Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 9:30 AM - to - 3:00 PM EDT
250 Front St W 250 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3G5, Canada
TECH BUILDERS 2026: Building the New Digital Economy
This startup conference in Toronto brings together founders, investors, and operators for practical conversations and real connections. The conference focuses on early-stage startups, investor connections, and practical insights for founders building in today’s market.
Global Startups supports pre-seed founders. Tech Builders 2026, during the FIFA World Cup, showcases Canada’s next digital economy.
Now in its the Global Startups Conf 12th edition: Tech Builders 2026 bringing together founders, investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders to explore how technology, capital, and policy are shaping the next digital economy. Taking place in downtown Toronto on June 16, 2026, the conference coincides with the FIFA World Cup, leveraging global attention on Canada to spotlight innovation led by New Canadian founders and global builders.
Pre-Seed Summit (investor Access): For aspiring investors, angels, VCs, and family offices. Includes full access, Pre-Seed Summit, curated networking, optional matching, and CN Tower cocktail.
Investor Speed Networking: Full conference access plus curated startup–investor speed networking (MVP required). Includes on-site networking, lunch, coffee, and limited 1:1 coaching. Excludes CN Tower Cocktail.
Conference + CN Tower Networking: Full conference access plus CN Tower cocktail networking with one drink and light food. Excludes Pre-Seed Summit and Investor Speed Networking.
General Admission: Access to talks, exhibition, and networking, with lunch and coffee included. Excludes Cocktail, Pre-Seed Summit, and Investor Speed Networking. Excludes CN Tower Cocktail.
Startup Ecosystem Tour Toronto: Access to the Startup Ecosystem Tour (June 15, 2026) with visits to Ontario Centre of Innovation, OneEleven, City Hall, MaRS, and Vector Institute. Excludes conference access.
Startup Ecosystem Tour Waterloo: Access to the Waterloo Startup Ecosystem Tour (June 15, 2026) with transport from Toronto and lunch. Excludes conference access.
The day is designed to balance content, capital access, and real connection.
Morning Programming
The conference opens with Investor Speed Networking and 1:1 coach meetings, creating early, high-value conversations between founders, investors, and ecosystem experts.
Attendees then move into the main stage, featuring TED-style talks and an immersive live Keynote podcast-style with #1 on the Canadian Startup Podcast with Matt Cohen, Founder and Managing Partner of Ripple Ventures and John Ruffolo, Founder and Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity exploring how investors, innovators, and policymakers are building the new digital economy together.
Afternoon Programming
In the afternoon, the agenda shifts into focused interaction and opportunity. The program includes a one-hour Pre-Seed Summit, offering insights into pre-seed investment trends in Canada and globally, followed by a startup pitch competition showcasing emerging tech companies. A limited number of exhibition booths will be available throughout the day, allowing attendees to discover and connect with early-stage innovators.
Closing Networking Experience
The day concludes with cocktail networking at the CN Tower, providing a relaxed, iconic setting for founders, investors, and partners to continue conversations and build meaningful relationships beyond the stage.
Optional Experiences
For attendees looking to deepen their ecosystem exposure, optional Startup Ecosystem Tours in Toronto and Waterloo are available the day before the conference. These tours offer curated visits to leading innovation hubs and are limited in capacity.
Thanks to Global Startups for the listing and graphics for this startup event.
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