National Angel Capital Organization
The Ryerson Angel Network was created through the Ryerson Entrepreneur Institute (REI) from a need outlined by the National Angel Capital Organization. The NACO promotes a vibrant Angel community and culture in Canada through the development of formal Angel investor groups, best practices education and mentoring programs, the formation of collaboration and co-investment mechanisms, and policy advocacy to encourage an efficient risk capital market in Canada. The NACO’s mission is to increase the quantity, quality and success of Angel investments in Canada, thus creating a greater pool of capital for innovative start-up companies. NACO is Canada’s voice of Angel investors.
Ryerson Entrepreneur Institute
The Ryerson Entrepreneur Institute is a university-wide program, initiated by the Office of the Provost, designed to support Ryerson University students and alumni in bringing their entrepreneurial ideas to reality. REI is closely partnered with the StartMeUp Ryerson program by providing resources, education, and funding. REI Entrepreneur Ambassador Work-Study Students are hired from throughout the university to promote the StartMeUp Program and to ensure that it serves the needs of students from all disciplines. REI formed the Ryerson Angel Network with support from the NACO to provide StartMeUp Ryerson participants the opportunity to present to Angel investors, and obtain support, mentorship and financing.
Students in Free Enterprise (Ryerson Chapter)
SIFE Ryerson is Canada’s reining TD SIFE Entrepreneurship Challenge Champions team, one of the fastest growing entrepreneurship-based teams in Canada and Ryerson University’s most active student group. These students are involved in both local and international projects that allow them to impact their local community as well as people around the world. SIFE Ryerson provides a positive and supportive work environment by fostering entrepreneurship, by encouraging creative thinking, and by connecting like-minded students. REI is a partner of SIFE and helps facilitate events and programs through project management, funding, and support. The StartMeUp Ryerson program is operated through a partnership between REI and SIFE Ryerson.
The StartMeUp Ryerson Program is a product of a partnership between SIFE Ryerson and REI to support and nurture the entrepreneurial ideas of Ryerson University students and alumni. These can be ideas for a new business-be it product or service-or an idea for a non-profit business or community organization. The StartMeUp Ryerson program is designed to provide students and alumni with education, resources, and the funding they require to turn their entrepreneurial ideas into reality. The Ryerson Angel Network is the final step and newest addition to the StartMeUp Process. RAN provides StartMeUp Ryerson participants with the opportunity to obtain Angel financing, mentorship, and support.