☕️ Coffee, Connection & Capital ☕️ This morning’s power chat on fundraising was packed with insights! Huge thanks to Azrah Manji-Savin & Co-Founder of Syzl, and Irene de from Growth Partners for sharing what it really takes to raise capital in today’s market, especially as a female founder. Candid, thoughtful, and full of actionable advice just the kind of conversation we love at Upside Foundation. Most importantly, it was a chance to build meaningful connections with those navigating similar challenges. Thanks to everyone who joined, asked great questions, and made new connections! #Fundraising #FemaleFounders #StartupFunding #Community #UpsideFoundation
The Upside Foundation of Canada
Philanthropic Fundraising Services
Upside enables Founders of early-stage high-growth Canadian companies to live their values by pledging equity to charity
About us
The Upside Foundation of Canada offers an innovative platform to help Canadian startups and high-growth companies to be more philanthropic: donate options or warrants, not cash. We understand that cash is scarce, as is time, so the Upside Foundation makes charitable giving QUICK, EASY and CASH-FREE. Companies typically pledge about 1% of total equity to the Upside Foundation. The company grows and succeeds - with the help of a stronger corporate culture due to its philanthropic mission and purpose as well as the many marketing and networking benefits inherent in the Upside Foundation network. The Foundation has no involvement in the management of the donor company's operations. When the company has a liquidity event (e.g., IPO, acquisition), the Foundation sells its options for cash and donates the proceeds to registered charities in Canada.
- Website
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http://upsidefoundation.ca
External link for The Upside Foundation of Canada
- Industry
- Philanthropic Fundraising Services
- Company size
- 2-10 employees
- Headquarters
- Toronto
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 2013
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
Toronto, CA
Employees at The Upside Foundation of Canada
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Joachim Koch
ceo @ Aspiration Marketing | Better Growth Marketing, Sales, People, HubSpot
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Dominique Bélanger
Late stage venture investor with experience across the VC landscape in Canada, reformed entrepreneur (almost!), veteran and life sherpa of 3 teens
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Russell Sean Languedoc
5X Founder, CEO @ Outforce.ai | GTM Fund member | Podcaster | Board Member | Mentor| Trail builder.
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Eva Lau
Updates
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The Upside Foundation of Canada reposted this
📆 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘀! ☕️ 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 & 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 is coming up — and we’re proud to be sponsoring this inspiring event hosted by The Upside Foundation of Canada. 🗓 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟴 | 𝟴:𝟬𝟬–𝟵:𝟯𝟬 𝗔𝗠 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 Start your day with purpose, connection, and real talk featuring: ✨ Azrah Manji-Savin, CEO & Co-Founder of Syzl ✨ Irene de Gooyer-Collins, CPA, CMA at Growth Partners Together, they’ll share insights on how to: ✅ Raise capital in today’s economy ✅ Navigate common fundraising challenges ✅ Own your worth through every stage of the journey Whether you’re in the middle of a raise or planning your next move, this conversation is for you. Feel free to bring a fellow founder or friend! 👉 Limited spots are available, sign up here: https://lu.ma/s1g1yola #FemaleFounders #StartupCommunity #FundraisingSupport #WomenInBusiness #FoundersSupportingFounders
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☕ SAVE THE DATE - MARCH 18TH ☕ Join The Upside Foundation of Canada for Coffee & Connection a morning gathering for founders, investors, and startup founders who believe in doing good and giving back. 📅 Date: March 18, 2025 ⏰ Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM 📍 Location: Highline Beta Toronto This month, we’re hosting 'Capital & Confidence: Fundraising Strategies for Female Founders", a power chat with Irene de Gooyer-Collins, CPA, CMA, from our awesome sponsors at Growth Partners. She’ll break down how to raise capital in today’s economy, tackle fundraising challenges and own your worth in the process. 🔗 RSVP now: https://lu.ma/s1g1yola All are welcome. Looking forward to seeing you there! #Startups #GivingBack #Networking #UpsideFoundation
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Canadian entrepreneurs are proving that when we rally together, we can move mountains! In today’s newsletter, we celebrated the incredible ways our community has come together this week—and we want you to be a part of it. At Upside Foundation, our network of founders is driving change, building lasting legacies, and shaping the future of Canadian innovation. If you’re passionate about supporting community-driven success and want to stay in the loop on all things Canadian entrepreneurship, subscribe to our newsletter. Be inspired. Stay informed. Join the movement. 👉 Subscribe now https://lnkd.in/gkZySqD6 #CanadianInnovation #Entrepreneurship #LegacyBuilding #TechForGood #UpsideFoundation
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In Uncertain Times, Canadian Founders Lead the Way We’re witnessing challenges in 2025 that impact us all—from shifting tariffs to an evolving global landscape. In every challenge lies an opportunity for unity and resilience. Our network of 300+ incredible founders has pledged their support to Canadian charities by donating equity. Their commitment isn’t just about building successful businesses—it’s about investing in our communities and strengthening our nation, making us #CanadaProud. Now is the time to stand together, innovate locally, and put our money where our values are. Founders, join us in leading by example and making a lasting impact for Canada by pledging to your charity of choice. Let’s transform uncertainty into opportunity. 🇨🇦 #ChooseCanadian #CanadianInnovation #TechForGood #UpsideFoundation
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Shoutout to Nunzio Presta, BCom, a total rockstar in the Upside Community for not just achieving the incredible milestone of selling his company 🎉, but also advocating to give back through it all 🌟 Your journey is nothing short of inspiring, and we’re so proud to celebrate this amazing chapter with you. 🚀👏
Successful leader who built & sold a tech business, with M&A, HR and Sports expertise.
Thank you, The Upside Foundation of Canada, for sharing the news about Village Wellth acquiring BuyAndSellABusiness.com! A few years ago, I pledged a portion of my equity in BuyAndSellABusiness.com to The Upside Foundation. Their innovative model allows Canadian entrepreneurs to convert equity into donations during liquidity events (like a sale or IPO), with proceeds supporting a Canadian charity of your choice. As someone deeply passionate about empowering people to love what they do, joining The Upside Foundation was a natural fit. It extends my mission to empower communities across Canada, leaving a lasting impact that goes beyond business. If you plan on an exit one day (and every entrepreneur should—building a sellable business is a must, but more on that another time), I highly recommend joining The Upside Foundation. It’s a powerful way to align your success with purpose, give back to your community, and strengthen your brand. I’m thrilled to work with the foundation to deliver on this promise. Together, we can #ShareTheUpside and make a difference. #GiveBack Special thanks to Juanita Lee-Garcia, Cait Brenchley, Janie Goldstein, Robert Antoniades, Amy Olah, Mark Skapinker, Eva Lau, Steven Abrams and Pelra Azondekon, CPA, CA. We’re in great company. Here are a few notable members.👇 Wealthsimple (Michael Katchen) Willful (Erin Bury) BetaKit (Douglas Soltys) Borrowell (Eva Wong) Inkbox (Braden Handley) Hopper (Frederic Lalonde)
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In case you missed our newsletter The Goods this morning, this is your friendly reminder to consider making year-end donations. Not only can your generosity help support vital causes, but donations made before December 31st can also provide you with a tax receipt for the 2024 tax season. If you’re looking to create impact through your giving, consider supporting us here the Upside Foundation. Your contribution helps empower the tech community to give back and foster meaningful change across Canada Consider making your Upside donation here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gYgSQdzd Or pick a charity of your choice to support here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eC76nyd6
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🎉 It’s Giving Tuesday! 🎉 Hey Canadian startups, founders, and tech leaders – we know you’re all about building the future, but today, let’s take a moment to give back to the community that inspires us every day. 🌟 At Upside Foundation, we believe giving isn’t just good—it’s transformative. By donating a small slice of your startup’s equity, you’re not just investing in your growth, but in a better world. Why not start today? Whether it’s a pledge, a donation, or simply amplifying this message, your support makes a real impact. 💡 Let’s show the world the power of startups when they come together for good. Tag a founder who inspires you to give back. Let’s spread the startup love this Giving Tuesday! ❤️ #GivingTuesday #StartupsForGood #UpsideFoundation
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🌟 Start your morning with connection, good news, and doing good! 🌟 Join the Upside Foundation community for a coffee next week: 📅 Date: Thursday December 5th ⏰ Time: 8:00–9:30 AM 📍 Location: Highline Beta, Downtown Toronto This is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded founders, share some good news, and give back together. We're inviting everyone to bring a non-perishable food item to contribute to our collective impact supporting the Daily Bread Food Bank. All are welcome who’d love to join the Upside spirit of giving back and building community. Let’s make a positive impact over a cup of coffee! ☕ 👉 RSVP here: https://lu.ma/7brd7eru We can’t wait to see you there! #UpsideFoundation #Founders #Community #GivingBack
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We're so excited to meet and connect with Canada's top business leaders at the Bet on Canada Summit tomorrow! Will we see you there? 👀 #techcommunity #canada #startups #tech https://lnkd.in/gkdZvf58