Afro-Caribbean Business Network | Fireside Chat with Wils Théagène, Founder and Manager, Citadelle Capital | Friday, October 30, 2026 | Online
Many Black founders can raise a little money from friends, family or a small grant. Far fewer make it to the next level: a real venture round that lets a company hire, expand and compete. That gap between early money and growth capital is where too many promising businesses stall.
That is why venture capital for Black entrepreneurs in Canada matters so much. Importantly, it is not only about fairness. It is also about the companies, jobs and wealth that go missing when great founders cannot get the capital to scale.
So on Friday, October 30, the Afro-Caribbean Business Network continues the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026 with a virtual fireside chat featuring Wils Théagène, Founder and Manager of Citadelle Capital, who brings 30 years of investment management experience to the conversation.
Who Is Wils Théagène?
Wils was born in Haiti and has spent three decades in venture capital and private equity. Notably, he designed Equity 25³, a $250 million initiative at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) to support underrepresented entrepreneurs and fund managers.
After more than six years at CDPQ, he left in late 2023 to launch Citadelle Capital. In addition, he teaches at HEC Montréal’s executive education school, including programs on entrepreneurship and strategic leadership for Black business leaders, and he sits on several boards.
Inside Citadelle Capital
Citadelle Capital is named after the Citadelle Laferrière, the famous mountaintop fortress in Haiti. Fittingly, the fund is built to protect and strengthen founders who are often left out.
At launch, Wils set out to raise $150 million to support diverse entrepreneurs, starting with Black entrepreneurs in its first fund before expanding to other groups. In particular, he wanted to address the gap at the Series A stage and then continue into growth investing. His goal is clear: strong financial returns that also reduce inequality and strengthen communities.
Why This Conversation Matters for the Black Community
1. The Series A gap is where companies stall
Early grants and small rounds can get a company started, but growth requires bigger cheques. Consequently, when Black founders cannot access Series A funding, their companies stay small or get bought out early. Closing that gap changes what is possible. (Our Day 3 spotlight on Black tech founders in Canada explores the funding gap.)
2. Experienced investors bring more than money
The right investor also brings networks, credibility and hard-won advice. Therefore, Wils’s session on how experienced investors help founders scale is valuable for anyone planning to raise capital.
3. Representation among investors matters
When fund managers come from underrepresented communities, they are more likely to recognize opportunities others miss. That is why Wils’s work to back both diverse founders and diverse fund managers is so important.
4. Capital is one of the Four Strikes
At ACBN, we name the Four Strikes™ that hold Black entrepreneurs back, and the fourth is systemic barriers to capital, credit, and networks. Funds like Citadelle Capital, alongside community lenders, help break it at every stage.
5. Every founder climbs a ladder
Not every business needs venture capital, but every business needs the right capital at the right time. ACBN’s 3C Framework™ moves entrepreneurs through Clarity → Connection → Capital. First, get clear on your model, traction, and goals. Next, connect with mentors and investors. Finally, access the capital that fits your stage, from microloans to growth equity.
Start climbing the capital ladder. ACBN’s Growth Pathway program walks you through the 3C Framework™ with coaching, community and a direct route to funding. We are welcoming 100 entrepreneurs into the program.
What You Will Walk Away With
- Lessons from 30 years in venture capital and private equity
- What it takes to raise a Series A as a Black founder
- How networks and experienced investors help companies scale
- Why diverse fund managers matter for the whole ecosystem
- A live Q&A with the founder of Citadelle Capital
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Series A funding?
Series A is usually a company’s first major round of venture capital after early seed funding. Typically, it is used to scale a product that has proven demand, grow the team, and expand into new markets.
Where can Black entrepreneurs in Canada find venture capital?
Options include funds focused on underrepresented founders, such as Citadelle Capital, Tribe Ventures and BlackTech Capital, along with mainstream funds and angel networks. In addition, many founders start with loans and grants before raising equity.
I missed the live session. Can I watch the replay?
Yes. Replays of BEEConference sessions will be shared on the ACBN YouTube channel.
Join Us on Day 30
Day 30 brings us to the final stretch of a full month of workshops as part of the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026. So if you are ready to think about growth at scale, this conversation is for you.
Fireside Chat with Wils Théagène | BEEConference Day 30
Friday, October 30, 2026 | Online
Can’t make it live? Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a replay, workshop or conversation: youtube.com/@acbn_canada
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