Explore every episode of the podcast Founder Journey | The Untold Stories of the Founder Journey

In today's episode, we're looking back on one of our favourite Toronto Tech Week conversations featuring BorderPass Co-Founder, Sally Daub.

Sally, an entrepreneur who has built, successfully scaled, and exited a company and is currently doing work with Border Pass. 

She discusses her history of entrepreneurship, including making money by renting buses and photocopying engineering books in college, her career as an Intellectual Property lawyer, and her experience as a founder, including her time at Nortel and ATI. 

Sally also shares insights on identifying talent and fostering it, the importance of understanding the law in business, and the challenges of raising capital in the current market, especially in Canada. 

⁠Subscribe to the Founder Journey series⁠ for episodes like this.

Thank you to our podcast partners at StartWell for helping us bring this series to life. You can learn more at ⁠www.startwell.co⁠

In today's episode of Founder Journey, host's Alex Norman and Alexandra Reilly are joined by Scott Stevenson, Co-Founder and CEO of Spellbook, the legal AI startup that has captured the attention of investors and builders across North America.Scott opens up about his early entrepreneurial spark, the twists and turns that shaped his founder journey, and the pivotal moments that led to building Spellbook into one of the most-watched companies in the legal tech space. He shares an inside look at their recent fundraise, how the team navigated rapid growth, and what it actually takes to build an AI company that solves real, painful problems—not just flashy ones.Whether you're a seasoned founder or an aspiring builder, Scott leaves you with practical, hard-earned lessons on resilience, product obsession, and why now is the best (and hardest) time to be building in tech.If you’re curious about scaling an AI startup, raising capital in today’s market, or the mindset required to survive the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.🎧 Tune in — and get inspired by another one of Canada's biggest startup innovators. Subscribe to the series for more episodes like this

Today's episode is sponsored by Sage. Learn more about how they can support you at: www.sage.com/ca/intacct

On today’s episode of the Founder Journey, the team was joined by Andrew D'Souza (Clearco and Boardy.ai) who shared more on how he helped to build FinTech giant Clearco, and how that ultimately led to his pivot with Boardy.ai and how he's creating one of the most innovative networking tools you’ve ever seen. Andrew has done it all and is sharing all the takeaways for today’s Founders.

Subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can also watch the entire episode on YouTube

Thank you to our podcast partners at StartWell. If you're curious to learn more about their studios and offerings, visit www.startwell.co

Today's episode is sponsored by Sage. Learn more about how they can support you at: https://www.sage.com/ca/intacct On today’s part two episode of the Founder Journey, legendary builder spent time with our hosts Alexandra Reilly and Alex Norman to unpack more of his building perspectives. As an entrepreneur who has successfully build multiple businesses, it was important to spend time discussing exactly how he did. The market looks very different today for builder's and Amar shared valuable expertise on exactly what you need to hit it out of the park. Stay subscribed to the series to hear from more of today's biggest names in tech, who share their authentic and unique stories of success, failure and lessons learned, and how they built some of the biggest companies in the country and globally. Subscribe: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ztGmAp...Thank you to our podcast partners StartWell. You can learn more about how they can support your content and business gatherings at https://startwell.co

Today's episode is sponsored by Sage. Learn more about how they can support you at: https://www.sage.com/ca/intacct

On today’s episode of the Founder Journey, legendary builder turned investor joined the show to discuss both sides of the coin.

In a live studio session with TechTO, Mantle Founder Amar Varma, offered great insights for today's builder's which included, how you need to thinking globally from day one, his perspective as a builder and investor plus everything else today's founder's need to know from someone who has built and exited multiple companies.

Stay subscribed to the series to hear from more of today's biggest names in tech, who share their authentic and unique stories of success, failure and lessons learned, and how they built some of the biggest companies in the country and globally.

Subscribe: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ztGmAp...

Thank you to our podcast partners StartWell. You can learn more about how they can support your content and business gatherings at https://startwell.co

On today’s episode of the Founder Journey, we hear the authentic Founder story behind LumiQ - a leading educational podcast platform that has redefined the way people learn.

Michael Kravshik, Co-Founder and Board Member of LumiQ joined Alex Norman and Alexandra Reilly to share more on building, finding the right team to support your mission and everything today's entrepreneurs need to know.

Stay subscribed to the series to hear from more of today's biggest names in tech, who share their authentic and unique stories of success, failure and lessons learned, and how they built some of the biggest companies in the country and globally.

We drop new episodes all month long.

Thank you to our podcast partners StartWell. You can learn more about how they can support your content and business gatherings at https://startwell.co

On today’s episode of the Founder Journey, we discuss a very inspiring entrepreneurial journey and share the ultimate playbook for today's builders.

In a live studio session with TechTO during Toronto Tech Week, Michael Hyatt, the legendary builder, investor, former Dragon on CBC's Next Gen Den and current inspiring tech figure, joined Alexandra Reilly and guest host Marsha Druker to hone in on the Founder Journey.

From a very personal beginning into the world of building, all the way to lending his voice and guidance to the next generation of builder's, Hyatt gets very candid on the entire process from start to finish.

Stay subscribed to the series to hear from more of today's biggest names in tech, who share their authentic and unique stories of success, failure and lessons learned, and how they built some of the biggest companies in the country and globally.

We drop new episodes all month long.

Thank you to our podcast partners StartWell. You can learn more about how they can support your content and business gatherings at https://startwell.co

Today's episode is sponsored by Sage. Learn more about how they can support you at: https://www.sage.com/en-ca/

On today’s episode of the Founder Journey, we dive in on all things FinTech, Founder mental health and how to make an impact in a very regulated space.

In a live studio session (at StartWell) with TechTO during Toronto Tech Week, COO and Co-Founder of Canadian FinTech powerhouse, Borrowell, Eva Wong, got candid about her unlikely journey into the tech world, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, embracing the world of AI and how today's Founder's can truly iterate their ideas in a big way.

Stay subscribed to the series to hear from more of today's biggest names in tech, who share their authentic and unique stories of success, failure and lessons learned, and how they built some of the biggest companies in the country and globally. We drop new episodes all month long.

Thank you to our podcast partners StartWell. You can learn more about how they can support your content and business gatherings at https://startwell.co

In today's newest episode of the Founder Journey, our hosts Alex Norman and Alexandra Reilly of TechTO sat down with Founder of eSentire, Eldon Sprickerhoff.

Eldon, most notably remembered for his breakthrough cybersecurity company eSentire, got candid with the team to share his thoughts on scaling from idea to billion dollar business, how AI has changed the game for builders today, what founders should curious about when starting to build, and how he is now continuing to support the ecosystem as a mentor.

Don't forget to like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts, and keep up with us each month for more unique Founder stories.

Thank you to our podcast partners StartWell

Today's episode is sponsored by Sage

Visit Sage Intacct Financial Management Platform and take control of your growth.

In today's newest episode of the Founder Journey, our hosts Alex Norman and Alexandra Reilly of TechTO sat down with CEO of Missive, Phillipe Lehoux.

Phil, shared his interesting approach to building a business, how they bootstrapped successfully, advice for today's builders, and how to maintain authenticity as your business and team grows.

Don't forget to like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts, and keep up with us each month for more unique Founder stories.

In today's newest episode of the Founder Journey, our hosts Alex Norman and Alexandra Reilly of TechTO sat down with CEO of Clutch, Dan Park.

Dan, who has had an extensive career building and launching businesses in Canada, shared how he helped grow Uber Eats Canada, the strategy behind disrupting the car selling market, and how you as a builder can also achieve big things in Canadian Tech.

Don't forget to like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts, and keep up with us each month for more unique Founder stories.

In today's newest episode of the Founder Journey, our hosts Alex Norman and Alexandra Reilly of TechTO sat down with Founder of Workleap, Simon De Baene.

Simon got honest about the early years of generating revenue, how to develop a strong team, what it was like making the decision to drop out of school in the pursuit of entrepreneurship and everything he has learned a long the way. He has also shared a very unique activity that taught him the most about being a Founder.

Don't forget to like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts, and keep up with us each month for more unique Founder stories.

On the newest season of the Founder Journey Series, we catch up with more of today's top Founders and builders, one-on-one to learn more about their journey to building their current business.

In today's episode, Marie Chevrier Schwartz, seasoned Entrepreneur and current CEO at TechTO gets candid about the hardships Founders face, juggling entrepreneurship and building a family, and shares honest takeaways for today's builders.

If you or someone you know has a great Founder Journey to share, drop us a line at content@techto.org.

Subscribe to our newsletter and the full series on Spotify so you never miss an episode.

Today's episode was recorded and filmed at StartWell Studios. To learn more about their offerings check them out here

In today's episode of the Founders Journey, we welcome CEO and Co-Founder of BenchSci, Liran Belenzon.

Liran shares wisdom and insights on joining the company 10 years ago, fundraising on a massive scale, and even his unique approach to fundraising conversations (and why it might be one you've never heard before).

Want to chat more with Liran about what he's helping to build at BenchSci? Reach out to him at liran@benchsci.com

BenchSci is also hiring! You can learn more and apply here

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series. Today's episode is hosted by Alexandra Reilly, Head of Marketing at TechTO

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Emiel Bril, CEO and Co-Founder of VendorPM. In today's episode, Emiel gets honest about:

- Entrepreneurship

- The challenges of building a business

- Lessons learned from the fundraising journey

- The most important takeaways every Founder (new or established) should know

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to like and subscribe wherever you are watching or listening.

You can also connect with Emiel on LinkedIn.

VendorPM is also hiring - check out their open roles here.

Let's learn about the Alberta Ecosystem and why tech in Alberta is thriving right now.

CEO of Alberta Innovates joins the TechTO team to discuss the future of tech in Canada and the continued journey for innovation.

Learn more about their work and everything they have coming up here: https://albertainnovates.ca

In this special LIVE episode of the Founders Journey series, we sat down with Justin Bailie, Co-Founder of Rose Rocket to chat about his humbling entrepreneurship journey.

In today's episode, Justin doesn't sugar coat anything, and shares his authentic challenges and important lessons learned that every Founder or aspiring Founder can take inspiration from.

Like and subscribe to the Founders Journey so you never miss an episode as it drops.

#TechTO #FounderStories #Startups #Advice

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series. Today's episode is hosted by Alexandra Reilly, Head of Marketing at TechTO

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Christian Weedbrook, CEO and Co-Founder of Xanadu. What is Xanadu you might ask? Take a listen and find out.

Aside from AI and Quantum Computing, in this episode, we also chat about:

- Coming to Toronto to build a business (and his love of the ecosystem)

- How AI (and its speed of iteration) is impacting Xanadu and their progression in the space

- Where he sees Xanadu making the biggest impact

- Raising a large fundraising round in a tough market (and what he wants other founders to know)

- The trials and tribulations of entrepreneurship (he’s not sugar coating anything)

- Finding the right team to help you scale and build

You can also connect with Christian via email at christian@xanadu.ai

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Kevin Kliman, CEO and Co-Founder of Humi. Humi is helping companies manage HR and the people side of their businesses, better.

In this episode, we also chat about:

- Kevin's unique beginnings

- His pivot from dentistry to entrepreneurship

- Building a team

- Understanding the dynamic needs of people

- His inspiration for creating Humi

- The future of the business and HR in general

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Share this episode with a friend and don't forget to leave us a rating and let us know who we should interview next!

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Tate Hackert, President and Founder of ZayZoon. ZayZoon is helping companies win with employees by improving their financial well-being. Tate discusses his Founders journey, how he built ZayZoon, and tips for beating imposter syndrome as a Founder.

In this episode, we also chat about:

- Tate’s Background and Early Entrepreneurial Experience

- Tips for Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

- Formation of ZayZoon

- Early Business Ideation

- Connecting with Mentors

- Balancing Analysis and Action

- Employee Wellness at ZayZoon

- Go-to-Market Strategy for ZayZoon

- Learning from Metrics and Adjustments

- The Importance of Ongoing Fine-Tuning and Product Optimization

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Share this episode with a friend and don't forget to leave us a rating and let us know who we should interview next!

Welcome to the newest season of TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Hussein Fazal, Co-Founder and CEO of Super.

On this special live episode of the Founders Journey, Hussein joined Alex Norman to discuss the dramatic growth and impressive reputation of Super and how they grew their customer base.

Here's what you can expect:

(0:00) Intro's (01:52) What was the insight that led you to become a founder? (2:57) What was the idea behind AdParlor? (5:00) Why did you exit? (6:05) What was your biggest lesson learned as a first time founder? (7:12) How did you know it was the right time to start Super? (9:24) What was the idea behind Super? (12:27) Why did you choose to fundraise the second time around? (13:45) What is your current traction? (14:39) How did you transition from travel to fintech? (16:25) What are the benefits and challenges building for lower middle class customers? (19:42) Snap was founded in Toronto but seems to have a strong presence in SF, why? (22:27) Audience Q&A Learn more about Super: https://www.super.com/ Have any follow-up questions for Hussein or the Super team? Email alex@techto.org and we'll include them for a follow-up podcast!

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Darren Huston, a well-known leader in tech and the current Founder and CEO at BlackPines Capital Partners.

On this episode of the Founder's Journey, Darren joined us to chat through his unique beginnings and early years at Starbucks and Microsoft. He also shared some inspiring leadership advice from his years of CEO experience and shared more insight from his time at places like Booking.com and Priceline Group.

He might be the most interesting man in tech. And he is opening up to our audience about his career and sharing valuable takeaways for everyone.

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Share this episode with a friend and don't forget to leave us a rating and let us know who we should interview next!

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Laura Zizzo, Co-Founder and CEO of Manifest Climate

On this episode of the Founder's Journey, Laura joined us to discuss her journey to building Manifest Climate, her passion for climate conservation, how Manifest is taking strides to change the world and what the future holds.

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn to chat all things Manifest Climate!

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Michael Millar, Founder and CEO of Verto Health

On this episode of the Founder's Journey, Michael discussed his long journey of building Verto, his unique background in healthcare, how Verto played a pivotal role in the vaccine roll out, and the future of healthcare and Verto.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to chat all things Verto!

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Share this podcast with a friend, and leave us a review. Who should we speak to next time? Let us know on social!

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today we were joined by Prem Kalevar and Karamdeep Nijjar from Inovia Capital to chat about the newly announced Discovery Fund that was just launched.

On this special episode, we dive deeper into the inspiration behind the fund, who it will support, and what Founders need to know about Inovia and their investments.

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.
In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups and learn about their journey to building their current business.

Today’s guest is Kevin Collins, Founder and CEO of Charli AI

On this episode of the Founders Journey, Kevin discussed everything from his early years as an entrepreneur, founding multiple businesses, the unique inspiration behind Charli AI, and the future of AI and where we are headed.

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Kirk Simpson, Co-Founder and CEO of Qui Identity.

On this special live episode of the Founders Journey, Kirk joined Alex Norman and hundreds of other technologists, founders, and leaders to chat through his journey to founding and building Qui. He also shared his unique insights on how he got here today and advice for others who want to launch their own business.

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current business.

Today’s guest is Michael Garrity, CEO of Financeit

On this episode of the Founders Journey, Michael discussed everything from his early years as a Founder, the unique gap within consumer finance solutions that needed to be filled, their recent acquisition of a leading competitor, and his hopes for the future.

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Justin Herlick, CEO of Pine.

On this special live episode of the Founders Journey, Justin joined Alex Reilly and hundreds of other technologists, founders, and leaders to chat through his journey to founding and building Pine. He also shared his insights on the current market and how it's impacting his business.

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.
In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Raymond Chik, Co-Founder of Untether AI

Untether is helping companies run AI workloads to help operate neural networks faster, cooler, and more cost-effectively using app memory computing. 

Raymond joined us to discuss the journey and inspiration behind Untether AI, his previous Founder experience, the most important takeaways for the future of AI, why he Angel invests, and more!

Connect with Raymond on LinkedIn or via email at rchik@untether.ai

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.
In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Alex Rink, CEO of Rink Ventures

Alex works as a Strategic Advisor for high-growth companies and VCs/PEs.

He has over 20 years of experience as a SaaS/DaaS CEO/co-founder and executive and most recently lead an M&A and merger integration for a Vista Equity Partners portfolio company.

Alex joined us to discuss the journey and inspiration behind Rink Ventures, the value of his own Founder experience, and how is supporting many companies now as an investor and advisor.

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.
In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Nabeil Alazzam, Founder and CEO of Forma.ai

Forma.ai is the world’s first sales compensation solution driven by a collective data model. It allows organizations to design, execute, and optimize their sales compensation strategy within a single platform.

Nabeil joined us to discuss the journey and inspiration behind Forma.ai, his university years, lessons learned as a consultant, and his goals for the future of Forma.ai

Connect with Nabeil on LinkedIn and learn more about forma.ai on their website.

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Forma.ai is also hiring - apply here

#FoundersJourney #Inspiration #Tech #TechTO

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Erin Bury, Co-Founder and CEO of Willful.

Willful is an online platform that allows you to create your will as quickly and easily as possible. Willful easily guides you through the process of putting together a will online from the comfort of your own home.

Erin joined us to discuss the journey and inspiration behind Willful, her most important lessons learned, and her hopes for the future of estate planning and the education behind it for Canadians.

Connect with Erin on Social Media and learn more about Willful at www.willful.co

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

#FoundersJourney #Inspiration #Tech #TechTO

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Dr. Brett Belchetz, Co-Founder and CEO of Maple.

Today, Brett shares more about Maple, what inspired him to start the business, the future of healthcare in Canada, and how Maple is making a massive change in the industry across Canada.

Connect with Brett on Twitter and learn more about Maple at www.getmaple.com

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

#FoundersJourney #Inspiration #Tech #TechTO

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series. In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Rishi Nayyar, Co-Founder and CEO of PocketHealth. Today, Rishi shares more about PocketHealth, what inspired him to start the business, the future of healthcare in Canada, and the important lessons he learned while scaling his business.

Connect with Rishi on LinkedIn and learn more about PocketHealth and their open roles on their careers page

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Philippe Beaudoin, Co-Founder and CEO of Waverly.

Today, Phil shares his best advice for following through with your ideas, what makes sense for your own journey and the best lessons he has learned along the way.

In this episode, we also cover:

(0:00) Introduction to Phil and his background  

(1:00) What is a Venture Scientist, and why does Phil call himself that? 

(3:00) Phil's lessons learned at Google 

(7:29) ElementAI 

(10:00) Changing the way we view our social feeds 

(14:54) Starting Waverly and the journey 

(16:00) Meeting the Co-Founders 

(22:00) Wavlery and the effects of ChatGPT 

(25:59) The future of Waverly 

(33:00) Working with talent in Canada 

(35:50) How AI can be useful for everyone

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Avlok Kohli, CEO, AngelList Venture.

Today, Avlok shares his unique tips for Founders, what he recommends for raising in the current market, and all the important lessons he learned throughout his career that helped him launch multiple successful business'.

Connect with Avlok online or on Twitter.

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

Today's episode, we discuss:

(0:00) Introduction to Avlok and his background 

(1:55) Time as a student at University of Waterloo 

(3:32) Early experience working in Canada 

(5:00) The importance of building a Founder network 

(6:54) Venture Funding 

(8:54) Being deliberate with your ideas  

(10:50) Starting Fastbite 

(11:03) Building 

(15:40) Lessons learned from Jack Dorsey 

(16:01) Working at Square 

(21:00) Real scale and what it looks like 

(22:50) Pulling together an Investment Round 

(25:00) Exiting Postmates 

(32:00) AngelList  

(35:00) The current venture market 

(37:00) The future of the market  

(40:00) Raising money in Canada

#FoundersJourney #InspiringStories #TechTO

Welcome to TechTO's Founders Journey Series.

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current businesses.

Today’s guest is Mat Goldstein, Co-Founder and CRO of DealMaker.

Today, Mat shares his unique tips for Founders, what he recommends for raising in the current market, and all the important lessons young Founders should take into account when launching their business.

In this episode, we cover:

(0:00) Intro to Mat and DealMaker 

(2:40) What does it take to plan and grow a business 

(5:00) The journey to building DealMaker 

(5:35) Choosing your Co-Founder 

(7:40) How to know when to execute your idea 

(10:20) What was the first step you took when launching DealMaker 

(12:51) Using DealMaker to raise money 

(15:49) The early challenges of building DealMaker 

(25:05) What allowed them to raise 

(27:22) How a company can be successful using DealMaker 

(32:59) What Mat is doing today, and what makes his role unique 

(40:51) Taking a backseat as a Founder

Connect with Mat online or on LinkedIn.

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content that's dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

#FoundersJourney #InspiringStories #TechTO

Welcome to the first season of TechTOgether’s Founder’s Journey series. 

In this series, we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current businesses. 

Today’s guest is Lloyed Lobo, Founder of Boast.AI and Traction. 

Today, Lloyed shares his unique tips for Founders, how to build communities to empower your business and brand, and all the important lessons young Founders should take into account when launching their business.

Connect with Lloyed online or on LinkedIn. 

To keep up with content like this and learn about new content thats dropping every week, subscribe to the TechTO Newsletter and get it right to your inbox: www.techto.org/newsletter

#FoundersJourney #InspiringStories #TechTO

Welcome to the first season of TechTOgether’s Founder’s Journey series.

In this series we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current business.

Today’s guest is Solon Angel, Founder of Mind Bridge and Managing Partner at Fresh Founders.

Today, Solon shares his unique background, story building Mind Bridge, the evolution of Fresh Founders and why it's benefiting the eco-system. He also shares a few of his best takeaways for those trying to build and scale a successful business. 

Connect with Solon online or on LinkedIn.

#FoundersJourney #InspiringStories #TechTO

Welcome to the first season of TechTOgether’s Founder’s Journey series. 

In this series we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current business. 

Today’s guest is Dan Holowack, Co-Founder and CEO at CrowdRiff. 

Today, Dan shares his story building CrowdRiff, the purpose of the company, the lessons he learned throughout his career and his most inspirational lessons for Founders today. Connect with Dan online or on LinkedIn and learn more about CrowdRiff on their website. 

Want to join the team? Apply here

#FoundersJourney #InspiringStories #TechTO

Welcome to the first season of TechTOgether’s Founder’s Journey series. In this series we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current business. Today’s guest is Malik Yacoubi, Co-Founder and CEO at nesto.

Today, Malik shares his inspiring story building nesto, the lessons he learned throughout his career and his most inspirational lessons for Founders today.

Connect with Malik online or on LinkedIn and learn more about nesto on their website.

#FoundersJourney #InspiringStories #TechTO

Welcome to the first season of TechTOgether’s Founder’s Journey series. In this series we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current business.

Today’s guest is Raj Singh, CEO of Altrio. 

Today, Raj shares his inspiring story building Altrio, the lessons he learned throughout his career and his most inspirational lessons for Founders today. 

Connect with Raj on LinkedIn and learn more about Altrio on their website.

#FoundersJourney #InspiringStories #TechTO 

Welcome to the first season of TechTOgether’s Founder’s Journey series.

In this series we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current business. 

Today’s guest is Ron Benegbi, Founder and CEO of Uplinq. Today, Ron shares his inspiring story as an immigrant to Canada, the lessons he learned throughout hiss career and his most inspirational lessons for Founders today.

Connect with Ron on LinkedIn and learn more about Uplinq on their website.

#FoundersJourney #InspiringStories #TechTO 

On this episode of Founders & Funding, we are joined by Jane Podbelskaya of Information Venture Partners and Nic Beique, Founder at Helcim.

Nic and Jane chat with us about the raising process, how they built a relationship and the necessary steps for both a Founder and VC to find success. 

Helcim provides Canadian & American businesses an opportunity to accept credit card payments at affordable &transparent rates. A wide range of online, ecommerce, cloud-based, mobile & retail payment platforms allowsHelcim to offer a total payments solution. 

Information Venture Partners is a Toronto-based team of experienced venture capital investors focused on supporting the next generation of leaders transforming financial services. Current investments include: Arteria AI, BigID, Cinchy, Coconut Software, Empyrean Solutions, Flybits, FX HedgePool, Helcim, Influitive, Jirav, LendingFront, Lydia.ai, Nue.io, Procurify, Q4 Inc., Strike Graph, and ThoughtExchange. For more information, please visit www.informationvp.com 

Meet the companies that are taking careers to the moon! Joining a category-defining technology start-up can accelerate your career. It does this by increasing your knowledge and skills, providing a strong network and potentially creating enough wealth to start your own company in the future.

Historically, there has been no more than one such company in Canada (e.g. Shopify, Blackberry, Nortel) at any time. With the rapid growth of our ecosystem, there are more potential category-defining start-ups than ever before.

The question is: Which one should you join?

TechTO worked with leading venture capitalists and angels to identify the rocketship companies that have the potential to accelerate your career. Today's episode, we are introduced to Adam and Jessie of Aux Mode. We learn more about their journey, how Aux Mode is innovating, and what it's like to work there. Check out their jobs at www.auxmode.com/careers/

Welcome to the first season of TechTOgether’s Founder’s Journey series. 

In this series we talk with the founders of emerging Canadian tech start-ups, and learn about their journey to building their current business.

Today’s guests are Mike Wood and Mehrsa Raeiszadeh the Co-Founder’s of MintList. MintList was founded in 2020 to improve the used car sell’s process by better connecting consumers selling and buying used vehicles to dealerships.

Today we will go through Mike’s and Mehrsa’s backgrounds, the insight that led to the creation of MintList, how they decided to co-found the company, the journey so far and what the future holds.

To learn more about MintList and their current opportunities visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mintlist/

You can also check out this fun and informative video to learn more about how it all works (it's received over 130,000 views on YouTube): https://youtu.be/9W1lFmRrGiI

Meet the companies that are taking careers to the moon!

Joining a category-defining technology start-up can accelerate your career. It does this by increasing your knowledge and skills, providing a strong network and potentially creating enough wealth to start your own company in the future.  

Historically, there has been no more than one such company in Canada (e.g. Shopify, Blackberry, Nortel) at any time. With the rapid growth of our ecosystem, there are more potential category-defining start-ups than ever before. 

The question is: Which one should you join? 

______

TechTO worked with leading venture capitalists and angels to identify the rocketship companies that have the potential to accelerate your career.

Today's episode, we are introduced to Mehdi Nayebi, CEO and Co-Founder of Flashbox. We learn more about his journey, how Flashbox is re-defining an industry, and what it's like to work there.

Check out their jobs at www.flashbox.co/career/

Three Comma Club is a series that follows Founders and their company stories. From inception to billion dollar valuation, we learn about how these Founders created a unicorn company, the choices they made, and the lessons they learned along the way. 

Today's episode, Alex Norman sits down with Mike Murchison, CEO at Ada to discuss the companies journey and the important lessons he's learned along the way.

To learn about more episodes as they drop, follow us on Spotify and subscribe to the techto newsletter at techto.org/newsletter where we drop new content every week!

Three Comma Club is a series that follows Founders and their company stories. From inception to billion dollar valuation, we learn about how these Founders created a unicorn company, the choices they made, and the lessons they learned along the way.

Today's episode, Alex Norman sits down with Arnaud Van de Voorde, Vice President, Global Digital Strategy at CAE to discuss the companies journey and the important lessons he's learned along the way.