East Tower Toronto Dominion Centre 
416-360-8850 
Schulich School of Business at York University 
416-736-5079 Schulich Masterclass Certificate in Venture Finance
Level up with LEEN LI, ex-CFO at Wealthsimple and ex-CEO at Wealthsimple Foundation.
Learn how to build a finance function that fuels growth, attracts investors, and scales with your venture. This program equips founders, finance leaders and professionals with the strategies, models, and investor insights needed to drive fundraising and financial decision-making in startup and scale-up environments.
Better yet, learn directly from a top Venture Finance executive herself: Leen Li is the ex-CFO at Wealthsimple and ex-CEO at Wealthsimple Foundation. Read more about Leen and her achievements here.
Limited scholarships available.
April 29, 2026
- Location:
- Online
Schulich Masterclass Certificate in Venture Finance
- Programs
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- Schulich Masterclass Certificate in Venture Finance
Your roadmap to venture finance leadership
Designed for founders, finance leaders and professionals in startups, scale-ups, and VC-backed companies, this program provides the frameworks and tools to manage fundraising, investor relationships, and financial strategy through all stages of growth.
But don’t stop there. Speak and learn directly from a Chief Executive Officer with over 20 years of experience. Breaking into Venture Finance means knowing and getting tips from the right people. This is your exclusive chance to network with high-level peers and get the secrets to success from an industry star.
The Schulich Venture Scholars Program
Each cohort, there are a limited number of students who are accepted as Schulich Venture Scholars. This scholarship empowers high-potential venture leaders to access SVA’s programming. Ideal for founders and executives driving innovation, the program supports those committed to scaling ventures with impact.
Want to know if you are eligible for one of our limited Venture Scholar spots? Contact Shivam Sharma, Assistant Director, to learn more.
Email: ssharm16@schulich.yorku.ca
Cell: (647) 779-3083
Program Overview
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Learn how to prepare startups for institutional fundraising. Build investor-ready financial models, structure a data room, and align finance with a compelling pitch narrative.
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Design efficient finance operations for early-stage companies. Manage cash strategically and build reporting systems that support disciplined, scalable growth.
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Use financial modelling to guide capital allocation decisions. Learn to partner cross-functionally during fundraising and due diligence while ensuring financial accuracy and alignment.
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Build a strategic annual planning process that moves beyond accounting. Lead monthly performance reviews and prepare board-ready insights that drive growth.
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Develop collaborative planning processes that influence sales, marketing, and product teams. Use financial insights to drive disciplined capital allocation and execution.
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Explore how to lead through uncertainty. Manage runway, identify early warning signals, and make strategic scaling decisions in both growth and downturn environments.
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Participants apply course learnings to create a comprehensive monthly business review deck for their organization. They will incorporate instructor feedback to refine financial models, metrics, and insights. Finally, they will present the deck to drive informed decisions and support growth in a VC-backed business.
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Celebrate your program graduation with Program Instructor Leen Li, Senior Leaders in the Venture Ecosystem and Leaders from the Schulich Startups Community. An opportunity to make in-person connections with top professionals and network for future job opportunities. Hosted in downtown Toronto at Schulich ExecEd.
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Spring 2026
Schulich Masterclass Certificate in Venture Finance
Course Dates Time Module 1: Raise Money 3/25/2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Module 2: Manage Cash At A Startup 4/1/2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Module 3: Capital Allocation through Financial Modelling 4/8/2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Module 4: Capital Allocation through Annual Planning 4/15/2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Module 5: Communication and Execution 4/22/2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Module 6: Let's Solve Problems Together 4/29/2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Get Training in Marketable Skills
Strategic Planning
Financial Acumen
Project Management
Relationship Management
Strategic Thinking
This program stands out by covering the complex intricacies of managing the Finance function in the startup world. Through interactive sessions, you'll gain insights into financial strategy, fundraising document preparation, and decision-making specific to venture-backed companies.
Leen Li
Program Director
Who Will Benefit
Founders & Startup
Leaders
Gain the financial frameworks, tools, and investor insights to manage capital effectively, support rapid scaling, and make strategic decisions that inspire investor confidence.
Startup & Scale-Up Finance Professionals
Strengthen your investor readiness and relationship management skills while deepening your understanding of the unique financial strategies that drive growth in venture-backed companies.
Ecosystem Advisors & Innovation Leaders
Develop the venture finance literacy to guide portfolio companies, advise on fundraising, and connect founders with the right capital partners to accelerate growth.
4 Reasons to Enrol
Exclusive Venture Finance Insights
Learn from an experienced CFO who has scaled high-growth ventures and navigated fundraising with top investors.
Build Investor Affinity
Nail the investor updates that make you look like a pro behind the scenes.
Learn from the Pros
Gain practical, actionable strategies from Leen Li, a leader who views finance & acocunting not just as a science but also as an art.
Expand Your Strategic Network
Join a curated community of founders, executives, and ecosystem leaders. Build relationships that drive opportunities, collaborations, and venture growth.
What Difference Will You Make?
Faculty
What You Get
After completing the Schulich Masterclass Certificate in Venture Finance, you'll receive an authentic digital badge from the #1 business school in Canada that employers will recognize.
As more and more companies look for candidates with specific skills, this badge on your CV will be a credible assurance of your achievements and expertise, allowing the right roles to find you faster.
Masterclass Certificate
You’ve completed a series of unique, high-level modules, which constitute a Masterclass Certificate.
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Custom Programs for Organizations
Use this program as we designed it, or alter it to fit your company’s needs. Either way, we can help you improve your organization's talent pipeline. Get in touch with our custom programs team today.
Make the Right Choice. Try Our Advisory Services.
The next step of your career matters. A Schulich ExecEd program advisor can help you choose a course that fits your budget and schedule. Get in touch with us today.
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