Roadmap to Billions returns to Toronto on October 5–6, 2025, uniting Black women founders, investors, and innovators for two days of connection, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
Toronto’s innovation ecosystem is preparing to welcome back Roadmap to Billions, the premier conference by and for Black women tech founders. Returning for its second Canadian edition on October 5–6, 2025, this year’s event promises an expanded vision, stronger partnerships, and greater opportunities to empower Black women entrepreneurs in technology.
Presented by Accelerate Auto, and supported by sponsors including Black Founders Network, Air Canada, and Talk Tech Association, the conference is more than a gathering. It is a catalyst for building sustainable ecosystems of support that help Black women founders access capital, mentorship, and the networks needed to scale globally.
Building momentum in Toronto
The Toronto edition builds on the powerful success of last year’s inaugural event. Collaborations with Elevate Festival, Nobellum, and PitchBetter as community partners, along with new initiatives like Melamoon, demonstrate the conference’s growing influence and commitment to uniting Canada’s Black innovation community.
“This isn’t just a conference—it’s a movement,” said Regina Gwynn, Co-Founder of Black Women Talk Tech. “We’re returning to Toronto with deeper partnerships and new opportunities to ensure Black women are positioned at the forefront of tech innovation in Canada and beyond.”
Accelerate Auto’s Executive Director Shannon Miller reinforced the urgency of inclusion in industries where technology and automotive sectors are increasingly converging: “It is critical that Black women are deliberately engaged in these conversations and opportunities. We’re proud to help create pathways for Black women founders to scale, innovate, and lead in industries shaping the future.”
Two days of connection and opportunity
The 2025 edition of Roadmap to Billions Toronto is the only tech conference of its kind built by Black women founders, for Black women founders and their allies. This year’s programming includes a dynamic mix of knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
Highlights include:
- Keynotes and panels: Leading voices in tech and business will share insights on funding strategies, innovation trends, and global growth.
- Mentor marketplace: Attendees will have access to one-on-one guidance from experts in law, venture capital, leadership, and beyond.
- Pitch competition: Canadian-based Black women tech founders will compete for non-dilutive capital and resources to help fuel their ventures.
- Networking opportunities: Dedicated spaces for connection with investors, executives, and fellow founders will foster collaborations and partnerships.
- Week of Women in Tech: A curated lead-up of community events across Toronto celebrating women innovators in technology.
An Inspiring Speaker Lineup
The conference will feature an impressive lineup of speakers from across the tech, business, and policy landscape, including:
- Hon. Marci Ien, Former Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth of Canada
- Kay Layne, Founder of Kayambi
- Yolanda Biswah, President of Canadian Black Book
- Dina Maxwell, Chief Privacy Officer & IP Lead, PwC Canada
- Melisa Ellis, Founder & CEO of Nobellum
- Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson, Founder & CEO, Empowered in My Skin
- Faithlyn Hemmings, Vice President & Lead Counsel for Canada, General Motors
- Amoye Henry, Co-Founder, Pitch Better
Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks, ensuring that attendees have access to some of the most dynamic and influential voices shaping Canada’s tech and innovation space.
Why it matters
Roadmap to Billions represents more than a networking event. It is part of a broader movement to address the systemic barriers faced by Black women founders in accessing capital and mentorship, while celebrating the creativity, resilience, and brilliance they bring to the innovation economy.
By connecting founders with seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate leaders, the conference creates an environment where ideas can grow into thriving businesses. It also affirms that Black women are not only participants in the tech economy but also leaders shaping its future.
Final thoughts
As Toronto once again takes its place on the map of this global movement, Roadmap to Billions Toronto 2025 is set to be a milestone event for Canada’s innovation landscape. With its powerful mix of panels, mentorship, and investment opportunities, it reflects a bold commitment to elevating Black women founders and ensuring their impact resonates far beyond Canada’s borders.
For entrepreneurs at every stage—whether launching a startup or scaling a growing venture—the conference offers invaluable opportunities to connect, learn, and thrive. It is also a vital reminder to the broader community of the importance of inclusive innovation and the collective strength of ecosystems built on collaboration.
Tickets are now available at lu.ma/rtbtoronto. For media inquiries, sponsorships, or speaking opportunities, contact
