october 5-6, 2025
Join 350+ tech founders, investors, professionals, and enthusiasts for the 2025 Roadmap to Billions toronto conference!
Showcase Your Startup at This Year's Pitch Competition
“If you are a Black woman founder or aspiring founder, this conference is a must-go.”
What Makes This Conference Different?
SNAG A JOB TO FUND YOUR STARTUP
What Makes This Conference Different?
BLENDED IRL & VIRTUAL CONFERENCE EXPERIENCES
What Makes This Conference Different?
LIVE INTERACTION WITH TITANS OF INDUSTRY
What Makes This Conference Different?
DYNAMIC ROADMAP TO YOUR GOALS AND GROWTH
About Roadmap to Billions
Roadmap to Billions takes Toronto to the next level on October 5-6 2025.
After 8 successful years providing world-class tech and business knowledge from the brightest minds in the industry, we are bringing expert-level learning to the international world stage! Join us for the only annual tech conference created exclusively by Black women founders for Black female founders and their supporters.
A conference built from the perspective of women, the goal is to showcase the brilliance of Black women in tech, create a stage for our experiences, foster deep connections, and create real funding opportunities. We believe in learning from those who are paving the way. Through their successes, (and failures), gain insight and valuable lessons to inspire and guide you on your path to success.
Join investors, tech evangelists, and founders who are just starting out and those who have been in the game for years at the largest gathering of black women tech founders in the world.
Recommended Hotel
Details Coming Soon!
Your ticket gives you access to:
The Canadian Tech Ecosystem? Yes Please...
Roadmap to Billions is designed for you, by women like you. Full of exciting, engaging, and enlightening experiences, you’ll leave the conference feeling powerful, motivated and ready to take the next steps on your journey.
4 CONTENT TRACKS
2 KEYNOTE SESSIONS
EXPERT SPEAKERS
CASH PRIZES
NETWORKING
MEETUPS & BREAKOUTS
AGENDA
Putting the final touches on the conversations - Check back often for updates!
3:00 pm - Welcome Reception, DMZ 10 Dundas Street, 6th Floor
6:00 pm
The Story of Black Women Talk Tech, Founder Panel
All
9:00 am - VIP Breakfast
10:00 am
10:00 am - Welcome Address from The Founders
10:10 am
10:10 am - Wellness Moment
10:15 am
10:15 am - Land Acknowledgement
10:20 am
10:20 am - Welcome Remarks, MPP Charmaine Williams
10:40 am
10:40 am - Morning Keynote, Claudette McGowan
11:20 am
11:20 am - The State of the Black Canadian Tech Ecosystem
12:00 pm
12:00 pm - Life's a Pitch: Nail Your Story With Every Audience!
12:40 pm
12:40 pm - Lunch, Networking, Partner Expo
1:50 pm
1:50 pm - Building a Sustainable Funding Path
2:30 pm
2:30 pm - Unleash the Power of AI
3:10 pm
3:10 pm - Next Level Career Moves
3:50 pm
4:00 pm - Pitch Competition!!
5:00 pm
5:40 pm - Afternoon Keynote, Lauren Maillian
5:40 pm
5:40 pm - Closing Remarks
6:00 pm
6:00 pm - Closing Reception
8:00 pm
Day 1
Sunday October 5th 2025
Welcome Reception
Kick off the event in style with our Welcome Reception! This is a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors in a relaxed, social atmosphere before diving into the full conference schedule.
- Networking: Connect with founders, investors, and industry leaders.
- Mocktails & Refreshments: Enjoy drinks and light bites.
- Exciting Conversations: Hear stories from Black women in tech and the founders of Black Women Talk Tech.
- Live Podcast: Black Women Talk Tech's new podcast Currencies will record a special episode!
Day 2
Monday October 6th 2025
Workshop Sessions
It's giving Big Energy
Are you looking to level up your productivity within your business, achieve a better work-life flow, and hit your professional and personal self-care goals? In this panel discussion, experts will explore enhancing productivity and balancing work and personal life. They will discuss strategies and tools for maximizing efficiency, reducing stress, and achieving your goals. From time management and task automation to virtual assistants and self-care apps, this talk will provide valuable insights and tips for leveraging tools to boost your Big Energy and achieve your full potential both professionally and personally.
The Future is Female
The funding gap is real, but Black women founders are rewriting the rules. Hear from those who’ve cracked the code on raising millions.
Founder Power: Funding Beyond VC
Did you know there are a variety of ways to get funded beyond traditional banks and investors? This panel will share where and how you can secure alternative funding startup funding to kick start your business. Whether you are just starting out with your business or looking to take it to the next level, this session can provide valuable insights and support to help you secure the funding you need to succeed
AI: The Exception or the Rule?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a ubiquitous technology in the world of business, and particularly in the tech industry. This panel discussion will examine the current state of AI and its impact on tech companies. Experts will debate the question, "Can a tech company be built today without using some form of AI?" They will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of building a tech company without AI, and whether it is even possible to do so in today's technology-driven landscape. The panel will also discuss the implications of this for startups, established tech companies, and the future of technology.
Scaling Innovation: Black Women who have raised $1M+ in VC in Canada
Powered by PitchBetter.
Experiences
The Mentor Marketplace
Ready to take your business or career to the next level? The Mentor Marketplace is your chance to connect with industry experts in law, venture capital, leadership development, and banking.
Headshot Studio 📸
Refresh your profile pic with a professional headshot! Quick sessions, high-quality results will be available on-site.
Got an idea, challenge, or burning question? Share it a the Brain Date.
Post a topic you'd love to explore or need help with and others who share your curiosity or experience can book time to connect and dive in with you at the Brain Date marketplace. Whether you're looking to explore a new idea, swap strategies, or dive into a shared challenge, others will discover your topic and book a 1-on-1 or group chat to connect. It's not just networking—it’s intentional, purpose-driven dialogue with people who get it.
Pitch Competition: Win $10,000 CAD + Prizes!
Eligibility:
- Must identify as a Black woman founder.
- Have a functional MVP and operate a tech business in Canada.
Day 1
Sunday October 5th 2025
Your Title Here
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Your Title Here
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Your Title Here
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Day 2
Monday October 6th 2025
Your Title Here
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Your Title Here
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Your Title Here
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Ticket TYpes
Speakers
Amoye Henry
Co-Founder & Lead Investment Manager at Pitch Better
Dina Maxwell
Chief Privacy Officer & Intellectual Property Lead at PwC Canada
Yinka Adesesan
Program Manager of Black Innovation Programs at
DMZ
Yolanda Biswah
President of Canadian Black Book
Lori Ann Beausoleil
Co-founder of Board Diversity Network
Chris Nabeta
Executive Chairman at The Board of Accelerate Auto
Melisa Ellis
Founder & C.E.O of Nobellum
Esosa Ighodaro
Co-founder of Black Women Talk Tech
Nkechi Nwafor Robinson
Founder & CEO of Empowered in My Skin
Regina Gwynn
Co-founder of Black Women Talk Tech
Faithlynn Hemmings
Vice President & Lead Counsel at General Motors of Canada Company
Kay Layne
Founder & Principal Consultant at Kayambi
Stacey Ann Berry
Chapter President, BIT Toronto
Amoye Henry
Co-Founder & Lead Investment Manager at Pitch Better
Ashley Wright
Founder at Blacks On Blockchain
Giselle Melo
Managing Partner at MATR (matter) Ventures
Lauren Maillian
Founder and CEO, LMB GROUP
Faizah Balogun
Program Coordinator at Black Founder Network
Treasa Brown
Founder, Professionelle House, Inc
Chi-Chi Egbo
Founder and Principal Consultant, Workthrough
Vania Abdul-Badee
CMO, 360, Advertising and Communications
Gayle Jennings
CEO, Wocstar Capital LLC
Modupe Olufemi
Advisor, Business Development, MITAC Inc
Jael Joseph
Founder & Creator of Black Island Girl Multimedia
Alexia Beckford
Program Manager at Jamaica Technology & Digital Alliance
Yinka Adesesan
Black Innovation Programs Manager DMZ
Dwania Peele
Founder of Canadian Small Business Women
Estelle Inack
Research Scientist at Perimeter Institute
Kanishia Mensah
Program & Event Coordinator at Black Entrepreneurship Alliance
Melisa Ellis
Founder & C.E.O of Nobellum
Nunu Francisco
Tech Program Officer at Black Entrepreneurship Alliance
Tashua Case
Director, Business Intelligence at Bluum
MPP Charmaine Williams
MPP for Brampton Centre, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity
Claudette McGowan
Founder & CEO, Protexxa & Co-founder, The Firehood
Kishawna Peck
Founder & CEO at Women in Data Science
Stacey Ann Berry
Chapter President, BIT Toronto
Amoye Henry
Co-Founder & Lead Investment Manager at Pitch Better
Ashley Wright
Founder at Blacks On Blockchain
Giselle Melo
Managing Partner at MATR (matter) Ventures
Lauren Maillian
Founder and CEO, LMB GROUP
Faizah Balogun
Program Coordinator at Black Founder Network
Treasa Brown
Founder, Professionelle House, Inc
Chi-Chi Egbo
Founder and Principal Consultant, Workthrough
Vania Abdul-Badee
CMO, 360, Advertising and Communications
Gayle Jennings
CEO, Wocstar Capital LLC
Modupe Olufemi
Advisor, Business Development, MITAC Inc
2024 Sponsors
Meet the Founders of RTB
Esosa Ighodaro, Co-founder
Regina Gwynn, Co-founder
We are a collective of passionate Black women tech founders.
We have a unique understanding of the challenges Black women founders face and the advantages we bring in the industry. We’re here to identify, support and encourage Black women to build the next billion dollar business.
We’re unapologetic in our support because we believe Black is worth the investment. It’s time we are heard and seen because we know different perspectives bring new opportunities. We’re building community and profitable, scalable businesses for self-identified Black women in tech, together.
From Our
Community
"Black Women Talk Tech has helped our organization find two portfolio companies for venture capital investment and we look forward to many more."
Candice Matthews Brackeen
Lightship Capital
"Black Women Talk Tech made me re-imagine the possibilities of Black women coming together to celebrate one another. I’m so grateful to be a part of the BWTT network."
Roshawnna Novellus
EnrichHER
"The event brings together a vibrant collection of entrepreneurs and investors, which offers invaluable networking opportunities. Can't wait for the next event!"
Louise Broni Mensah
Shoobs
"We won 'Best in Cohort' at Founder Gym, were admitted into the New York Fashion Tech Lab and we joined Backstage Capital’s portfolio in 2020 all because of Black Women Talk Tech."
Tope Mitchell
ReflektMe
Empower Yourself
#RTBTORONTO
October 5-6, 2025
join our mailing list for exclusive updates
© 2025 Roadmap to Billions Canada | Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy