3 April 2024

10:55 – 12:30

Amphi 4

Donald Angers

Donald Angers holds degrees in communications and human resources management. He was recruited by Hydro-Québec’s Laboratoire des technologies de l’énergie (LTE) from 1989 to 2010, where he held the role of Market Development Advisor (21 years). He has been a guest speaker at over forty events, including ten on the international scene (Tokyo- Paris- Sao Paolo – Chisinau in Moldavia – Tucson, etc.). Over the years, he has enjoyed setting up a number of technical projects, such as Électrobois – TSI-Électro-Agro and C3E, and has chaired several Quebec organizations, including the Quebec Light Metals Association (6 years). He has been a director of CNETE since it was founded in 1993. He is currently its President. As for C3E, it is the only Canadian investment fund fully dedicated to commercializing innovations in energy transition and efficiency.

Debate: How do you finance business development?

Financing start-ups is relatively complex. Generally speaking, funds are available for research and development. There are also traditional venture capitalists willing to support companies as they grow or expand. What happens in between? Where marketing is often regarded as the Valley of Death? It’s a time-consuming period for generating the first productions, organizing promotion and seeking out contracts. It’s also a time when you have to deal with all the red tape involved in certification and homologation, as well as the many and varied facets of sales and after-sales service. How can we support our start-ups through this Valley?