individuals over the age of 18, located within Southern Ontario.

There are 2 streams of the Investment Bootcamp. Stream 1 is for pre-revenue stage startups with limited or no existing traction, but have a validated MVP. Stream 2 is for post-revenue stage startups with some existing traction, at a minimum $1,000 MRR.

Startups applying to either streams of the Investment Bootcamp must be at least 50% Black-owned.

Participants are expected to contribute a minimum of 2 – 5 hours a week to participate in the educational workshops and connect with their mentors. Any additional time they have to complete the work required to push their business idea forward will be up to the participant.

A maximum of 10 applicants will be chosen for each stream per cohort.

Our Partners

Innovation Infrastructure In Underserved cOmmunities:

Innovation Hub Feasibility Study

Make Innovation Accessible for All. Fill out the survey to provide your insights, perspectives, and recommendations to inform a proposed Innovation Hub that will support underrepresented entrepreneurs and professionals. 

The survey closes on August 18, 2023.