Aviva Pitch Day is back

June 13, 2017 (Toronto, ON) – Following the success of Aviva Pitch Day in 2016, Aviva Ventures continues their commitment to invest in high-potential digital startups around the globe. With $170 million (CDN) to invest globally over the next four years, Aviva Canada will be hosting their second Pitch Day event in Toronto on September 19, 2017.

The call for submissions is now open. Through a selection and short-listing process, the top 10 Canadian-based digital startup submissions will pitch to a panel of Aviva advisors at Aviva Canada’s Digital Garage in downtown Toronto for their chance to be considered for an investment of up to $10 million (CDN).

“We saw the high demand for disruptors looking to take their businesses to the next level at last year’s Pitch Day event. We can’t wait to once again collaborate with startups who can offer unique ideas to create positive change for our almost three million customers here in Canada,” says Ben Isotta-Riches, Chief Information Officer, Aviva Canada. “We’ve only just scratched the surface in building a massive insurtech community in Canada.”

Earlier this year, Aviva Ventures announced their first Canadian investment in Casalova – one of the startups short-listed at last year’s Aviva Pitch Day. Casalova is a Canadian real estate marketplace poised for next level growth with a $2.5 million investment from Aviva Ventures.

“We are excited to be tapping the Canadian marketplace for potential high-growth, digital startups that will help us transform the insurance industry,” says Ben Luckett, Managing Director, Aviva Ventures. “By putting innovation and digital as our core focus, we will be able to make insurance easier and simpler for our customers.”

Canadian startups interested in participating in Aviva Pitch Day can visit avivapitchday.ca to view the requirements and submit an application. Application deadline is August 11, 2017.

About Aviva Canada
Aviva Canada Inc. is one of the leading property and casualty insurance groups in the country providing home, automobile, leisure/lifestyle and business insurance to 2.9 million customers. A wholly-owned subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, the company has more than 4,000 employees focused on creating a bright and sustainable future for their customers and communities.

Aviva Canada invests in positive change through the Aviva Community Fund, Canada’s longest running online community funding competition. Since its inception in 2009, the Aviva Community Fund has awarded $7.5 million to over 250 charities and community groups nationwide. Aviva Canada, bringing over 300 years of good thinking and insurance solutions to Canadians from coast-to-coast.

For more information, visit avivacanada.com, the company’s blog or Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

About Aviva Ventures
Aviva Ventures is Aviva plc’s corporate venture fund and is wholly-owned by Aviva plc. It forms part of Aviva’s wider innovation strategy and was launched in December 2015. Currently operating out of Aviva’s digital garage in London England, Aviva Ventures is looking to make investments across the markets where Aviva operates. The fund aims to invest £100 million over the next five years into startup businesses that will disrupt, lead and transform the insurance industry.

Media Contact:
Priscilla Wong
Public Relations Specialist
Aviva Canada Inc.
Desk: 416 288 6780
Mobile: 647 208 7523
Email: priscilla.y.wong@aviva.com