For the first time, the Canadian Venture Forum (CVF) will include a public venture capital (PVC) stream for companies interested in accessing public equity. Traditionally a forum for companies seeking private venture capital, the CVF, being held May 11-12 in Toronto, will include one day of presentations by nine private companies that are interested in going public on TSX Venture Exchange.

In a joint announcement made, TSX Venture Exchange and Canadian Venture Forum revealed details that the new PVC stream is being sponsored exclusively by the 2006 PVC campaign.

In its third year, the PVC campaign is a collaboration between TSX-V and industry partners from the investment community. The objective of the campaign is to educate entrepreneurs and investors on the opportunities within the PVC marketplace, particularly for emerging companies to access critical growth capital.

Sponsoring the CVF is a natural fit for the campaign, as presenting companies will have the opportunity to tell their story to an audience of investment bankers and founders of Capital Pool Companies that are looking for an acquisition target.

The CVF, co-hosted by Thomson Financial, is Canada’s leading annual showcase of growth companies seeking venture capital investments, consistently drawing 400 to 600 attendees over the two-day event. It allows expanding growth companies to get on the radar of Canada’s venture capitalist firms. Since 2000, the total reported amount of funding presenting companies received was over $1 billion.

“The partnership with TSX to bring more opportunity to Canadian entrepreneurs is very advantageous to the technology business community,” said Rick Segal, Toronto Venture Group spokesperson. “Public venture capital, and particularly the CPC program, provides an efficient and economical way to list a company on TSX Venture Exchange and offers the opportunity for an entrepreneur to maintain greater control of their company and the process.”

“We’ve been involved with the TVG’s Canadian Venture Forum for years now, but feel the timing is right to bring public venture capital to the event and assist both entrepreneurs and investors with successful financing placements,” said Linda Hohol, President, TSX-V. “TSX Venture incorporates regulatory safeguards that help protect all parties throughout the listing process. It also provides access to seasoned management and financiers for a private company.”