Fundraising in the AI Era | Founders x Funders Panel

Join us for Series A Fundraising in the AI Era, an afternoon panel on what it takes to build and pitch a defensible AI startup. Every startup is an AI startup now. That makes it harder to stand out. Investors are seeing more AI pitches than ever, an dmost get the same response: "Isn't this just a wrapper?" So what actually gets an AI startup funded? Hosted by Mantle and sponsored by Fasken and CIBC Innovation Banking, this panel brings together two founders and a VC for a candid conversation on raising in a market where AI is table stakes. 📍 4:00 - 7:00 PM What we'll cover What real defensibility looks like: Data, workflow, distribution, and the moats that hold up as models keep getting better. Tiny teams, big numbers: How investors value lean, AI-native companies and what that means for how much you raise. Pitching AI without the buzzwords: What to cut from your deck and what evidence actually moves investors. AGENDA 4:00 PM — Doors Open 4:30 PM — Welcome & opening remarks 4:45 PM — Panel: Series A Fundraising in the AI Era Moderator: Amar Varma (Mantle) 5:25 PM — Closing remarks 5:30 PM — Mix & Mingle with light bites and refreshments 7:00 PM — Event Ends An approved RSVP via Luma (QR code) is required for entry. Access to the event will be prioritized for founders who are actively fundraising. About Mantle Mantle is a cap table management platform built for the next generation of founders. Easily issue and manage SAFEs, options, equity plans, 409A valuations, and more. Have a question? Just ask Clerk, the world's first AI assistant for cap table management, anytime. Plans start at $0 with unlimited stakeholders included. Sign up for your free account at withmantle.com/equity. Proudly founded and built in Toronto 🇨🇦 Our sponsors Fasken As a premier law firm with over 900 lawyers worldwide, Fasken is where excellence meets expertise. We are dedicated to shaping the future our clients want, precisely when it matters most. For more information, visit fasken.com. CIBC Innovation Banking CIBC Innovation Banking partners with founders and technology companies to provide the financial solutions, capital and connections they need to build and scale. The Early-Stage practice supports founders earlier in their journey, from inception through Series A, with banking solutions and access to CIBC’s broader innovation ecosystem.