MEET VENTURELIFT
Business is a dynamic entity. At VentureLift, participants do more than just learn about business — they experience it. Our immersive five-day program connects a small cohort of students directly with the experience of industry leaders and the challenges of real companies.
By partnering with a real-world client company for consultation, partaking in workshops led by distinguished professionals, and forming strong connections with these accomplished individuals, participants are launched into the business world with unparalleled advantage and executive-level preparation. We invite you to learn about VentureLift through our three main value propositions.
1. A WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCE
ELITE KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Last year, Geoff McKay, Partner and Co-Founder at Weathervane Investments, brought elite business expertise and transformational leadership insights to VentureLift. His distinguished career has included serving as Managing Director at CPP Investments ($700B global pension fund), being a General Partner at Forstmann Little & Co (known as one of the pioneering firms behind private equity), and executing high-stakes M&A deals at Goldman Sachs—experience that has shaped North America's business landscape.
Although we have not yet announced our keynote speaker for this year, interested attendees who wish to attend only the keynote without attending the full VentureLift program may still sign up for the keynote speech here. All VentureLift attendees will automatically be given admission to the keynote.
SPECIALIZED WORKSHOPS
Participants rotate through twelve intensive workshops led by experts who excel as senior leaders in their specialized industries. Each workshop addresses a specific business discipline: from financial modelling and IPO’s to persuasive communication and competitive positioning. With each workshop, participants gain greater insight into formulating their strategic plan for their client company. As our program is only accepting a small cohort of students this year, participants will have the opportunity to work directly with workshop speakers: learning from them collaboratively and directly.
PERSONALIZED MENTORSHIP
As participants collaborate to consult their client, each team will receive guidance from team mentors. Mentors will work with each team to provide guidance and individualized coaching, helping participants navigate challenges and maximize their program experience.
2. DELIVER ACTUAL IMPACT
Company Partnership
Emphasizing experiential education, VentureLift places participants in the role of professional consultants. On day one, participants meet executives from a partner company who present their organization's history, values, current challenges, and opportunities. Over the next five days, they work in teams alongside their mentor to develop a strategic plan for future growth.
Boardroom Challenge
The program culminates in an executive pitch to a judging panel of selected industry leaders and senior representatives from the company, requiring participants to defend their analysis, demonstrate business acumen, and communicate persuasively under pressure. The competition prize pool is currently set at $1,000 per winning team member.
3. SMALL COHORT SIZE
VentureLift's small cohort and boutique environment offers participants the unique opportunity to develop lasting personal relationships with like-minded individuals, from professionals to peers. These connections become platforms for participants to apply their business acumen in future contexts, providing mentorship, references, and insider guidance to prestigious pathways.
Last year, VentureLift welcomed professionals with experience at the organizations shown, as well as many more. This year, we’re making that network a tradition.
Want to learn more? Please view our 2025 info attendee information package.
Made up your mind? Apply to VentureLift today while spots still last.