TechPoutine #EP08: Live @ Notman House with Sophie Forest, Managing Partner @ Brightspark Ventures
TechPoutine with Eleonore Jarry, Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram & Nectarios Economakis
Release Date: 02/27/2024
Live recording with special guest John Rikhtegar @ Startupfest
TechPoutine with Eleonore Jarry, Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram & Nectarios Economakis
In this special live recording of the Tech Poutine podcast, we welcome John Rikhtegar, Director of Capital at RBCX, to discuss the current state of venture capital and investment in Canada. John shares insights on market cycles, the impact of AI on investments, and the challenges and opportunities facing fund managers and entrepreneurs. We explored historical patterns in venture capital, discussed the importance of credibility and early-stage investing, and debated the pros and cons of building startups in today's economic climate. The conversation highlights the potential for technology...
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TechPoutine #EP14: Phil Telio and the story of Startupfest
TechPoutine with Eleonore Jarry, Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram & Nectarios Economakis
In this episode, we spoke with Philip Telio, founder of Startup Fest, about the 15-year anniversary of the renowned event. Phil reflects on the origins of Startup Fest, the transition from smaller events like Startup Camp, and the pivotal moments that have marked the festival’s evolution. He shares anecdotes about influential figures like Andy Nulman and events like the elevator pitches and the memorable tornado incident. The discussion also covers the importance of community, the introduction of new initiatives like mentor offices, and the festival's enduring impact on the startup...
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TechPoutine #EP13: State of Venture Capital in Canada
TechPoutine with Eleonore Jarry, Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram & Nectarios Economakis
In this episode, the team reunites to discuss the current state of venture capital and the tech industry. The discussion highlights the significant events and reports shaping the industry, including the Web Summit in Vancouver and the CVCA conference in Calgary. The conversation touches on the differences between the Canadian and U.S. markets, drawing parallels to the U.S. market 15 years ago. They delve into the impact of AI on the industry, the evolving landscape of VC funding, and the importance of international capital. Notably, the podcast also honors John Stokes from Real Ventures, who...
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TechPoutine #EP12: North Recap, Revenge of the Community, Changing face of Venture
TechPoutine with Eleonore Jarry, Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram & Nectarios Economakis
In this episode, the team reunites to discuss the success and impact of the recent North Star event in Montreal. They reflect on the feedback from various attendees, including student founders, experienced entrepreneurs, and VCs. The discussion highlights the unique atmosphere and notable speakers at the event, as well as the need for continued engagement and inspiration within the startup community. The conversation then shifts to broader topics including the evolving dynamics of venture capital, the implications of AI on business models, and the increasing trend of tech entrepreneurs turning...
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North Star | Founder Panel
TechPoutine with Eleonore Jarry, Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram & Nectarios Economakis
In this North Star panel discussion, Gabriel Sundaram, a co-founder of Attain, hosts successful CEOs and founders to share their entrepreneurial journeys and key strategies for building and scaling startups. Panelists include Andrew from Stay 22, Anna from Dialogue and Coral, Malik from Nesto, and Joanne from PemPem. They discuss the importance of speed, intensity, and obsession in growing a business, the balance between rapid execution and maintaining personal well-being, and the role of mentorship and coaching. The conversation also emphasizes the value of storytelling in media, adapting to...
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North Star | Conversation with Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify
TechPoutine with Eleonore Jarry, Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram & Nectarios Economakis
In this engaging talk, Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the significance of passion, necessity, and grit in building successful businesses. He recounts his early ventures, the foundational role of Montreal in his career, and the evolution of Shopify into a global powerhouse. Addressing a room of entrepreneurs and students, Harley emphasizes the importance of knowing one's mission, leveraging technology, and persevering through failures. He also discusses personal growth, the concept of life's work, and the vibrant...
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North Star | Student Founder Panel
TechPoutine with Eleonore Jarry, Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram & Nectarios Economakis
In this North Star panel discussion, Eleonore Jarry from Brightspark Ventures sat down with student founders. The conversation highlights the experiences of various student founders, their innovative projects, and the challenges they face in the startup ecosystem. Key topics include raising initial funds, the importance of team and mission, navigating the academia-industry transition, pivots and finding product-market fit, and the unique advantages and support systems available to young entrepreneurs. The panelists also engage in practical discussions on retaining talent within Montreal's...
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TechPoutine #EP11 - Eleonore back from mat leave, state of early stage in Canada
TechPoutine with Eleonore Jarry, Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram & Nectarios Economakis
The band is back together! Eleonore is back from mat leave and we had the chance to record an episode with Ian Jeffrey and Gabriel Sundaram - all while eating a good poutine. We spoke about: How the industry can improve for young moms Stage of early stage in Canada and what it takes to uplevel Latest events & news (Lightspeed, AI startups, Kaufman Fellows)
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TechPoutine #EP10: Live at StartupFest with Sophie Boulanger and Julie Lacasse
TechPoutine with Eleonore Jarry, Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram & Nectarios Economakis
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Sophie Boulanger, CEO @ 1Valet. Sophie is one of Canada's most innovative and dynamic entrepreneurs. She has 20 years of experience in the strategy, performance, growth and value creation of organizations, brands and retail operations in the consumer goods industry. She’s the co-founder of Bonlook which was acquired in 2021. On the second day, we spoke with Julie, she is a serial entrepreneur and current venture capital partner at Amiral Ventures. She’s the co-founder of Tracktik, an innovative company specialized in optimizing...
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TechPoutine #EP09: Building Fullscript with Kyle Braatz
TechPoutine with Eleonore Jarry, Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram & Nectarios Economakis
We have an amazing TechPoutine episode to share with you today. Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram and I sat down with Kyle Braatz, co-founder & CEO @ Fullscript. We spoke about: How Kyle built his business from the ground up to over $1BN in annual revenue servicing 100,000 practitioners and 10 million patients How Kyle balanced growth and profitability Management principles scaling from 0 to 800 people (culture, board of directors) Working with private equity sponsors His thoughts on the recent capital gains changes Why he joined a group to purchase the Ottawa Senators
info_outlineLast week, we recorded a TechPoutine podcast from the Somo Lounge at Notman House. We were joined by the magnificent Sophie Forest, Managing Partner at Brightspark Ventures. She graciously stepped in for Eleonore Jarry who is enjoying her mat leave.
Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram and I had the pleasure of asking Sophie a bunch of questions about her thoughts on the latest developments in technology (yes, we spoke about AI), the current fundraising environment, what it takes to succeed as a founder and how more women can get into venture capital.