Canadian Private Capital Investment School

Ivey Business School

Private Capital

About Programme

The Canadian Private Capital Investment School (CPCIS) is a five-day intensive program designed to accelerate careers in venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE). The experience is tailored to rising and established professionals and equips participants with the tools, strategies, and connections to thrive in a rapidly evolving investment landscape.

Delivered in partnership with the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA), CPCIS offers an unparalleled combination of expert-led sessions, hands-on learning through case studies, fireside chats with top industry leaders, and collaborative networking opportunities. Participants will also participate in a capstone project, working in teams to evaluate a real-world investment opportunity and receive tailored feedback from senior advisors.

The Canadian Private Capital Investment School is purpose-built to develop leaders who can confidently navigate the complexities of modern private capital investing. As Canada’s VC and PE sectors continue to grow, this program prepares you to make a lasting impact in your firm and the broader industry.

Through this program, you’ll:

Seize Strategic Opportunities: Learn the practical tools and advanced strategies needed to excel in a dynamic and competitive investment environment.

Lead the Evolution of Private Capital: Delve into essential themes such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and sustainability to develop forward-thinking leadership grounded in purpose and vision.

Expand Your Influence: Build relationships with like-minded professionals and seasoned leaders across Canada’s VC and PE sectors, forming a network that supports long-term growth.

CPCIS empowers you to think boldly, act decisively, and lead ethically in a dynamic industry.

Programme Content

Expanding your view of the investment process

Explore a variety of approaches to sourcing deals, learning directly from industry professionals.

Gain a broader understanding of the role of Private Capital (VC and PE) in the Canadian economy, specifically in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Preparing to lead the future of investment

Set yourself and your firm apart with a future-oriented approach reflecting the latest research in ESG, EDI, governance, negotiations, and leadership.

Explore current topics like sustainability, impact investment, and the state of the industry — chosen based on the make-up and interests of your unique CPCIS cohort.

Build a deep understanding of profound contemporary challenges in the investment industry and plan to navigate future disruptions for your firm.

Tackling real-world opportunities

Apply your learning directly to a real-life capstone project throughout the program. Receive feedback from industry experts and Investors in Residence on your thought processes, deal structure, and rationale.

Create a network of peer support with like-minded, growth-oriented private capital professionals.

Programme Audience

This program is designed for individuals at every stage of their career in venture capital and private equity, including:

Emerging Professionals: Analysts, associates, and directors who want to refine their skills and build confidence in their roles.

Entrepreneurs: Innovators looking to secure funding and gain a deeper understanding of how the investment process works.

Institutional and family fund managers: Individuals responsible for optimizing investment portfolios.

Angel investors and professional service providers: Advisors, consultants, and others working closely with VC and PE firms.

Government officials: Economic development leaders focusing on funding and investment strategies.

*Applicants should have prior experience in investment or financial principles and an eagerness to elevate their expertise.

Programme Benefits

Earn a credential from Ivey Business School. Your Canadian Private Capital Investment School digital badge is linked to a unique URL, allowing you to showcase your advanced level of proficiency in online profiles.

Build connections with emerging professionals in the industry, along with top-tier leaders at Canada's best VC and PE firms.

Form lifelong connections with peers through learning and social events. As an alum of Ivey Executive Education, you’ll join a network of more than 10,000 savvy professionals from across all industries and sectors.

Receive discounts on select programs, exclusive event invitations, and curated collections of thought leadership and research from Ivey Business School.

Develop and retain a pipeline of future leaders in your VC or PE firm.

Equip your next generation of emerging leaders with holistic, future-oriented perspectives on critical issues like ESG, sustainability, and inclusive leadership.

Create lasting connections and potential deal flow across other leading firms in the Canadian Private Capital Investment sector.

Complete a capstone project and apply your learning to real-world challenges and opportunities in your organization.

Testimonials

"I found the program a great way to connect with other Canadian colleagues in VC, learn from some of the well-known industry professionals, and keep abreast of new developments in the industry. And of course, source deals!"

Maria Nsouli

Director - Impact Investment Fund BMO Capital Markets

"I have no doubt that the people I shared this experience with will continue to be part of my network going forward. I will encourage my company to send every member of our team to this program."

Amie Phinney

Senior Director adMare BioInnovations

"The strength of the Ivey faculty, coupled with the expertise of senior industry guests from the CVCA, has provided a fantastic week. I would recommend it for any stage of one's career."

Shane Magee

CEO Sugar Maple Capital

"CPCIS provided me with an opportunity to reflect on my trajectory in the industry, along with the skills, tools, and network I’ll need to get to that next level in my career. I'm looking forward to keeping in touch with everyone."

Alex Corrigan

Analyst BDC Capital

"The greatest value of the program, for me, was peer-to-peer interaction. The quality of the people in the room was phenomenal, and very valuable for me personally. I'll be taking a lot back to work."

John Cassidy

Managing Director Canada SVG Ventures

Testimonial Source