Online Business Technology & Innovation

Capital Access & Women Founders: Progress, Gaps, and What's Next

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
12:00pm to 12:50pm

Free
Selected as a Taproot pick
More Information
Organized by: Alberta Innovates
March
11

Ayo Aiyeleye from Alberta Innovates and Arielle Land from Movement51 lead a conversation that will provide an ecosystem-level update ont how the capital landscape has shifted for women in recent years, what has meaningfully improved, where structural gaps remain, and what that means in today's more disciplined, metrics-driven market.

Alberta Innovates' latest Capital Access webinar focuses on recent changes to capital access and how it impacts women entrepreneurs.

Hosts Ayo Aiyeleye from Alberta Innovates and Arielle Land from Movement51, as well as presenters Emily Smiley, Executive Director at Movement51, and Courtney Dragani, Chief Growth Officer at Movement51 and The51, will provide an ecosystem-level update that looks at how the capital landscape has shifted in recent years, what has meaningfully improved, where structural gaps remain, and what that means in today's more disciplined, metrics-driven market.  

All entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem partners are welcome to attend this session. 

Through the moderated conversation, we will explore:

  • How capital pathways for women founders have evolved
  • What has changed in investor expectations and market dynamics
  • Where momentum is building, including new policy and fund activity
  • Where scale-up gaps persist, particularly in venture and growth capital
  • How founders can position themselves strategically in the current market
  • What investors and policymakers should consider to strengthen capital access and long-term outcomes

Attendees will leave with practical, forward-looking insights:

  • Founders will gain clarity on how to align with current investor priorities.
  • Investors will better understand the opportunity within the women-led venture landscape.
  • Policymakers and ecosystem leaders will gain perspective on where funding frameworks are working and where further refinement is needed.

About the Capital Access webinar series

Alberta Innovates' Capital Access webinar series aims to provide startups and entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed in accessing the capital they need to help their businesses grow and thrive. From company valuations to how to make your concept attractive to investors, we'll cover it all with help from some of the best experts in the business.


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