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 incide...

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 th...

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 t...

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 betw...

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 kn...

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...

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 wh...

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 spok...

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...

Last 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,...

Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram and I had the pleasure of being joined by Mark MacLeod who has sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker since 1999. He served as CFO for software companies including Shopify and Freshbooks. ‍ He was also a General Partner in Real Ventures and founded SurePath Capital Partners. 

Mark is a coach to startup CE...

This is a special episode where we discussed the ongoing saga of Notman House and why it’s important to keep it in the hands of the community. 

We were joined by Gabriel Lesperance, a serial entrepreneur that benefited greatly from Notman.

He wrote a great op-ed in Le Devoir which we recommend you read. We spoke about: 

• The ...

This is the last episode of Tech Poutine before Eleonore Jarry’s maternity leave! Ian Jeffrey, Gabriel Sundaram and I wished her the best of luck. We also celebrated the occasion by eating some good poutine together. 

On the show,  we spoke about: 

• The promises and risks of AI

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