Two days might not seem like much, but in the right room, with the right people – everything can change.

That’s the essence of 48Hrs in the Valley, a cornerstone of the C100 Fellows Program. More than just an event, it’s a high-impact experience designed to give Canada’s most promising early-stage founders unfiltered access to Silicon Valley’s top founders, operators, and investors, all while strengthening the bonds within their cohort.

When we kicked off the Fellowship in September 2024 with the first 48Hrs, it was clear how transformative these connections could be. The experience immersed Fellows in the Valley’s ecosystem, introduced them to the C100 membership, and sparked relationships that have shaped their journeys. 

But one touchpoint wasn’t enough.

That’s why, for the first time ever, we introduced a second 48Hrs in January with two clear intentions:

• Deepen Fellows’ exposure to Silicon Valley’s network of mentors, investors, and seasoned operators. Access to the right people at the right time can change the trajectory of a company, and this was a chance to build on those relationships.
• Create space for Fellows to reconnect as a cohort halfway through the program. Startups move fast, and challenges evolve. This was an opportunity for Fellows to share what’s changed, challenge assumptions, and learn from each other in a setting designed for honest, high-value conversations.

“I joined C100 Fellows for the chance to connect with amazing founders and accomplished mentors, and 48Hrs delivered beyond my expectations. The relationships I formed have helped me tackle our biggest challenges—there’s real power in having the right people in your corner.” — Rishard Rameez, Co-Founder & CEO of Zown

Speaker Sessions: Insights from Those Who’ve Done It

The event started with a fireside chat featuring Shuman Ghosemajumder, Co-Founder & CEO of Reken, who previously scaled Shape Security to a billion-dollar exit. Shuman shared candid insights on scaling in today’s market, when to double down vs. pivot, and what it truly means to build something that lasts. His conversation set the tone for the next two days – inspiring Fellows to ask tough questions, reflect on their own journeys, and think bigger.

The second day brought a series of high-impact talks from experienced leaders who have been in the trenches. Madeline Price, a two-time Olympian, drew powerful parallels between elite athletics and entrepreneurship, showing Fellows how to build mental resilience and high-performance habits. Henry Shi (Super.com) unpacked what it truly takes to sustain product-led growth—not merely achieving product-market fit but aligning the right product, audience, and distribution strategy to create long-term momentum.

Lara Cumberland (Pacaso), drawing from her own experience scaling companies, emphasized that growth alone isn’t enough—it has to be built on a foundation of operational clarity, structured decision-making, and alignment across teams to ensure a company doesn’t break as it scales. And Ed Ortega (Machine & Partners) walked Fellows through the art of crafting compelling investor narratives, offering practical tips on refining pitches and standing out in a competitive fundraising market.

While each session brought unique insights, the common thread across all speakers was clear: building a great company requires more than just execution—it demands the right mindset, strategy, and resilience to overcome challenges.

“Henry Shi’s talk was a game-changer. Hearing firsthand from a founder who’s scaled product-led growth to a global level underscored the caliber of experts we get to learn from at 48Hrs.” — Rezaul Hoque, Co-Founder & CTO of Endor Health

Breakout Sessions: Founder-Led, Member-Supported

Breakout sessions were where theory met reality. These conversations were led by Fellows themselves, designed to tackle the toughest challenges they were facing in real time.

Fundraising strategies, hiring decisions, go-to-market execution, and scaling pain points. Each table took on what mattered most, with C100 Members in the room as thought partners, offering their experience and insights and helping founders stress-test their thinking to refine strategies.

This format put founders in the driver’s seat, ensuring that every conversation was high-impact, deeply relevant, and immediately actionable.

“The breakout sessions were invaluable. Having time to dive deep with fellow founders and C100 Members in my field gave me fresh perspectives on everything from company holding structures to go-to-market tactics. The intentionality in pairing us together made all the difference.” — Ania Wysocka, Founder & CEO of Rootd

More Than an Event—A Community That Moves Companies Forward

Some of the most valuable moments at 48Hrs weren’t scheduled – they happened in the in-between moments. Over dinner, during coffee breaks, in late-night conversations at the hotel bar.

A first-time founder swapping notes with a serial entrepreneur. A casual chat turning into a game-changing introduction. A candid conversation with an investor that shifted the way a founder thought about their next raise.

48Hrs isn’t just about content—it’s about building a network that moves companies forward. By giving Fellows direct access to the right people at the right time, we’re shaping trajectories in ways no other programs can.

“The real magic happened in those unscripted moments—grabbing coffee, hanging out after sessions, and talking through our plans to scale. The itinerary created a great environment for honest, impactful conversations.” — Noah Palansky, Founder & CEO of Taiv

Know a founder who could benefit from an experience like this? Tell them about the C100 Fellowship. The right connections at the right time can change everything—and that’s exactly what 48Hrs is designed to do. Applications open soon for our 2025 program!