“Congratulations! You’ve been selected to pitch your startup to investors overseas.”

For most founders, receiving that line in their inbox feels like a dream come true. The chance to showcase your idea on a global stage can unlock funding, partnerships, and recognition. But here’s the catch: it can also open the door to exploitation.

In September 2025, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), alongside U.S. intelligence partners, issued a clear warning: international pitch competitions aren’t always what they seem. While many are legitimate opportunities, some may be designed by foreign actors to scoop up sensitive intellectual property and technological expertise.

Think about what you might be asked to share at one of these events: patent details, business strategies, financial projections, or even personal data. In some cases, prizes or investments hinge on setting up operations in another country, where laws might give governments direct access to your data, processes, and talent.

Why Ottawa Startups Should Care

Ottawa is no stranger to innovation. Ranked first in North America for tech talent concentration (on par with the Bay Area), local founders are building technologies that attract global attention. While that’s fantastic, global attention also brings global risk.

Many Ottawa startups already pitch abroad through groups like Invest Ottawa or competitions like the Startup World Cup. These events can be game changers, but without safeguards in place, young companies can be left exposed.

Smart Safeguards Every Founder Should Know

No one’s saying you should avoid international competitions altogether. Instead, think of CSIS’s guidance as a startup security checklist—a few steps that could save you from major headaches down the road. Here are five practice safeguards that should be considered:

1. Do Your Homework. Before signing up, research the organizers. Who are they funded by? Do they have government ties? Read the fine print and understand how your data might be used.

2. Protect Your IP. File patents before going public, consider non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) where appropriate, and use secure tools to keep sensitive data safe.

3. Share Strategically. Only reveal what’s necessary to spark interest. Set clear red lines about what stays off-limits.

4. Keep Watching. After the event, monitor the market and your inbox for unusual interest or potential infringements.

5. Stay Connected. Tap into government resources, industry groups, and legal advisors who can keep you up to date on emerging risks.

What This Means for You

Not every pitch event is a trap. Many truly do connect founders with investors and partners who want to help them grow. The challenge is separating real opportunity from hidden risk.

That’s why CSIS’s message is simple: protect first, pitch second.

The Role of Legal Clinics

This is where legal clinics like ours can help. At the uOttawa Startup Law Clinic, law students can help founders learn about how to protect their intellectual property in Canada via trademarks, copyright, patents, and contract. We can also help you understand the difference between patents and trade secrets, which of these might be relevant to your product, and their respective limitations.

While we can’t replace legal counsel, we can help founders ask the right questions and flag protections they can put in place before stepping onto that international stage.

Book your free office hours appointment today!