Float or Founder: Toronto Startup Business Stories
138 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago -Float or Founder is the Toronto startup podcast. Learn from the career and management experiences of local startup and business entrepreneurs, founders, executives, and venture capitalists in Toronto, Canada. Hosted by Samantha Lloyd and Lisen Kaci.
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Episodes
S2E26: Ryan Shupak of Jiffy on finding early customers
November 30, 2020 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBRyan Shupak is the co-founder of Jiffy, a service that allows you to get on-demand contractors to your home. Building a marketplace always comes with its own set of challenges. The supply side, the contractors, are already doing the work so building up this marketplace was a bit easier and more unique than others. The early day grind of getting sign ups took this former investment banker and his co-founders door-to-door. Scaling and finding early customers happened through all types of chan...
S2E26: Ryan Shupak of Jiffy on finding early customers
November 30, 2020 05:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBRyan Shupak is the co-founder of Jiffy, a service that allows you to get on-demand contractors to your home. Building a marketplace always comes with its own set of challenges. The supply side, the contractors, are already doing the work so building up this marketplace was a bit easier and more unique than others. The early day grind of getting sign ups took this former investment banker and his co-founders door-to-door. Scaling and finding early customers happened through all types of cha...
S2E25: Shawna Stewart of PostBeyond on people and policies
November 23, 2020 10:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBShawna Stewart is the VP of People and Operations at PostBeyond, a tech startup in Toronto. Being in charge of the operations and people part of any company is a tall order. Shawna's favourite task is to create inclusive and positive policies. In light of Black Lives Matter especially, she believes it is important to take another look at policies and revamp those that have biases. Shawna discusses the misconceptions around what human resources is and which paths to pursue in your career if...
S2E25: Shawna Stewart of PostBeyond on people and policies
November 23, 2020 05:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBShawna Stewart is the VP of People and Operations at PostBeyond, a tech startup in Toronto. Being in charge of the operations and people part of any company is a tall order. Shawna's favourite task is to create inclusive and positive policies. In light of Black Lives Matter especially, she believes it is important to take another look at policies and revamp those that have biases. Shawna discusses the misconceptions around what human resources is and which paths to pursue in your career i...
S2 Special! David Lloyd Hosts Neil Wainright of UpHabit
November 19, 2020 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBDavid Lloyd recorded this episode with Neil Wainright in mid-2019 but never had the opportunity to publish it... until now! David Lloyd takes over the Float or Founder podcast to discuss "the grind" it takes to run a tech startup and turn it into a solid company. David comes from an extensive background in the tech industry in Toronto and is currently the CEO of PostBeyond. Neil Wainright is the founder and CEO of UpHabit. UpHabit is an app that's a personal CRM for super connectors. Neil d...
S2 Special! David Lloyd Hosts Neil Wainright of UpHabit
November 19, 2020 05:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBDavid Lloyd recorded this episode with Neil Wainright in mid-2019 but never had the opportunity to publish it... until now! David Lloyd takes over the Float or Founder podcast to discuss "the grind" it takes to run a tech startup and turn it into a solid company. David comes from an extensive background in the tech industry in Toronto and is currently the CEO of PostBeyond. Neil Wainright is the founder and CEO of UpHabit. UpHabit is an app that's a personal CRM for super connectors. Neil ...
S2E28: Kayla Isabelle of Startup Canada on Canadian entrepreneurship
November 16, 2020 10:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBWhat does it take to launch a business in Canada? Kayla Isabelle has had the pleasure of seeing companies from launch through success many times as Executive Director of Startup Canada. She takes us through the joy of coaching and mentoring startups and the similarities she sees between leaders. What does every entrepreneur need? Passion and grit. Kayla takes us through how COVID-19 has reshaped companies or inspired new companies to launch. She tells us her opinion on whether you should la...
S2E28: Kayla Isabelle of Startup Canada on Canadian entrepreneurship
November 16, 2020 05:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBWhat does it take to launch a business in Canada? Kayla Isabelle has had the pleasure of seeing companies from launch through success many times as Executive Director of Startup Canada. She takes us through the joy of coaching and mentoring startups and the similarities she sees between leaders. What does every entrepreneur need? Passion and grit. Kayla takes us through how COVID-19 has reshaped companies or inspired new companies to launch. She tells us her opinion on whether you should l...
S2E23: Diana Goodwin of Marketbox & Aquamobile on scalable flexibility
November 09, 2020 10:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBDiana Goodwin launched Aquamobile eight years ago - a business enabling swim instructors to do at-home lessons on-the-go. Their internal management tool of these instructors and customers/lessons led her to launching Marketbox to other companies facing labour deployment and management challenges. In essense, Aquamobile became a customer of Marketbox! The journey of balancing two companies isn't simple but Diana knew she wanted to focus on the software business. She discusses how she spent t...
S2E23: Diana Goodwin of Marketbox & Aquamobile on scalable flexibility
November 09, 2020 05:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBDiana Goodwin launched Aquamobile eight years ago - a business enabling swim instructors to do at-home lessons on-the-go. Their internal management tool of these instructors and customers/lessons led her to launching Marketbox to other companies facing labour deployment and management challenges. In essense, Aquamobile became a customer of Marketbox! The journey of balancing two companies isn't simple but Diana knew she wanted to focus on the software business. She discusses how she spent ...
S2E22: Sarah Stockdale of Growclass on data-driven startup marketing
November 02, 2020 10:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBMany people think marketing is fluffy but (especially in the tech industry) it's anything but. Marketing is creative, experimental, and data-driven. How do you write copy that connects? How do you create ads that converts? You need to test a hypothesis and see the data to build the most successful marketing strategies. Sarah Stockdale takes us on her decade-long career in the startup industry and why she started Growclass so that other startup entrepreneurs could better understand marketing...
S2E22: Sarah Stockdale of Growclass on data-driven startup marketing
November 02, 2020 05:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBMany people think marketing is fluffy but (especially in the tech industry) it's anything but. Marketing is creative, experimental, and data-driven. How do you write copy that connects? How do you create ads that converts? You need to test a hypothesis and see the data to build the most successful marketing strategies. Sarah Stockdale takes us on her decade-long career in the startup industry and why she started Growclass so that other startup entrepreneurs could better understand marketin...
S2 Special! David Lloyd Hosts James Novak of Fiix
October 29, 2020 08:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBDavid Lloyd recorded this episode with James Novak in mid-2019 but never had the opportunity to publish it... until now! David Lloyd takes over the Float or Founder podcast to discuss "the grind" it takes to run a tech startup and turn it into a solid company. David comes from an extensive background in the tech industry in Toronto and is currently the CEO of PostBeyond. James Novak is the CEO of Fiix. Fiix is in the asset maintenance industry within software... an industry not necessarily ...
S2 Special! David Lloyd Hosts James Novak of Fiix
October 29, 2020 04:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBDavid Lloyd recorded this episode with James Novak in mid-2019 but never had the opportunity to publish it... until now! David Lloyd takes over the Float or Founder podcast to discuss "the grind" it takes to run a tech startup and turn it into a solid company. David comes from an extensive background in the tech industry in Toronto and is currently the CEO of PostBeyond. James Novak is the CEO of Fiix. Fiix is in the asset maintenance industry within software... an industry not necessarily...
S2E21: Kathy Cheng of WS & Co. + Redwood Classics on vertical integration
October 26, 2020 08:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBRunning a textile factory is challenging but Kathy Cheng of WS & Co. and Redwood Classics Apparel takes us into the world of vertical integration. She shares how her family moved to Canada and started this company to promote made-in-Canada goods. She discusses how they're making fashion accessible through their Redwood Classics Apparel brand and the importance of sustainability and supporting makers in the fashion industry. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E21: Kathy Cheng of WS & Co. + Redwood Classics on vertical integration
October 26, 2020 04:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBRunning a textile factory is challenging but Kathy Cheng of WS & Co. and Redwood Classics Apparel takes us into the world of vertical integration. She shares how her family moved to Canada and started this company to promote made-in-Canada goods. She discusses how they're making fashion accessible through their Redwood Classics Apparel brand and the importance of sustainability and supporting makers in the fashion industry. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E20: Derek Manuge of Corl on picking investments and advisors
October 12, 2020 08:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBDerek Manuge is the co-founder, Director, and CEO of Corl.io - a revenue sharing and investment company. He shows us the different types of funding opportunities for businesses and how he came up with the idea of using data to make equitable and fair investment decisions. There is a lot of math that goes into the underlying software! Derek shares the importance of choosing the right team and advisory board for your company to help you move forward and scale. Support the show (https://www.fl...
S2E20: Derek Manuge of Corl on picking investments and advisors
October 12, 2020 04:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBDerek Manuge is the co-founder, Director, and CEO of Corl.io - a revenue sharing and investment company. He shows us the different types of funding opportunities for businesses and how he came up with the idea of using data to make equitable and fair investment decisions. There is a lot of math that goes into the underlying software! Derek shares the importance of choosing the right team and advisory board for your company to help you move forward and scale. Support the show (https://www.f...
S2E19: Faye Almeshaan of Acceleprise on accelerators
October 05, 2020 08:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBFaye Almeshaan is the Program Manager and Venture Associate of Acceleprise. Acceleprise is a B2B software accelerator program and investment firm based in San Francisco and Toronto. She talks about how companies pivoted and grew out of COVID and what the investment scene is like. If you're a B2B startup looking to join an accelerator, you can follow along with the current cohort's journey and apply for their upcoming cohort in January 2021! Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/p...
S2E19: Faye Almeshaan of Acceleprise on accelerators
October 05, 2020 04:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBFaye Almeshaan is the Program Manager and Venture Associate of Acceleprise. Acceleprise is a B2B software accelerator program and investment firm based in San Francisco and Toronto. She talks about how companies pivoted and grew out of COVID and what the investment scene is like. If you're a B2B startup looking to join an accelerator, you can follow along with the current cohort's journey and apply for their upcoming cohort in January 2021! Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/...
S2E18: Zoe Share of Schmooz Media on not being self-serving on social
September 28, 2020 08:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBSocial media marketing is a necessary component of every company. Zoe saw this a few years back when she started her agency Schmooz at a time when many didn't see social media as a serious pursuit. Zoe offers her insights on how important social media is to provide value and connect with the human side of brands, especially during COVID and Black Lives Matter. She also discusses the recent charitable children's book she has released alongside Gabriella Rackoff: ABC Stay Home With Me. As per...
S2E18: Zoe Share of Schmooz Media on not being self-serving on social
September 28, 2020 04:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBSocial media marketing is a necessary component of every company. Zoe saw this a few years back when she started her agency Schmooz at a time when many didn't see social media as a serious pursuit. Zoe offers her insights on how important social media is to provide value and connect with the human side of brands, especially during COVID and Black Lives Matter. She also discusses the recent charitable children's book she has released alongside Gabriella Rackoff: ABC Stay Home With Me. As pe...
S2E17: Charles Bennett of Triella on digital security
September 21, 2020 08:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MBCharles Bennett has been running his full-service technology management company, Triella, for 17 years as founder and CEO! Running a company for that long has given Charles insight into the industry. He shares his top security tips for any company during COVID and with remote work becoming the norm. He openly shares the challenges of hiring and mentoring new team members when switching to full remote. Charles also talks about the other business he almost chose to run at a fork in the road 17...
S2E17: Charles Bennett of Triella on digital security
September 21, 2020 04:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MBCharles Bennett has been running his full-service technology management company, Triella, for 17 years as founder and CEO! Running a company for that long has given Charles insight into the industry. He shares his top security tips for any company during COVID and with remote work becoming the norm. He openly shares the challenges of hiring and mentoring new team members when switching to full remote. Charles also talks about the other business he almost chose to run at a fork in the road 1...
S2E16: Paula Teixeira Leite of Caju Winds on the packaged food business
September 14, 2020 08:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBPaula Teixeira Leite is the founder of Caju Winds, a cashew spread that is a delicious, vegan alternative to cream cheese and other dairy spreads. She started the business when her daughter started experiencing allergies and reactions to food. Paula shares insights into starting a food business - everything from the regulations, to working closely with (and relying on!) the food inspector, to choosing local versus big box stores, and so much more. She openly discusses the challenges of deliv...
S2E16: Paula Teixeira Leite of Caju Winds on the packaged food business
September 14, 2020 04:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBPaula Teixeira Leite is the founder of Caju Winds, a cashew spread that is a delicious, vegan alternative to cream cheese and other dairy spreads. She started the business when her daughter started experiencing allergies and reactions to food. Paula shares insights into starting a food business - everything from the regulations, to working closely with (and relying on!) the food inspector, to choosing local versus big box stores, and so much more. She openly discusses the challenges of deli...
S2E15: Jason Field of Brainstation on lifelong learning
September 07, 2020 08:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBBack to school looks a little different in 2020 for most people. Jason Field is the Founder and CEO of Brainstation, an education centre for digital skills. He discusses how they switched to online education during COVID-19 and how they could reach additional markets due to the online switch. They offer 400 instructors - not a small team by any means. Jason explains how they handle company culture, hiring, and management with such a huge team. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.co...
S2E15: Jason Field of Brainstation on lifelong learning
September 07, 2020 04:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBBack to school looks a little different in 2020 for most people. Jason Field is the Founder and CEO of Brainstation, an education centre for digital skills. He discusses how they switched to online education during COVID-19 and how they could reach additional markets due to the online switch. They offer 400 instructors - not a small team by any means. Jason explains how they handle company culture, hiring, and management with such a huge team. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.c...
S2E14: Dr. Leeno Karumanchery of MESH Diversity on the science of diversity
August 31, 2020 08:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBTrigger Warning: Discussions of racism, George Floyd, police brutality, racism in the workplace. Dr. Leeno Karumanchery is the co-founder and Head of Behavioural Sciences at MESH Diversity. MESH fully integrated anti-racism tool. He is a doctor of sociology and discusses the first class and professor that inspired him to pursue anti-racist work as his profession. He goes into how him and his friend built MESH using science and data as the basis for what they drive forward (and how they hire...
S2E14: Dr. Leeno Karumanchery of MESH Diversity on the science of diversity
August 31, 2020 04:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBTrigger Warning: Discussions of racism, George Floyd, police brutality, racism in the workplace. Dr. Leeno Karumanchery is the co-founder and Head of Behavioural Sciences at MESH Diversity. MESH fully integrated anti-racism tool. He is a doctor of sociology and discusses the first class and professor that inspired him to pursue anti-racist work as his profession. He goes into how him and his friend built MESH using science and data as the basis for what they drive forward (and how they hir...
S2E13: Alyssa Atkins of Lilia on personal pain point
August 24, 2020 21:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBWhen you face a personal pain point, what's the first thing you think to do? Alyssa Atkins of Lilia decided to turn her personal pain point into a business. Lilia is a personal online concierge that gives you clarity and confidence in options about egg security and storage - and celebration! She talks about her time in Y Combinator as it switched to virtual amidst COVID and what Y Com helped her achieve. She also shares Lilia's typical persona and how she talks to each one of her users, whic...
S2E13: Alyssa Atkins of Lilia on personal pain point
August 24, 2020 17:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBWhen you face a personal pain point, what's the first thing you think to do? Alyssa Atkins of Lilia decided to turn her personal pain point into a business. Lilia is a personal online concierge that gives you clarity and confidence in options about egg security and storage - and celebration! She talks about her time in Y Combinator as it switched to virtual amidst COVID and what Y Com helped her achieve. She also shares Lilia's typical persona and how she talks to each one of her users, whi...
S2E12: Jay Rosenzweig of Rosenzweig & Company on recruiting
August 17, 2020 08:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBJay Rosenzweig of Rosenzweig & Company talks to us about recruiting - in a pandemic and out. He also provides insights on how you can offer your skills to achieve what you want in your career and try new paths. Fun fact: he does songwriting on the side! Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E12: Jay Rosenzweig of Rosenzweig & Company on recruiting
August 17, 2020 04:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBJay Rosenzweig of Rosenzweig & Company talks to us about recruiting - in a pandemic and out. He also provides insights on how you can offer your skills to achieve what you want in your career and try new paths. Fun fact: he does songwriting on the side! Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2 Special! David Lloyd Hosts Joel Lessem of Firmex
August 13, 2020 08:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBDavid Lloyd recorded this episode with Joel Lessem in mid-2019 but never had the opportunity to publish it... until now! David Lloyd takes over the Float or Founder podcast to discuss the "grind" it takes to run a tech startup and turn it into a solid company. David comes from an extensive background in the tech industry in Toronto and is currently the CEO of PostBeyond. Joel Lessem is the co-founder and CEO of Firmex. Firmex is rapidly becoming a standard for sharing large volumes of highl...
S2 Special! David Lloyd Hosts Joel Lessem of Firmex
August 13, 2020 04:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBDavid Lloyd recorded this episode with Joel Lessem in mid-2019 but never had the opportunity to publish it... until now! David Lloyd takes over the Float or Founder podcast to discuss the "grind" it takes to run a tech startup and turn it into a solid company. David comes from an extensive background in the tech industry in Toronto and is currently the CEO of PostBeyond. Joel Lessem is the co-founder and CEO of Firmex. Firmex is rapidly becoming a standard for sharing large volumes of high...
S2E11: Neel Lukka on timing
August 10, 2020 08:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBTiming is everything - or so we're told. Neel Lukka delves into why timing is so important for the success of a company. He talks about the different businesses he's built, his experience in Y Com, and what he's up to now! Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E11: Neel Lukka on timing
August 10, 2020 04:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBTiming is everything - or so we're told. Neel Lukka delves into why timing is so important for the success of a company. He talks about the different businesses he's built, his experience in Y Com, and what he's up to now! Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E11: Neel Lukka of Sprout at Work on timing
August 10, 2020 04:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBTiming is everything - or so we're told. Neel Lukka delves into why timing is so important for the success of a company. He talks about the different businesses he's built, his experience in Y Com, and what he's up to now! Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E10: Martha Switzer of Sprout at Work on wellness
August 03, 2020 08:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBMartha Switzer is the co-founder and CEO of Sprout. Sprout enables businesses to reward their employees for healthy behaviour. She talks about wellness, how COVID-19 impacted wellness initiatives, and why she built a company around wellness and health in the workplace. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E10: Martha Switzer of Sprout at Work on wellness
August 03, 2020 04:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBMartha Switzer is the co-founder and CEO of Sprout. Sprout enables businesses to reward their employees for healthy behaviour. She talks about wellness, how COVID-19 impacted wellness initiatives, and why she built a company around wellness and health in the workplace. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E9: Mark Ang of Second Closet on grinding
July 27, 2020 08:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBMark Ang, co-founder and CEO, of Second Closet joins us this week. He discusses the unscalable early days of creating their storage company and how they grinded through those challenges. If you're curious on what goes on behind-the-scenes of early day startups, Mark has incredible insights into what him and his co-founders faced! Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E9: Mark Ang of Second Closet on grinding
July 27, 2020 04:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBMark Ang, co-founder and CEO, of Second Closet joins us this week. He discusses the unscalable early days of creating their storage company and how they grinded through those challenges. If you're curious on what goes on behind-the-scenes of early day startups, Mark has incredible insights into what him and his co-founders faced! Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E8: Nunzio Presta of BizOn on selling and buying businesses
July 20, 2020 08:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBNunzio Presta runs a business of helping you sell your business with the company he is the CEO of, BizOn. He takes us through the selling process, the best way to approach selling your business, how to buy a business, why people sell, and so much more. He provides really interesting insights into operating this type of marketplace and how it began. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E8: Nunzio Presta of BizOn on selling and buying businesses
July 20, 2020 04:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBNunzio Presta runs a business of helping you sell your business with the company he is the CEO of, BizOn. He takes us through the selling process, the best way to approach selling your business, how to buy a business, why people sell, and so much more. He provides really interesting insights into operating this type of marketplace and how it began. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E7: Marsha Druker of F*ckupNights on community
July 13, 2020 08:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBMarsha Druker of F*ckupNights talks to us about building a community and what it takes to really form a meaningful one. In light of COVID, she talks about taking a community that typically met in-person to a virtual one. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E7: Marsha Druker of F*ckupNights on community
July 13, 2020 04:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBMarsha Druker of F*ckupNights talks to us about building a community and what it takes to really form a meaningful one. In light of COVID, she talks about taking a community that typically met in-person to a virtual one. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E6: Dr. Bryan Gelman of St. Clair Vet on location, location, location
July 06, 2020 08:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBStarting a new business anywhere is a challenge - but especially if you need a physical space to operate in. Dr. Bryan Gelman runs Yonge & St. Clair Veterinary Hospital. He delved into the tricky world of Toronto commercial real estate, navigating a property sale, and turning the place into his ideal veterinary practice. Dr. Gelman truly values his clients and their furry family members. He shared best practices for maintaining social distancing when you have pets to keep everyone safe as w...
S2E6: Dr. Bryan Gelman of St. Clair Vet on location, location, location
July 06, 2020 04:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBStarting a new business anywhere is a challenge - but especially if you need a physical space to operate in. Dr. Bryan Gelman runs Yonge & St. Clair Veterinary Hospital. He delved into the tricky world of Toronto commercial real estate, navigating a property sale, and turning the place into his ideal veterinary practice. Dr. Gelman truly values his clients and their furry family members. He shared best practices for maintaining social distancing when you have pets to keep everyone safe as ...
S2 Special! Techstars Global Startup Weekend COVID-19 Online Canada
July 01, 2020 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBBack in April 2020, Techstars Global Startup Weekend COVID-19 Online CANADA took place. People from across the country joined this hackathon-style weekend virtually to help accomplish goals surrounding COVID-19. Float or Founder offered a podcast episode as a prize and from there, this special edition episode was created! In this episode, you'll meet Danielle Torrie, an organizer for the event, plus Bruno Morency who was a judge. Members and leaders from the three winning teams also partici...