The Hard Part with Evan McCann

Melissa Gallagher is the Co-Founder and CEO of Alma Care.Alma Care is on a mission to revolutionize postnatal care in Canada. They offer expert care, premium service and luxurious amenities to normalize rest and recovery. They are putting the focus back on the parents and giving them a safe space to rest, recover, learn and enjoy their first moments as a new family. Takeaways- The Genesis of Alma: A Personal Story- Understanding Postpartum Care: A Cultural Comparison- Building the Alma Experience: From Retreats to In-Home Care- Growth Strategies: Word of Mouth and Community Engagement- Cultural Shifts: Moving Beyond the Bounce Back Mentality- Navigating Challenges: Regulatory Hurdles and Scaling- Personal Experience: Using Alma as a Customer- Prioritization and Balance: Managing Business and Family LifeChapters00:00 Foundational Experiences: The Journey to Entrepreneurship03:11 The Genesis of Alma: A Personal Story05:50 Understanding Postpartum Care: A Cultural Comparison09:05 Building the Alma Experience: From Retreats to In-Home Care11:56 Growth Strategies: Word of Mouth and Community Engagement15:08 Cultural Shifts: Moving Beyond the Bounce Back Mentality17:49 Navigating Challenges: Regulatory Hurdles and Scaling20:48 Leadership Lessons: The Founder’s Journey24:06 Personal Experience: Using Alma as a Customer27:01 Prioritization and Balance: Managing Business and Family LifeKeywordsentrepreneurship, postpartum care, maternal health, wellness, Alma, cultural comparison, growth strategies, leadership, personal experience, community engagement

Frederic Bastien is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Amiral Ventures.Amiral Ventures is a new venture capital firm whose mission is to empower talented and passionate Canadian founders, arm them with dynamic capital and scaling expertise in order to create the next generation of technology flagships and enduring societal impact.Takeaways- Founder Journey with Mnubo- Three Career Stages - Corporate, Startup and Investor- Understanding Why Founders Raise- Why Fundraising for a Fund is Harder Than a Company- Why Many Founders Struggle with Timing- What is Amiral Ventures- Montreal's Tech Scene and Investment Landscape- Addressing the 'Living Dead' Startups- The Future of VC in Canada - Need For More Private CapitalChapters00:00 Founder's Journey and Investor Insights05:51 Challenges Faced by Founders11:33 Transitioning from Founder to Investor20:04 Investment Strategies and Portfolio Management24:45 Montreal's Tech Scene and Investment Landscape35:26 Addressing the 'Living Dead' Startups40:19 The Future of Venture Capital in CanadaKeywordsfounder experience, investor insights, startup challenges, angel investing, Montreal tech scene, venture capital, startup ecosystem, investment strategies, founder dynamics, living dead startups

Afshin Mousavian is the Co-Founder and CEO of Atlas.Atlas centralizes data from systems like point of sale (POS), scheduling & payroll, inventory management, and spreadsheets to provide operators with automation that saves time and recommendations that optimize performance. Chapters- Early experiences at Jet Cooper and Starting a Hospitality Business- Identifying Challenges in the Hospitality Industry Beyond Food Delivery- Automation in Hospitality- Deep Dive into Tipping- Navigating Compliance and Taxation in Tipping- The Importance of Partnerships in the Space- The Impact of Digital Payments on Tipping- The Role of AI in Hospitality- Balancing User Experience and an Impactful ProductChapters00:00 From Entrepreneurial Beginnings to Restaurant Ventures05:44 Identifying Challenges in the Hospitality Industry13:55 Navigating Compliance and Taxation in Tipping20:40 Transforming Complexity into Opportunity24:42 The Passion Behind Hospitality27:02 Innovating Hospitality Management31:34 Partnerships and Market Strategies34:52 Navigating Tipping and Taxation39:31 The Role of AI in Hospitality42:45 Balancing User Experience and Technology46:26 Overcoming Challenges in BusinessKeywordsentrepreneurship, hospitality, restaurant technology, tipping solutions, compliance, UX design, Atlas Operations, e-commerce, Shopify, business challenges, hospitality, passion, innovation, partnerships, tipping, taxation, AI, user experience, technology, challenges

Wayne Pommen, Chief Revenue Officer at Affirm and former CEO of PayBright, shares insights into the evolution of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) solutions. He discusses the transformative impact of BNPL on consumer behavior and how Affirm is reshaping purchasing practices through strategic partnerships with giants like Amazon and Shopify. Wayne reflects on his leadership journey and the importance of moral integrity in consumer finance. He emphasizes the need for continuous learning and thinking bigger as entrepreneurs navigate the growing fintech landscape.

Jonathan Metrick is a Partner and the Chief Growth Officer at Sagard.Sagard is a global multi-strategy alternative asset management firm active in venture capital, private equity, private credit, and real estate. Takeaways- The Evolution of Growth Roles- First Steps After Raising Capital for GTM- Balancing Traditional and Digital Marketing Channels- Consumer Attention and Trust in Fintech- Rules Around Investing in New Marketing Trends- Building a Growth Team- In-House vs. Outsourcing: Finding the Right Balance- The Rise of Founder-Led Growth- The Impact of AI on Sales and Marketing- Traits of Effective Growth Leaders- Finding Growth Talent: Where to Look- Retention StrategiesChapters00:00 The Evolution of a Growth Role02:27 Engagement Models with Portfolio Companies04:05 First Steps After Raising Capital06:35 Acquisition Channels and Strategies09:22 The Impact of Funding Amounts on Growth12:20 Balancing Traditional and Digital Marketing Channels15:18 Consumer Attention and Trust in Fintech18:06 Investing in New Marketing Trends20:27 Building a Growth Team23:05 In-House vs. Outsourcing: Finding the Right Balance23:22 The Rise of Founder-Led Growth25:42 Deep Sponsorships: Going Beyond Surface-Level Marketing28:55 The Impact of AI on Sales and Marketing33:12 Traits of Effective Growth Leaders35:07 Finding Growth Talent: Where to Look36:49 Emerging Trends in Marketing Roles39:54 Retention Strategies in a Growth-Focused World42:28 Navigating Hard Times: The Importance of Support NetworksKeywordsSagard, growth role, revenue acceleration, go-to-market strategy, product market fit, acquisition channels, funding impact, marketing strategies, consumer attention, team building, founder-led growth, marketing strategies, AI in sales, growth leadership, retention strategies, sponsorships, outsourcing, marketing roles, business growth, personal support networks

Tyler Reid is the Co-Founder and CTO of Xona Space Systems.Xona is building the most accurate and secure positioning, navigation, and timing system on Earth.Takeaways- Studies at Stanford and Working at the Autonomous Driving Unit at Ford- The Impact of GPS on Navigation- Transitioning from Academia to Industry- Understanding GPS and Its Evolution- The Future of GPS and Autonomous Systems- The Importance of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for Navigation- Understanding the LEO Ecosystem- Xona's Business Model and Infrastructure- Challenges in Satellite and Receiver Integration- The Process of Building and Launching Satellites- The Evolution of Satellite Constellations- Identifying Early Adopters in GNSS TechnologyChapters00:00 Journey to Stanford and Early Influences03:10 The Impact of GPS on Navigation05:51 Transitioning from Academia to Industry09:01 Understanding GPS and Its Evolution11:53 The Future of GPS and Autonomous Systems20:46 The Importance of Low Earth Orbit for Navigation29:00 Understanding the LEO Ecosystem30:07 Xona's Business Model and Infrastructure32:02 Collaboration with Receiver Manufacturers33:57 Challenges in Satellite and Receiver Integration35:59 The Process of Building and Launching Satellites38:54 The Evolution of Satellite Constellations42:07 Navigating the Challenges of Space Access44:56 Identifying Early Adopters in GNSS Technology52:04 Addressing Cybersecurity in GNSS Services53:05 Building Resilience in Business During Hard TimesKeywordsStanford, GPS, navigation, autonomy, low Earth orbit, satellites, technology, Xona Space Systems, self-driving, aviation, LEO, satellite technology, GNSS, business model, space infrastructure, receiver manufacturers, satellite launch, early adopters, cybersecurity, resilience

Connor Turland is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ceedar.Ceedar is the last bookkeeper you'll need to hire. It's time to retire the old ways. With Ceedar, you get done-for-you bookkeeping, up-to-date financials and maximized tax deductions, all on a modern platform that integrates well.Takeaways- Early Founder Experiences- When Your Co-Founder is Also Your Spouse- Identifying Gaps in the Bookkeeping Space- The Aesthetics of Software: Beauty Meets Functionality- Integrations: Building a Seamless Experience- Targeting the Right Customer Base- Go-to-Market Strategies: Word of Mouth and Influencers- Leveraging AI for Efficiency- Raising Funds: The Seed Strapping Approach- Pricing Strategies in a Competitive MarketChapters00:00 The Genesis of Sprillow and Early Experiences05:02 Co-Founder Dynamics: Balancing Work and Marriage08:13 Identifying Gaps in the Bookkeeping Space12:06 The Aesthetics of Software: Beauty Meets Functionality13:54 Integrations: Building a Seamless Experience17:51 Targeting the Right Customer Base22:00 Go-to-Market Strategies: Word of Mouth and Influencers24:49 Leveraging AI for Efficiency30:07 Raising Funds: The Seed Strapping Approach31:52 Pricing Strategies in a Competitive Market41:57 Dealing with Hard Times: Grounding PracticesKeywordsSprillow, Ceedar, co-founder dynamics, bookkeeping, AI, software aesthetics, integrations, customer base, go-to-market strategies, pricing strategies

Kurtis McBride is the Co-Founder and CEO of Miovision.Miovision provides cities with modern tools to fix today's traffic problems. They offer solutions that collect multimodal traffic data and uncover actionable insights, helping municipalities get more out of their road network. The result: streets capable of moving more people – safely and efficiently – whether they are in a car, on a bus, on a bike or e-scooter, or walking.Takeaways- Founding Miovision Right Out of UWaterloo- Defining Smart Cities: The Role of Technology- Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and the Future of Transportation- Bridging the Gap: Transitioning to Digital Infrastructure- Challenges of Hardware in Infrastructure Technology- Navigating Large Customer Relationships- R&D and Government Support- The Role of Government in Innovation- Leadership Framework: The Captain, The Monk and The Mist- Shifting Mindsets: From Scarcity to AbundanceChapters00:00 Founding Miovision: The Genesis of Innovation02:00 Defining Smart Cities: The Role of Technology04:41 Connected Vehicles and the Future of Transportation08:41 Bridging the Gap: Transitioning to Digital Infrastructure12:41 Challenges of Hardware in Infrastructure Technology15:21 Navigating Large Customer Relationships19:08 R&D and Government Support: A Critical Discussion23:57 The Role of Government in Innovation29:34 Lessons from 20 Years of Entrepreneurship39:36 Shifting Mindsets: From Scarcity to Abundance43:29 Navigating Hard Times in BusinessKeywordsMiovision, smart cities, connected vehicles, digital infrastructure, transportation technology, hardware challenges, R&D, government support, innovation economy, urban planning, innovation, entrepreneurship, government policy, mindset shift, leadership, business growth, procurement strategy, technology, Canadian economy, resilience

Yegor Sak is the Founder of Windscribe.Windscribe is a leading internet security and privacy company.Their goal is to transform the internet with easy-to-use yet powerful tools, that allow anyone to circumvent censorship, access geographically restricted content, and minimize their exposure to marketers, criminals and surveillance dragnets.Takeaways- Understanding VPNs: Basics and Use Cases- The Global Perspective: VPNs in Authoritarian Regimes- Building a Robust VPN: Technical Challenges and Solutions- Regulatory Landscape: Navigating Laws and Compliance- Dynamic Pricing: Making VPNs Accessible Worldwide- Future Trends: The Evolving Role of VPNs in Privacy- BootstrappingChapters00:00 Understanding VPNs: Basics and Use Cases07:34 The Global Perspective: VPNs in Authoritarian Regimes11:39 Building a Robust VPN: Technical Challenges and Solutions19:01 Regulatory Landscape: Navigating Laws and Compliance22:17 Dynamic Pricing: Making VPNs Accessible Worldwide25:14 Future Trends: The Evolving Role of VPNs in Privacy27:46 Day-to-Day Operations: Running a VPN Company35:31 Overcoming Challenges: Resilience in BusinessKeywordsVPN, privacy, internet security, censorship, technology, online anonymity, regulatory challenges, dynamic pricing, global access, digital freedom

Frédérick Lavoie is the Co-Founder and President of Deck.Deck is the developer infrastructure to access user-permissioned data simply, and at scale. Takeaways- The Genesis of Flinks- Timing and Tailwinds in Business- Lessons from Flinks and the Transition to Deck- The Role of Technology in Modern Startups- The Drive to Start Again: Reflections on Success- Leadership Lessons from Past Experiences- Nuances in Infrastructure Businesses- Understanding Developer Needs- Building Documentation Before Features- Investor Dynamics for Second-Time Founders- The Dynamics of Co-Founder Relationships- Building in Montreal: Opportunities and Challenges- The Role of AI in Product DevelopmentChapters00:00 The Genesis of Flinks03:02 Navigating the FinTech Boom05:57 Timing and Tailwinds in Business09:06 Lessons from Flinks and the Transition to Deck11:54 The Role of Technology in Modern Startups15:08 The Drive to Start Again: Reflections on Success18:58 The Reality of Building Credibility21:58 Leadership Lessons from Past Experiences25:52 Adapting to New Market Dynamics28:07 Key Nuances in Infrastructure Business30:00 Understanding Developer Needs32:54 Building Documentation Before Features33:48 Investor Dynamics for Second-Time Founders37:14 Scaling Challenges and User-Centric Approaches38:52 Navigating Early Customer Conversations41:06 The Dynamics of Co-Founder Relationships45:47 Leadership Styles and Team Dynamics51:27 Building in Montreal: Opportunities and Challenges53:06 The Role of AI in Product Development55:04 Coping with the Ups and Downs of FoundingKeywordsFlinks, FinTech, startup journey, entrepreneurship, technology, business strategy, market timing, lessons learned, Deck, Canadian tech, entrepreneurship, leadership, business strategy, developer tools, investor relations, AI in business, team dynamics, discomfort in growth, infrastructure business, credibility in startups, scaling challenges, user-centric approaches, customer conversations, co-founder relationships, leadership styles, building in Montreal, AI in product development, founder challenges