Skaidra Puodziunas
Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy | Council of Canadian Innovators
Skaidra (“sky-dra”) is Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Council of Canadian Innovators, leading coordination across national government affairs to align campaigns, support regional teams, and advance CCI’s priorities. Previously Director of Ontario Affairs, she led provincial advocacy. She has held senior digital government roles in Ontario and is a founding board director of the Canada Lithuania Chamber of Commerce.
25 MINS
Trading Floor
Key Lessons from the Non-Dilutive Funding Path
Recent markets have seen a downward trend in Canadian VC fundraising, leading domestic startups to turn to alternative funding options. This panel takes you behind-the-scenes of building non-dilutive funding. From government grants to venture debt, hear from founders who have successfully navigated non-dilutive financing options to scale with intention, and the programs that support them. Unpack the risks and rewards of pursuing funds that don’t require giving up equity, while gaining insightful strategies for securing alternative funds.
