This May was traditionally rich with events. We had the incredible opportunity to attend a series of high-value events focused on the startup and small business ecosystem.
From networking with tech startup founders to engaging with European business communities in Canada, each event offered unique perspectives and connections. Here are our most exciting events for May 2026.
Together Toronto and YC S26 Application Session
On May 4, DevIT attended Together Toronto and YC S26 Application Session, organized by TechTO. This event brought together tech startup founders, investors, and operators for an evening of networking and insightful keynote sessions.
Founders shared honest, behind-the-scenes stories about building companies — highlighting both challenges and the frameworks that helped them move forward. The conversations encouraged attendees to rethink their own approaches to work and growth.
For us, it was a great opportunity to connect with the local startup ecosystem and learn from real-world experiences. DevIT has been working in the startup creation field for over 10 years, so we were especially pleased to share our experience with early-stage projects.
Lessons Learned: Investors and Funders May Edition
On May 14 our representative had the pleasure of visiting Lessons Learned: Investors and Funders May Edition in Toronto, hosted by Global Startups. The event was designed for early-stage founders and gathered on the one stage experienced investors and funders to share real, market-driven insights on the funding application process.
The session explored what investors prioritize, how funding is allocated, and where founders often misalign with expectations. Speakers shared honest insights into today’s investment landscape and offered practical tips for anyone looking to secure funding. The event also created space for meaningful discussions and networking with key players shaping early-stage capital.
Shopify Study Hall
Our CEO Rodion Bezruk attended Shopify Study Hall on May 19, held in Shopify Toronto Office. This was a closed-door event for app developers, agency partners, and merchants.
Shopify experts shared their knowledge on how the platform is evolving with AI-driven shopping, where assistants can discover and even purchase products for users. They explained what this shift means for brands and how businesses should adapt.
The session also included hands-on workshops focused on building scalable solutions with the new technologies. We’ve got on-demand support from Shopify Advisors for troubleshooting and share feedback on their platform experience. We appreciated the opportunity to gain practical advice on how to effectively implement AI in our own work.
European Chambers MeetUp: EUCCAN’s 30th Anniversary Celebration
On May 21, DevIT participated in European Chambers MeetUp, organized by CFCC.
The event marked three years of the meetup series, which has become a popular platform for building meaningful connections across Toronto. This is a key networking opportunity for the European-Canadian business community, and we were happy to be there.
For us, it was an evening filled with great conversations, new connections, and a true sense of celebration. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making it easy to engage with many interesting people and exchange ideas.
The Small Business Show 2026
May 22 was a special day for us, as DevIT attended an exciting event - The Small Business Show 2026, powered by CanadianSME.
This event was focused on three key pillars of modern business success: technology, capital, and innovation. There were also over 50 booths from different industries, that showcased services designed to support small business owners.
Experts provided a structured, practical approach to helping businesses understand how these elements work together to drive growth. Real-world case studies highlighted how entrepreneurs successfully combine these drivers to scale and strengthen their businesses.
OneEleven Pitch Showcase - Toronto Tech Week Edition
This week, on May 27, the OneEleven Pitch Showcase was held during Toronto Tech Week. The event brought together some of the city’s most promising startups and key players in Canada’s innovation ecosystem.
The event featured live pitches from high-potential companies. They presented their experience to a room of 150–200 founders, investors, operators, and ecosystem leaders.
Designed to spark connections and highlight emerging opportunities, the event also served as a platform for startups to gain visibility and build momentum. It was a dynamic gathering where we celebrated innovation and growth within the Canadian tech community.
Our Insights
This May was filled with engaging and valuable events for our team. Being surrounded by like-minded people is important to us. DevIT had great opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and explore new partnerships and collaborations. We’re excited to keep growing and contributing to the development of Toronto’s tech ecosystem.