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
S2 Special! Techstars Global Startup Weekend COVID-19 Online Canada
July 01, 2020 04:00 - 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 partic...
S2E5: Eric Vardon of Morphio on marketing and pivoting
June 29, 2020 08:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBEric Vardon now operates Morphio.ai, an artificial intelligence company for digital marketers. This all grew from his many years operating a digital agency. Eric discusses marketing during COVID and beyond. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E5: Eric Vardon of Morphio on marketing and pivoting
June 29, 2020 04:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBEric Vardon now operates Morphio.ai, an artificial intelligence company for digital marketers. This all grew from his many years operating a digital agency. Eric discusses marketing during COVID and beyond. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E4: Shrad Rao of Wagepoint on building culture remote
June 22, 2020 08:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBShrad Rao built Wagepoint from a unique perspective: seeing a strategic alignment between a product all businesses need and a desire to modernize an older industry. He took on payroll, alongside his co-founders, and they have helped small businesses handle their payroll needs in a modern way. Shrad's company has always been remote-first and he shares exactly what they do to build and maintain a positive and social remote work culture. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E4: Shrad Rao of Wagepoint on building culture remote
June 22, 2020 04:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBShrad Rao built Wagepoint from a unique perspective: seeing a strategic alignment between a product all businesses need and a desire to modernize an older industry. He took on payroll, alongside his co-founders, and they have helped small businesses handle their payroll needs in a modern way. Shrad's company has always been remote-first and he shares exactly what they do to build and maintain a positive and social remote work culture. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partne...
S2E3: Kate Dickson & Sarah Hartkorn of Primped on marketplace creation
June 15, 2020 08:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBLaunching a marketplace can be difficult in the best times. How are Kate Dickson and Sarah Hartkorn, co-founders of Primped handling their bring-beauty-to-you app during COVID? If you need advice on managing a marketplace during challenging times, tune in! đď¸ These former finance professionals discuss how they started the company together and how their corporate background supports the work they do. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E3: Kate Dickson & Sarah Hartkorn of Primped on marketplace creation
June 15, 2020 04:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBLaunching a marketplace can be difficult in the best times. How are Kate Dickson and Sarah Hartkorn, co-founders of Primped handling their bring-beauty-to-you app during COVID? If you need advice on managing a marketplace during challenging times, tune in! đď¸ These former finance professionals discuss how they started the company together and how their corporate background supports the work they do. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
S2E2: Jodi Kovitz of #MoveTheDial on going out of your way
June 08, 2020 08:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBJodi Kovitz, founder of #MoveTheDial takes us through the challenges her organization faced during COVID-19 and how she turned these experiences into new projects to lead. Now, Jodi has published her book Go Out Of Your Way and her podcast Joyful Sundays went live on June 14th 2020. We had a lot of fun catching up with Jodi and discuss how you can go out of your way for others during social distancing. Book: https://shop.movethedial.com/products/go-out-of-your-way-book Season 1 episode: htt...
S2E2: Jodi Kovitz, founder of #MoveTheDial, on going out of your way
June 08, 2020 04:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBJodi Kovitz, founder of #MoveTheDial takes us through the challenges her organization faced during COVID-19 and how she turned these experiences into new projects to lead. Now, Jodi has published her book Go Out Of Your Way and her podcast Joyful Sundays went live on June 7th 2020. We had a lot of fun catching up with Jodi and discuss how you can go out of your way for others during social distancing. Book:Â https://shop.movethedial.com/products/go-out-of-your-way-book Season 1 episode:Â http...
S2E2: Jodi Kovitz of #MoveTheDial on going out of your way
June 08, 2020 04:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBJodi Kovitz, founder of #MoveTheDial takes us through the challenges her organization faced during COVID-19 and how she turned these experiences into new projects to lead. Now, Jodi has published her book Go Out Of Your Way and her podcast Joyful Sundays went live on June 14th 2020. We had a lot of fun catching up with Jodi and discuss how you can go out of your way for others during social distancing. Book: https://shop.movethedial.com/products/go-out-of-your-way-book Season 1 episode: ht...
S2E1: Colin Hennigar of SickKids Foundation on Fundraising
June 01, 2020 08:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MB"At some point, you have to ask for it." Â Colin Hennigar is the VP of Major Gifts of SickKids Foundation. He talks about fundraising tips for non-profits and startups alike, whether during COVID-19 or not. Colin goes in-depth about how their foundation keeps investors up-to-date on where their charity goes. He shares how the charitable and giving acts of Canadians and around the globe has positively impacted SickKids Foundation. He also discusses Tech4SickKids and the foundation's new podca...
S2E1: Colin Hennigar of SickKids Foundation on Fundraising
June 01, 2020 04:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MB"At some point, you have to ask for it." Â Colin Hennigar is the VP of Major Gifts of SickKids Foundation. He talks about fundraising tips for non-profits and startups alike, whether during COVID-19 or not. Colin goes in-depth about how their foundation keeps investors up-to-date on where their charity goes. He shares how the charitable and giving acts of Canadians and around the globe has positively impacted SickKids Foundation. He also discusses Tech4SickKids and the foundation's new podc...
Meet startup entrepreneurs in Toronto
May 13, 2020 23:00 - 1 minute - 981 KBFloat or Founder is launching season two in June 2020! We can't wait to bring you more stories from startup founders and entrepreneurs in Toronto, Canada. Beyond that, we're expanding our guests to include executives, venture capitalists, and other great people that make this city shine. See why Toronto is one of the best places to launch your new startup and build your own entrepreneurial journey here. Visit our website at floatorfounder.com for more information on our guests, our hosts, ...
Meet startup entrepreneurs in Toronto
May 13, 2020 19:00 - 1 minute - 981 KBFloat or Founder is launching season two in June 2020! We can't wait to bring you more stories from startup founders and entrepreneurs in Toronto, Canada. Beyond that, we're expanding our guests to include executives, venture capitalists, and other great people that make this city shine. See why Toronto is one of the best places to launch your new startup and build your own entrepreneurial journey here. Visit our website at floatorfounder.com for more information on our guests, our hosts,...
Float or Founder: Episode 34 - Farhan Thawar, Helpful & Pivotal
February 03, 2020 09:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBWhat's it really like to go through an acquisition/merger? What about an aqui-hire? Farhan Thawar shares his experience going through an acquisition not once, but twice! Find out how the process goes, if it's anything like it is on TV, and what it's like to be part of the Canadian tech ecosystem. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Float or Founder: Episode 34 - Farhan Thawar, Helpful & Pivotal
February 03, 2020 04:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBWhat's it really like to go through an acquisition/merger? What about an aqui-hire? Farhan Thawar shares his experience going through an acquisition not once, but twice! Find out how the process goes, if it's anything like it is on TV, and what it's like to be part of the Canadian tech ecosystem. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Special! #movethedial minisode with Jesse Draper, Halogen Ventures
January 30, 2020 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBWe're back with another #movethedial minisode! Jesse Draper of Halogen Ventures, a firm that invests in co-ed led, early stage consumer technology companies. Jesse discusses the importance of diversity on a team, in a product, and what Halogen looks for in a company they want to invest in! Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Special! #movethedial minisode with Jesse Draper, Halogen Ventures
January 30, 2020 04:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBWe're back with another #movethedial minisode! Jesse Draper of Halogen Ventures, a firm that invests in co-ed led, early stage consumer technology companies. Jesse discusses the importance of diversity on a team, in a product, and what Halogen looks for in a company they want to invest in! Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Float or Founder: Episode 33 - Michelle McBane, MaRS IAF/StandUp Ventures
January 27, 2020 09:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBMichelle McBane takes us through her experience as a VC in Toronto and what you can do to standout when pitching investors. She provides a ton of actionable advice surrounding your pitch deck, founding team, and company. Whether you dream of securing a big investment or becoming a VC yourself, Michelle has insights for you! Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Float or Founder: Episode 33 - Michelle McBane, MaRS IAF/StandUp Ventures
January 27, 2020 04:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBMichelle McBane takes us through her experience as a VC in Toronto and what you can do to standout when pitching investors. She provides a ton of actionable advice surrounding your pitch deck, founding team, and company. Whether you dream of securing a big investment or becoming a VC yourself, Michelle has insights for you! Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Float or Founder: Episode 32 - Devon Leichtman & Prashant Shukla, Origin Ventures
January 20, 2020 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBPrashant Shukla and Devon Leichtman take us into Origin Ventures - their VC firm based in Chicago. They provide resources to all their investments and believe it's important to support the founders and their companies from origin to exit. Hear why they're excited about investing in the Canadian tech scene, the type of companies they're looking for, and how best to impress. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Float or Founder: Episode 32 - Devon Leichtman & Prashant Shukla, Origin Ventures
January 20, 2020 04:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBPrashant Shukla and Devon Leichtman take us into Origin Ventures - their VC firm based in Chicago. They provide resources to all their investments and believe it's important to support the founders and their companies from origin to exit. Hear why they're excited about investing in the Canadian tech scene, the type of companies they're looking for, and how best to impress. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Special! #movethedial minisode with Eva Lau, Two Small Fish Ventures
January 16, 2020 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBEva Lau of Two Small Fish Ventures shares her journey in the Toronto tech scene and supporting burgeoning startups as a VC. We sat down with Eva at #movethedial this past November in Toronto. She discusses the importance of diversity and inclusion early on in products to find product market fit. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Special! #movethedial minisode with Eva Lau, Two Small Fish Ventures
January 16, 2020 05:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBEva Lau of Two Small Fish Ventures shares her journey in the Toronto tech scene and supporting burgeoning startups as a VC. We sat down with Eva at #movethedial this past November in Toronto. She discusses the importance of diversity and inclusion early on in products to find product market fit. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Float or Founder: Episode 31 - Joanne Fedeyko, Connection Silicon Valley
January 13, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBJoanne Fedeyko of Connection Silicon Valley discusses differences between startups, funding, and opportunities in Canada versus Silicon Valley and how she bridges those gaps. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Float or Founder: Episode 31 - Joanne Fedeyko, Connection Silicon Valley
January 13, 2020 04:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBJoanne Fedeyko of Connection Silicon Valley discusses differences between startups, funding, and opportunities in Canada versus Silicon Valley and how she bridges those gaps. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Float or Founder: Episode 30 - Melissa & Jonathan Nightingale, Raw Signal Group
January 06, 2020 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBWe've all had managers who just didn't quite know how to... manage. Melissa and Jonathan Nightingale of Raw Signal Group take us on their career paths in tech in SF all the way to promoting proper management training to the Toronto ecosystem. Learn how they encourage companies to implement proper management techniques, co-authored a book together, and so much more. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Float or Founder: Episode 30 - Melissa & Jonathan Nightingale, Raw Signal Group
January 06, 2020 04:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBWe've all had managers who just didn't quite know how to... manage. Melissa and Jonathan Nightingale of Raw Signal Group take us on their career paths in tech in SF all the way to promoting proper management training to the Toronto ecosystem. Learn how they encourage companies to implement proper management techniques, co-authored a book together, and so much more. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Special! #movethedial minisode with Dr. Sarah Saska of Feminuity
December 19, 2019 09:00 - 11 minutes - 8.1 MBOn this special #movethedial minisode, we speak with Dr. Sarah Saska of Feminuity about diversity and inclusion. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Special! #movethedial minisode with Dr. Sarah Saska of Feminuity
December 19, 2019 04:00 - 11 minutes - 8.1 MBOn this special #movethedial minisode, we speak with Dr. Sarah Saska of Feminuity about diversity and inclusion. Support the show (https://www.floatorfounder.com/partners)
Float or Founder: Episode 29 - Shane Vitaly of Compound Studio
December 16, 2019 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBThe fashion industry is a challenging one to be in. Shane Vitaly goes deep into building his punk jewelry brand from scratch and everything that entails. From factory mishaps to building a brick-and-mortar Toronto store from scratch to starting another jewelry brand with a new target audience. There are many different aspects to building a successful fashion brand and if you've ever thought of entering this industry, Shane's podcast is one to listen to. Shane talks to us about being on Drag...
Float or Founder: Episode 29 - Shane Vitaly of Compound Studio
December 16, 2019 04:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBThe fashion industry is a challenging one to be in. Shane Vitaly goes deep into building his punk jewelry brand from scratch and everything that entails. From factory mishaps to building a brick-and-mortar Toronto store from scratch to starting another jewelry brand with a new target audience. There are many different aspects to building a successful fashion brand and if you've ever thought of entering this industry, Shane's podcast is one to listen to. Shane talks to us about being on Dra...
Float or Founder: Episode 28 - Mark Graham of commonsku
December 09, 2019 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBPeople always tells you to create a business idea out of a personal pain point. Have you ever been running a company and been frustrated by an industry pain point and decided to solve that? That's exactly what Mark Graham of commonsku did. During his days running Rightsleeve, he faced challenges and needed a workflow management platform. That workflow management platform became what commonsku is today and it's made for the promotional products industry. Mark gives a bunch of tips on balanci...
Float or Founder: Episode 28 - Mark Graham of commonsku
December 09, 2019 04:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBPeople always tells you to create a business idea out of a personal pain point. Have you ever been running a company and been frustrated by an industry pain point and decided to solve that? That's exactly what Mark Graham of commonsku did. During his days running Rightsleeve, he faced challenges and needed a workflow management platform. That workflow management platform became what commonsku is today and it's made for the promotional products industry. Mark gives a bunch of tips on balanc...
Float or Founder: Episode 27 - Jodi Echakowitz of Boulevard PR
December 03, 2019 04:00 - 34 minutes - 24.1 MBQuick: what happens when some bad news gets released about your company? Do you react or not? When you have good news - how do you spread the word? All these questions and more are answered by the amazing Jodi Echakowitz of Boulevard PR. Jodi has led her PR agency for the past 18 years. She has incredible insight into running a successful B2B PR firm, managing remote teams and events, and helping companies that aren't super-sexy consumer brands get their messages out to the public. If you'r...
Float or Founder: Episode 27 - Jodi Echakowitz of Boulevard PR
December 02, 2019 23:00 - 34 minutes - 24.1 MBQuick: what happens when some bad news gets released about your company? Do you react or not? When you have good news - how do you spread the word? All these questions and more are answered by the amazing Jodi Echakowitz of Boulevard PR. Jodi has led her PR agency for the past 18 years. She has incredible insight into running a successful B2B PR firm, managing remote teams and events, and helping companies that aren't super-sexy consumer brands get their messages out to the public. If you'...
Float or Founder: Episode 26 - Carolyn Plater, Stephanie Kersta of Hoame
November 25, 2019 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBCarolyn Plater and Stephanie Kersta have years of experience in the healthcare and addiction field. They saw a trend of people only seeking help once their lives had crumbled and their stress was too much to manage. They wanted to provide a proactive solution. Out of that, Hoame was born. Hoame is a meditation studio downtown with a variety of rooms of wellness themes. Carolyn and Stephanie discuss finding a place that felt like home, transitioning from their work in nursing to running a co...
Float or Founder: Episode 26 - Carolyn Plater, Stephanie Kersta of Hoame
November 25, 2019 04:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBCarolyn Plater and Stephanie Kersta have years of experience in the healthcare and addiction field. They saw a trend of people only seeking help once their lives had crumbled and their stress was too much to manage. They wanted to provide a proactive solution. Out of that, Hoame was born. Hoame is a meditation studio downtown with a variety of rooms of wellness themes. Carolyn and Stephanie discuss finding a place that felt like home, transitioning from their work in nursing to running a c...
Float or Founder: Episode 25 - Derek Hopfner, Shane Murphy of Founded
November 18, 2019 09:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBDerek Hopfner, Shane Murphy, and their CTO, Travis Houlette, met years ago while living in Calgary and playing punk rock music. Years later they would create their first business and shortly after, come up with the idea for Founded. Derek and Shane are subject matter experts in the legal profession who saw a gap for small business owners looking for inexpensive and digital legal solutions. Derek and Shane talk about the importance of being subject matter experts, the fortune of running a bu...
Float or Founder: Episode 25 - Derek Hopfner, Shane Murphy of Founded
November 18, 2019 04:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBDerek Hopfner, Shane Murphy, and their CTO, Travis Houlette, met years ago while living in Calgary and playing punk rock music. Years later they would create their first business and shortly after, come up with the idea for Founded. Derek and Shane are subject matter experts in the legal profession who saw a gap for small business owners looking for inexpensive and digital legal solutions. Derek and Shane talk about the importance of being subject matter experts, the fortune of running a b...
Float or Founder: Episode 24 - Jodi Kovitz of #movethedial
November 11, 2019 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBJodi Kovitz started #movethedial with a mission: elevate all women-identified folks in technology. Change the stats for all women-identified individuals in executive and founder roles. Finally, and most important, see the day where her daughter's gender is not a determinant in her success. Jodi openly shares about women in tech, STEM in the education system, and how she created a diverse team at #movethedial. Jodi is quick to credit her team and her community and support system. She talks a...
Float or Founder: Episode 24 - Jodi Kovitz of #movethedial
November 11, 2019 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBJodi Kovitz started #movethedial with a mission: elevate all women-identified folks in technology. Change the stats for all women-identified individuals in executive and founder roles. Finally, and most important, see the day where her daughter's gender is not a determinant in her success. Jodi openly shares about women in tech, STEM in the education system, and how she created a diverse team at #movethedial. Jodi is quick to credit her team and her community and support system. She talks ...
Float or Founder: Episode 23 - Erin Bury & Kevin Oulds of Willful
November 04, 2019 08:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBHow do you rebrand death into something a bit more sexy? Erin Bury and Kevin Oulds discuss the process of making wills and estate planning something that people want to partake in and invest in. From Kevin's early stage business, to rediscovering what customers needed, to becoming what Willful is today, Erin and Kevin share it all. This husband-and-wife duo have interesting insights into building a great company culture early on, how VCs receive them, and how their brand is their true diffe...
Float or Founder: Episode 23 - Erin Bury & Kevin Oulds of Willful
November 04, 2019 03:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBHow do you rebrand death into something a bit more sexy? Erin Bury and Kevin Oulds discuss the process of making wills and estate planning something that people want to partake in and invest in. From Kevin's early stage business, to rediscovering what customers needed, to becoming what Willful is today, Erin and Kevin share it all. This husband-and-wife duo have interesting insights into building a great company culture early on, how VCs receive them, and how their brand is their true diff...
Float or Founder: Episode 22 - Heather Payne of Juno College
October 28, 2019 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MB"Something I always suggest to founders is if you can solve one of your own problems then that's really interesting." Rebranding takes a lot of work. If you've ever pursued this difficult project at work, you know how much work and how many people are involved in the process. Juno College is the newly rebranded HackerYou and the rebrand has been widely accepted and loved! Heather shares how her entrepreneurial mindset changed after she had both of her children and how she stepped back and ...
Float or Founder: Episode 22 - Heather Payne of Juno College
October 28, 2019 04:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MB"Something I always suggest to founders is if you can solve one of your own problems then that's really interesting." Rebranding takes a lot of work. If you've ever pursued this difficult project at work, you know how much work and how many people are involved in the process. Juno College is the newly rebranded HackerYou and the rebrand has been widely accepted and loved! Heather shares how her entrepreneurial mindset changed after she had both of her children and how she stepped back and...
Float or Founder: Episode 21 - Shannon Ferguson & Kris McCarthy, FanSaves
October 21, 2019 07:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBShannon and Kris share all about the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and being startup founders. They know the importance of continuing to push through to where things are really starting to ramp up. Both of these amazing co-founders share how they are supporting diversity in sports and sport tech through highlighting female founders and rural startups. They also discuss being a couple and how that impacts running their company. Learn how they save money when on the road, pitching their C...
Float or Founder: Episode 21 - Shannon Ferguson & Kris McCarthy, FanSaves
October 21, 2019 03:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBShannon and Kris share all about the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and being startup founders. They know the importance of continuing to push through to where things are really starting to ramp up. Both of these amazing co-founders share how they are supporting diversity in sports and sport tech through highlighting female founders and rural startups. They also discuss being a couple and how that impacts running their company. Learn how they save money when on the road, pitching their ...
Float or Founder: Episode 20 - Erica Pearson of Vacation Fund
October 07, 2019 07:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBâThere is so much doubt to overcome that can only be overcome by continuing to prove yourself.â How do you retain good employees, prevent burnout, take unused vacation days off the balance sheet? Adopt a wellness program that gets over 80% opt in that provides employer-matched vacation savings. Erica Pearson is the founder and CEO of Vacation Fund. She shares how she started off with a scrappy and manual MVP to prove the concept, strategies for how a new founder can take time off (as best...
Float or Founder: Episode 20 - Erica Pearson of Vacation Fund
October 07, 2019 03:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBâThere is so much doubt to overcome that can only be overcome by continuing to prove yourself.â How do you retain good employees, prevent burnout, take unused vacation days off the balance sheet? Adopt a wellness program that gets over 80% opt in that provides employer-matched vacation savings. Erica Pearson is the founder and CEO of Vacation Fund. She shares how she started off with a scrappy and manual MVP to prove the concept, strategies for how a new founder can take time off (as bes...