For Founders
Our success is measured in signed term sheets that make you happy
A program aimed at getting you back to building as quickly as possible.
Designed and delivered by investors and VCs, the Fundraising Bootcamp is a virtual program dedicated to building your pipeline, data room and cap table. The 15 most promising women’s health startups will be selected to take part in our Fundraising Bootcamp, along with DMZ’s Women Innovation Summit finalists.
+ One winner per location will win over $20K in prizes
CHANCE TO PITCH LIVE
Get a chance to be selected to pitch live at the DMZ’s Women Innovation Summit in front of an audience of 400+ ecosystem leaders, investors, and founders, for a chance to be awarded a minimum of $150K in investments, led by DMZ Ventures.*
All finalists will be invited to pitch to 100+ ecosystem partners and 25+ VCs at one of our FemTech Breakfast Club events (May 11th; Montreal - July 7th; Toronto - September 21st)
DMZ’s Women Innovation Summit conditions: a woman founder or co-founder leading the business, leveraging technology to solve a real problem, able to pitch in person in Toronto on the day of the Summit, coachable, driven, and collaborative leadership, positioned to become a venture-backable startup. Other conditions may apply.
WHO CAN APPLY
Selection Criteria
Tech-enabled or IP-protected
Incorporated in Canada
FemTech startup
Hoping to close their fundraising round in 2026
Can travel to the event location to pitch
What FemTech means to us:
Conditions unique to women
Conditions that affect women differently
Health and wellness conditions where women are at a higher risk (75%+ of patients are women)
Not focused on women’s health? - learn more about the DMZ’s Women Innovation Summit criteria and application process.
What to expect
January 14 - February 15
February 26
Selection committee
February 23-25
Q&A with shortlisted founders
March 2nd-25th (online)
March 2026, Toronto
January 30
THE PRIZE
Get a chance to pitch at the DMZ’s Women Innovation Summit
On March 26, 2026, for a chance to pitch live and get awarded $150K in investments, led by DMZ Ventures.
(Conditions apply)
Take part in the Fundraising Bootcamp
A virtual program built by investors, dedicated to building your pipeline, data room and cap table (a $4,500 value).
$5,000 legal retainer from Osler
A $5,000 retainer in legal professional services, valid for 12 months.
$5,000 from Desjardins
More details to come.
Free consultation with BDO
Up to 5 hours of free consultation on Credits and Incentives with a BDO professional.
Free VC consultation with CIVIC
Up to 4 hours of free consultation on fundraising and market trends with venture capital investors who are part of CIVIC, a $1,000 value.
A one-year OBIO Membership
Access to OBIO’s HEALTHMINT program, networking opportunities through industry events and workshops, training on investor targeting, databases, data room setup, and market research, preferred rates to select international investment conferences, workforce programs and job board, a $1,300 value.
Toronto winner only. (Conditions apply)
One year of incubation from Garage & Co
One year of incubation valued at $3,600.
(Conditions apply)
Free VC consultation with CIVIC
Up to 4 hours of free consultation on fundraising and market trends with venture capital investors who are part of CIVIC, a $1,000 value.
A spot in the M51 Founder’s Lab
One spot in the M51 Founders Lab for the Winter 2026 Cohort.
(Conditions apply)
Fast-tracked application for Creative Destruction Lab
Fast-tracked application to interview for CDL’s Artificial Intelligence, Supply Chain or BioMedical Engineering Stream.
(Conditions apply)
Feature on a Centech Stage
A targeted and privileged showcase at one of the Centech flagship events.
1. DMZ’s Women Innovation Summit conditions: a woman founder or co-founder leading the business, leveraging technology to solve a real problem, able to pitch in person in Toronto on the day of the Summit, coachable, driven, and collaborative leadership, positioned to become a venture-backable startup. Other conditions may apply.
2. Garage & Co Conditions: Provided it’s a hardtech startup.
3. M51 Conditions: Looking to raise capital in the next 6-12 months; leading women-led ventures across Canada with high growth potential; focused on scaling operations, attracting investments, and strengthening governance.
4. CDL Conditions: 1) the winning venture has to fit the CDL AI, BME or Supply Chain thesis; 2) the winning venture is subject to a technical assessment by the CDL scientific mentors; and 3) does not guarantee final selection for the 2026/2027 cohort - this would be subject to further review by the CDL mentors along with some other criteria.
Fundraising Bootcamp Highlights
Professionalize your data room and make sure you have all documents ready to close your round.
Dry run your pitch with venture capital investors
Financial workshops to help you build your projections and communicate growth
Learn how to negotiate your term sheets, value your company, and strategize your exit.
OUR PREVIOUS ATTENDEES
Selection Criteria
Does it significantly improve women’s quality of life?
Value Proposition
Are women ready to adopt new solutions?
Market Opportunity
Are healthcare professionals eager to try the solution?
Market Traction
Is the solution able to gain traction rapidly?
Growth Strategy
Is there evidence of improved well-being?
Impact
Are the well surrounded by healthcare professionals?
Team
Selection Committee Members
Justine Clark
DMZ
Danielle Graham
The Firehood
Amy Laliberté
Investissement Québec