Byron Thom, Investor, Mentor and Board Member.

Byron’s CV...

Engineering undergrad
IP Lawyer
Co-Founder of Optigo Networks
Investor at BDC’s IT Venture Fund
Investor at Framework Venture Partners
Corp Dev at Cymax Group Technologies
Governor on the UBC Board of Governors
Angel, Mentor and more.

Takeaways

How an engineering undergrad, law school and work as an IP lawyer influence Byron’s investing lens.
The importance of team, market, and technology in VC.
His first time as a founder of Optigo Networks.
BDC’s role in Canada’s tech ecosystem.
The spinoff of Framework Venture Partners from BDC.
A good versus a great board member.
The power of storytelling.
The VC ecosystem is facing challenges in raising funds, and policymakers should support VC to ensure a vibrant tech ecosystem in Canada.
Canada should leverage its leadership in AI and increase investment to commercialize, ensuring it remains a global leader.
Thoughts on the Vancouver tech scene.
Why UBC creates such an impact on the BC economy and tech ecosystem.

Chapters

00:00 From Engineering to Law

06:53 Venture Capital and BDC

09:34 BDC's Role in the Canadian Tech Ecosystem

22:13 Investing in Founders

26:57 The Power of Storytelling

29:07 Back to an Operator Role at Cymax

29:25 The Growth of E-commerce and the Paradigm Shift in Buying and Selling

32:14 Qualities of a Great Board Observer and Board Member

35:08 UBC's Impact in Various Sectors and its Importance in British Columbia

40:49 The Thriving Vancouver Tech Scene and Focus Areas

44:43 The Need for Canada's Investment in AI and Commercialization

53:08 Challenges and Future of the VC Ecosystem

56:21 The Role of BDC in Supporting Venture Capital

Keywords

law, engineering, technology, co-founder, venture capital, IP, patents, BDC, Framework Venture Partners, angel investing, team, market, technology, storytelling, Cymax, BTC portfolio, e-commerce, paradigm shift, board observer, UBC Board of Governors, Vancouver tech scene, biotech, climate tech, AI, blockchain, Canada, AI strategy, productivity, investment, VC funds, PE funds, BDC, federal election

Ep. 742 - The Creator

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