

The BetaKit Podcast Channel
BetaKit Podcast Network
The BetaKit Podcast Channel features weekly podcasts discussing both Canadian tech and innovation, as well as global tech from a Canadian perspective.
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Jun 12, 2022 • 46min
What’s behind the explosion in acquisition entrepreneurship?
“It’s like you’re getting married and writing your prenup and your divorce agreement on the day you get married.” Elizabeth MacRae (Village Wellth) explains how YouTubers, Boomers, and banks with favourable terms are fuelling an explosion in acquisition entrepreneurship. Sponsored by RBC.

May 31, 2022 • 48min
Why Canadian tech founders need better mentors
“We have really no programming to teach mentors, it’s all tribal.” Brice Scheschuk (Wind Mobile, Globalive) discusses the CDL session that gave him imposter syndrome, prompting the launch of MindFrame Connect to improve the craft of mentorship and create more resilient entrepreneurs. Sponsored by RBC. Originally aired Nov 8, 2021.

May 24, 2022 • 58min
VCCI don't lose that funding + tech's bubble is bursting (AMA episode)
"I have to note the huge sigh that was just expressed through Tony's entire being." RBCx's Anthony Mouchantaf (AKA, Tony Dagger) returns as a special guest to help answer listener-submitted questions about: the potential of no more VCCI funding for Canadian VCs; the bubble-bursting reality currently hitting Canadian tech companies; and whether or not wearables are cool again. Sponsored by RBC.

May 19, 2022 • 1h 3min
Should politicians use Twitter + Ontario’s election budget
“The unforeseen consequences of this stuff has ripples throughout society that in the most generous interpretation we didn’t see coming, but can no longer deny.” Former OneEleven executive director Siri Agrell explains why she believes politicians shouldn't use social media; CCI's Alanna Sokic explains why the Ontario budget is not a budget. Sponsored by Osler.

May 9, 2022 • 1h 7min
OMERS Ventures’ Damien Steel wants you to stop reading tech headlines
"That impact that's being felt in the public markets will start to trickle down to the earlier rounds." Damien Steel, managing partner and head of ventures at OMERS Ventures, takes umbrage with how valuations - or more specifically, the sticker price placed on funding rounds - are paraded in the media. Sponsored by Osler.

May 3, 2022 • 43min
How do you measure culture in the remote & hybrid workplace?
"We're very social creatures, so human-to-human connection is ultimately what we're craving even if we are working in a digital-by-design or remote-first environment." Shawn Hewat, CEO and co-founder of Wavy, joins to discuss burnout and talent churn in the new remote & hybrid world, and how tech companies are trying to manage and measure culture. Sponsored by Osler and Cisco.

Apr 25, 2022 • 59min
Can the feds build a talent strategy for digital nomads?
"Potentially it does have the opportunity to create thousands of jobs here in Canada." CCI president Ben Bergen and VP Dana O’Born join to tackle the big talent changes that pre-empted #Budget2022, before channelling our inner Paul Wells to investigate the light on details Canadian Innovation and Investment Agency and Canada Growth Fund. Sponsored by Osler and Cisco.

Apr 18, 2022 • 48min
Do Canadian FinTechs want bank kickbacks or competition?
"That kind of gives me a brain boner. I get pretty excited." Changes to the Competition Act are coming. Can a "whole of government" approach break Canada's oligopolies? Policy wonk Vass Bednar joins to read the tea leaves from Budget 2022. Sponsored by Osler and Cisco.

Apr 14, 2022 • 54min
Quiet tech towns & Twitter’s Elon Musk Problem (AMA episode)
“I both love and hate this question.” BetaKit Associate Editor Meagan Simpson joins for her second AMA episode to answer a complex bunch of listener questions: what did the New York Times get wrong about Toronto tech? Is the Globe anti-competition? What should the banks do with their excess profits? What are the dangers of troll capital? Sponsored by Osler and Cisco.

Apr 4, 2022 • 51min
Can an app be medicine?
"What’s it like when an app doesn’t just connect you to a doctor… it’s the medicine?" A4i's Amos Adler and Dr. Sean Kidd join to discuss the difference between telemedicine and digital therapeutics, supporting complex mental health challenges with an app, and the struggles of Canada's healthcare system. Sponsored by Cisco.