Osler joins Vancouver Startup Week 2026 as a Gold Sponsor, bringing practical legal expertise to early-stage founders who are ready to build something that lasts.
When you're building a startup, legal prep probably isn't the first thing on your mind. But ask any founder who has been through a fundraise, and they'll tell you: getting your legal house in order early is one of the most important things you can do.
That's exactly why we're excited to have Osler back at VSW 2026.
A long-time friend of Vancouver Startup Week, Osler is one of Canada's leading business law firms, known for working closely with high-growth and emerging companies across every stage of the startup journey. As a Gold Sponsor this year, Osler is bringing that expertise directly to the founders who need it most.
Startup 101: Before You Raise
At VSW 2026, Osler's Emerging and High Growth Companies Group will host a "Startup 101" presentation and Q&A designed specifically for early-stage founders. Led by Martin Smith and Eliot Escalona, the session will walk attendees through the legal building blocks that matter most before a first capital raise.
Here's what you can expect to walk away with:
A clear picture of what investors actually look at. Before writing a cheque, investors will look under the hood. Missing founder agreements, unassigned IP, regulatory blind spots, and messy cap tables are the kinds of issues that create red flags and slow deals down. Martin and Eliot will walk you through the most common mistakes founders make, and how to avoid them.
Practical knowledge on financing structures. From SAFEs to priced rounds, the session will break down the main structures founders are most likely to encounter on their first raise, in plain language.
Cap table clarity. Managing your cap table well from the start saves enormous headaches down the road. Osler will give you a practical overview of how to approach this as you scale.
Whether you've just incorporated or you're actively marketing your first round, this session is built for you.
About Osler
Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt LLP is one of Canada's premier business law firms, advising some of the country's most innovative companies. Their Emerging and High Growth Companies Group works closely with founders, investors, and ecosystem partners to help startups navigate the legal complexities of building and scaling a business.
Check out Osler Series Seed Financing Templates, a curated set of high-quality templates designed to support Canada’s growing startup and venture ecosystem.
Join Us at VSW 2026
Don't miss Martin and Eliot's session at Vancouver Startup Week 2026. It's the kind of practical, no-nonsense guidance that can make a real difference when it's time to raise.
Grab your pass at vanstartupweek.ca and come ready to ask your questions at the Q&A.
