Ideas with Impact
UNB Faculty of Management

Despite the wintry weather on March 12, the atmosphere inside UNB’s Fredericton campus was anything but cold. Three representatives from the Canadian Venture Capital Association (CVCA) braved the snow to serve as Venture Capitalists in Residence for a full day of learning, conversation, and connection with students and members of the broader community.

Hosted by the International Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (IBEC) in the faculty of management, the Venture Capitalists in Residence event brought together emerging entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem partners for a hands-on look at how venture capital works in practice—and what investors look for when evaluating new ideas.

Throughout the day, participants had multiple opportunities to engage with experienced leaders from Canada’s venture and angel investment community. Events included a lunchtime panel discussion, an interactive venture capital simulation workshop, and an evening fireside chat that encouraged thoughtful reflection and candid questions.

The visiting guests included Sara Bentham, Director of Programs at CVCA, Caitlin Williams of CVCA, Michael Badham, Managing Director at the Georgian Angel Network, and Jennifer Williams, Partner and Chief Financial Officer at Genesys Capital. Each brought a unique perspective on the investment landscape and demonstrated genuine enthusiasm for sharing insights, experiences, and advice with UNB students.

At the lunch panel, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) investment associates Laïla Thériault and Nitin Bhalla joined the conversation as panelists, offering a regional investment lens and helping bridge classroom learning with real-world decision-making. The discussion highlighted how investors assess opportunity, manage risk, and support founders as businesses grow.

The afternoon VC simulation workshop invited participants to think like investors themselves—an experience that sparked curiosity, collaboration, and plenty of questions. By stepping into the role of decision-makers, students gained a deeper appreciation for the strategic thinking required behind every investment.

The day wrapped up with a well-attended fireside chat moderated by NBIF CEO Jeff White, featuring Michael Badham, Jennifer Williams, and Daniel Armali, Vice President of Investments. The informal setting encouraged open dialogue about career paths, investment philosophy, and the realities of building successful startups and portfolios.

For MBA graduate student Gabriel Ehiwuogu, the experience was especially impactful.

“I found it both engaging and insightful, as it provided a valuable opportunity to learn directly from venture capitalists and angel investors; their perspectives, decision-making processes, and what they look for when evaluating startup investments,” said Ehiwuogu. “Overall, it was a well-structured and highly informative session.”

While snow fell outside, the enthusiasm inside told a different story. The Venture Capitalists in Residence event showcased the power of bringing industry expertise to campus and reaffirmed UNB’s commitment to experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and meaningful connections between students and Canada’s innovation ecosystem.

Photo: Participants in the VC in Residence Fireside Chat (L-R): facilitator Jeff White, CEO of NBIF; and panelists Jennifer Williams, Partner and Chief Financial Officer at Genesys Capital; Michael Badham, Managing Director at the Georgian Angel Network; and Daniel Armali, Vice President of Investments at NBIF.

Learn more about UNB’s International Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (IBEC).

Media contact

Ryan Reid
Ryan.Reid@unb.ca