Welcome to May at Venn!

As we spring into May, this new month brings fresh energy and some fresh faces too! This month, we're joined by fresh talent and curious minds, adding even more spark to our growing community. May is shaping up to be a vibrant month full of opportunities to connect, contribute, and grow together.

From inspiring events to important updates, there’s plenty ahead. Let’s dive in and see what’s happening this month!

Welcome to the Team

We're excited to introduce the newest members of our team! Please join us in giving them a warm welcome as they bring fresh perspectives, energy, and talent to our workplace. We're thrilled to have them on board and look forward to the great things we'll accomplish together.

Welcome Ayoub, our new Startup Service Coordinator!

Ayoub combines his expertise in finance and data science with a fervent passion for technology, innovation and socioeconomic impact. His mission centers on fostering startup growth, ensuring that each venture's journey at the Garage is both productive and transformative. Ayoub is driven by the belief that empowered entrepreneurs build stronger communities.

We also have Lauren, our new Communications and Events Coordinator!

Lauren recently earned her BBA from the Université de Moncton, specializing in marketing, management, and public relations. She brings with her a strong customer-centric approach and experience in digital transformation, making her well-equipped to drive engagement and elevate our events and communications strategy.

We are also excited to be welcoming 3 students that will be joining us for the summer! We will also be welcoming three students for the summer! We will be welcoming Jessie Levine-Kpai, Jacob Nowlan and Ibrahim Kane. We hope that this summer internship will be the perfect opportunity for growth, to learn, and to practice what they have been learning throughout their studies.

New Partnership Alert

We're thrilled to announce a brand-new partnership with Sonic Image Audio Visual, now our official in-house A/V provider!

Sonic Image will bring their top-tier expertise and stellar service to all events held here at The Junction, ensuring an exceptional experience for our clients every time.

Here’s to raising the bar together!

the mesh conference

Last week, our CEO, Doug Robertson, attended the mesh conference as a panelist in Calgary!

With the world in a current state of change and re-adjustment, Mesh was a great opportunity to discuss how Canada needs to adapt and maximize our opportunities. Discussions touched on tension between collaboration and competition, as well as what’s needed to build a connected Canadian ecosystem.

Participating in this event has equipped us with a fresh perspective to better guide our startups that are building tomorrow’s tech.

Learn more

Hosted by:

Alicia Roisman Ismach & Andre Zanoti – passionate supporters of bold ideas with real potential.

Venn Introducing: Friday Office Hours – Startup Mentorship

Calling all startup founders and aspiring entrepreneurs! Looking for expert guidance to take your venture to the next level? Join us for weekly Office Hours every Friday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Venn Innovation (770 St. George Blvd, Moncton).

What to Expect:

1-on-1, 30-minute mentorship sessions
Tailored advice for your startup or idea
Guidance on key milestones and scaling strategies
Actionable feedback from experienced mentors

Who It’s For:

Startup founders at any stage
Future entrepreneurs with validated ideas
Innovators with high-potential plans

Limited Spots Available! Secure your session here.

Congratulations to all of the finalists for the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton’s Top 20 Under 40!

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton has officially announced their finalists for this years Top 20 Under 40! This initiative recognizes young leaders, change-makers, and visionaries under 40 who are making a significant impact in our community. Congratulations and good luck to everyone!

Learn more

Supporting NB Entrepreneurs: Your Local Impact

New Brunswick — and Canadian — entrepreneurs create incredible products, from food and beverages to innovative technology. Supporting local businesses strengthens our economy, our communities, and the people behind these brands. There’s no better time than now to #BuyLocal and #BuyCanadian! 🇨🇦

Some of the best products and expertise are right here in New Brunswick. For more ways to support local, check out Excellence NB—a non-profit that showcases businesses, artisans, boutiques, and more from across our picturesque province.

NBIF Startup Investment Fund

Are you an early-stage startup based out of New Brunswick looking for investment? NBIF provides up to $200,000 of pre-seed investment and a variety of other benefits and discounted services for eligible New Brunswick companies. To find out more, click the button.

Learn more

SENB Connector Program

Did you know there is a program that helps newcomers, immigrants, and recent graduates in Southeastern New Brunswick connect with potential employers or influential leaders within your industry? The Connector Program matches job seekers to industry professionals who facilitate the growth of their Conectee’s professional network. Sounds interesting? To become a Connector like our CEO, Doug Robertson, and our Community Management Lead, André, or to become a Connectee, click the button below.

Learn more

Civic Tech Moncton

Every Tuesday, 6:00 - 8:00 PM @ the Junction by Venn (770 St George Blvd)

Civic Tech Moncton joins Civic Tech Fredericton and Civic Tech Saint John to serve as the connective tissue between citizens, non-profit organizations, government innovators and the tech community. We facilitate knowledge sharing and work collaboratively to build digital tools or simply provide technical advice to our non-profit sector.

Insights from a VC and marketer on how Canadian startups can sharpen their positioning, build pipeline, and fundraise effectively in the U.S. fintech ecosystem.

Drew Glover is the Founding Partner of Fiat Growth and General Partner at Fiat Ventures, two San Francisco-based firms reshaping how early-stage fintech companies scale and secure capital. Raised in East Oakland, Glover brings a mission-driven perspective to venture capital, aiming to bridge financial access gaps for underserved communities while delivering strong returns.

In 2019, Glover co-founded Fiat Growth, a consultancy that has worked with over 200 companies, helping them generate billions in revenue. The firm's unique model includes securing contractual rights to invest in client companies, effectively serving as a due diligence arm. This approach led to the creation of Fiat Ventures in 2021, which raised a $25 million fund to invest in high-potential startups, many of which were former Fiat Growth clients.

Sparkchange 2025

Venn Innovation and Civic Tech Moncton are launching SparkChange 2025, a pitch challenge happening May 31, 2025, in Greater Moncton!

Students from Southeast NB’s colleges and universities are invited to pitch early-stage digital, data, or tech ideas that tackle real challenges in our city or province. Whether civic, social, or commercially viable, this is your chance to make an impact!

Get ready to spark change—we can’t wait to see your ideas! 🚀

For inquiries regarding this event, please contact:

Shannon McMackin (shannon@venninnovation.com) or André Zanoti (andre@venninnovation.com)