Joe Catalfamo
Venture Advisor
Joe brings over 28 years of venture capital investing and a wealth of experience in the Mobile, Enterprise Software and Digital Media verticals.
His diverse and extensive experience allowed him to play an integral role in the formation, strategic direction, overall growth and business development of emerging companies.
Joe, as a co-founding partner, previously represented Whitecap III on the boards of Affinio and Irystec. Previously he co-founded Summerhill Venture Partners and represented the fund on the boards of Radian6, Trust Digital, BLiNQ, C2FO, Vantrix and Third Brigade.
For 14 years prior to joining Summerhill Venture Partners in May 2004, Joe served as EVP, CFO and Director of Whitecastle Investments, a leading Canadian private investment company, and Managing Director of its venture practice, Whitecap Venture Partners. As one of the venture practice founders, Joe was instrumental in shaping the vision and investment strategy of Whitecap. He was a core element of the senior team that brought a number of high-grossing investments to fruition.
Joe’s past successes include investments in Radian6 (Acquired by Salesforce, NASDAQ: CRM), Third Brigade (acquired by Trend Micro, NASDAQ: TMIS), Trust Digital (acquired by McAfee Inc, NYSE: MFE), C2FO (acquired by financing consortium), Broadband Networks Inc. (acquired by Nortel, NYSE: NT), Positron Fiber Systems (NASDAQ IPO and acquired by RELTEC, NYSE: RLT), Loran International Technologies (acquired by Peregrine Systems, NASDAQ: PRGN), Electrophotonics (acquired by ETEC, NASDAQ: ETEC), PC Docs Group International (NASDAQ IPO, and acquired by Hummingbird, TSE: HUM & NASDAQ: HUMC) and ImagicTV (NASDAQ IPO, and acquired by ALCATEL, NYSE: ALA).
Joe began his professional career with KPMG, where he held various senior positions in both Canada and the U.K. Joe is a Gold Medal graduate from the University of Waterloo’s Master of Accounting program (1986). Joe holds Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Management Accountant designations in Canada.
Joe presently serves on the Board of Directors of Mariner Partners Inc., a leading Core IT and Strategic Advisory services firm based in Atlantic Canada, and is also a Member of the Advisory Board of the University of Waterloo School of Accounting and Finance where he helped launch the inaugural Student Venture Fund.
40 MINS
Breakout Space - Gallery
Founder Roundtables
Roundtables are exclusive to Startup passholders. Spots are limited to 9 attendees per table, and pre-registration is required via the Meeting Exchange platform.
We’ll host a total of five roundtable conversations during this 40-minute block. (more sessions being added soon)
Roundtable 1: Funding Before VC: How Founders Use SPVs to Raise Early Stage Capital
Before venture capital steps in, founders are using Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to raise early funding, attract strategic investors, and maintain cap table control. This interactive roundtable will break down SPV mechanics, share real-world case studies, and explore the benefits and challenges of this approach.
Alexander Morsink – CEO, Equivesto
Tanika McLeod – Co-Founder, OneCliq.io
Roundtable 2: Breaking Into Silicon Valley: How Founders Raise Capital & Win Investors
Silicon Valley is the heart of startup funding, but securing capital takes more than a great idea. This roundtable will explore how to craft a winning pitch, build investor relationships, and navigate the latest funding trends. Join us for practical strategies to stand out, raise capital, and scale your startup successfully.
Said Mia – Founder & Managing Partner, Stormbreaker Ventures
Roundtable 3: Customer Success as Your Fundraising Superpower
Investors bet on traction, retention, and happy customers—not just great ideas. This roundtable will explore how a strong customer success strategy can boost fundraising success. Learn to leverage engagement, retention metrics, and testimonials to attract investors, increase valuation, and prove long-term viability.
John Gleeson – Founder & General Partner, Success Venture Partners
Roundtable 4: The High Cost of Growth: Winning Customers Without Breaking the Bank
Acquiring new customers is more expensive than ever, forcing founders to rethink their growth strategies. How do you strike the right balance between attracting new users and maximizing retention? In this roundtable, we’ll discuss shifting acquisition costs, the role of brand loyalty, and tactics to drive sustainable growth. Join us as we share challenges, strategies, and insights on building a business that thrives beyond the first sale.
Monique Moran – Founder & CEO, Growth Assembly
Roundtable 5: Seed Fundraising in 2024: How to Raise Faster and Smarter
Great companies don’t just raise capital—they do it faster, more efficiently, and on better terms. Join Claire Fauquier of Brightspark Ventures for a candid conversation on what it takes to secure a successful seed round in today’s market. Learn what investors are really looking for, how to stand out in a crowded field, and key strategies to navigate the challenges of early-stage fundraising.
Claire Fauquier – Venture Partner, Brightspark Ventures
