

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

Oct 22, 2023 • 43min
Why Korean car makers want Tenstorrent’s AI hardware
“So many Canadian organizations today are sending their dollars, their economic capital, to AWS, to Azure, to Google. There really is no Canadian response to this today." Tenstorrent senior director of business development Eric Duffy explains why the company’s leadership pedigree and open standard tech have attracted interest from Korean auto manufacturers and consumer electronic companies alike, before discussing the opportunities and gaps before Canadian hardware companies competing with Apple, NVIDIA, and Intel. Recorded live at ALL IN 2023 in Montréal. Sponsored by Float (Finance on auto-pilot) and SAAS NORTH (use the code 'betakit25' to get your tickets).

Oct 15, 2023 • 54min
Exploring the forgotten history of Canadian venture capital
"So there are good things about the state of the market today compared to where we were in the 2000s. There are things that are not as good, and then you have fundamental issues that occurred in the aftermath of the dotcom era that never got solved." Investor and Canadian tech archeologist Matt Roberts (CMD Capital) discusses his journey to investigate the last 20-plus years of venture capital in Canada, what he learned, and which parts of our past continue to rhyme. Sponsored by Dynabook—make smart business moves with Dynabook Tecra A40 & A50 laptops—and Cisco Secure Firewall.

Oct 7, 2023 • 47min
Hugging Face's Sasha Luccioni on the ethical and environmental impacts of AI
"I profoundly believe that open source is the way forward for AI so that we avoid this monopoly of power." Hugging Face Climate Lead + AI Researcher Dr. Sasha Luccioni discusses the need to make AI "less bad for the planet," how tracking carbon impacts and sharing data can help, and how the company she works for is trying to be the GitHub for AI. Recorded live at ALL IN 2023 in Montréal. Sponsored by Big Data & AI Toronto and Cisco Secure Firewall.

Sep 30, 2023 • 58min
AI regulation is coming but Tobi Lütke is not "EFRAID"
"We don’t need more referees in Canada. We need more builders. Let other countries regulate while we take the more courageous path." A COVID isolation emergency podcast, Rob and Douglas catch up on the latest tech news, which—surprise!—is AI-focused. Featuring: hot takes on the latest AI lawsuits, new uses to help combat climate change and the just-announced Voluntary Code of Conduct for generative AI (the one that Shopify's CEO said he would not support). We also gripe about the price of the new iPhones. Sponsored by Big Data and AI Toronto, Oct 18 & 19. Get your tickets today!

Sep 24, 2023 • 58min
As the world goes passwordless, does 1Password go B2B?
In this engaging conversation, Jeff Shiner, CEO of 1Password, explores the future of password management as passkeys emerge. He discusses how major tech players influence security and authentication. The dialogue highlights the evolution of digital identity management and the balance between security and privacy. Shiner also addresses risks posed by AI in authentication, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions. Furthermore, he shares insights on 1Password's growth and strategic initiatives in a passwordless world.

Sep 17, 2023 • 55min
Can Waze’s former CEO build a social network from scratch?
"Canada is at the forefront. Yes, mistakes are being made, but at least they're doing something. The US is doing nothing. And at the end of the day, these are American companies that are destroying the world." Post.News founder Noam Bardin shares what it's like trying to build a new social network "in public" in 2023 and why the Big Tech platforms only fear regulation before making a pitch to Canadians looking to return news to their social media. Sponsored by TechExit.io, taking place October 25 in Toronto.

Sep 10, 2023 • 54min
How "pirate" entrepreneur Lloyed Lobo kicked his self-destructive habits
"The company was my identity. I had this huge void to fill and I didn't know what to do with it." Boast.ai and Traction co-founder Lloyed Lobo shares his personal struggles managing his self-described addictive personality after leaving the day-to-day business before digging into the keen insights contained within his new book "From Grassroots to Greatness - 13 Rules to Build Iconic Brands with Community Led Growth." Sponsored by TechExit.io, taking place October 25 in Toronto.

Sep 2, 2023 • 44min
Parental leave requirements for Canadian entrepreneurs make no sense
"There is especially in tech still a stigma around being a parent and being a contributing member of a company." Founders Erin Bury (Willful) and Marie Chevrier (Sampler) join to discuss the dumb restrictions on entrepreneurs trying to receive parental leave benefits, plus tips (and encouragement) for entrepreneurs preparing to ship a new bundle of joy. Sponsored by Zoholics Canada 2023, Zoho’s premier user conference. Use the code "BETAKIT25" for a 25% discount!

Aug 26, 2023 • 59min
VC extravaganza: fundraising, "shitty" behaviour, mannequin startups & more
We know you love VCs on the BetaKit Podcast. So here's an all-VC episode of the BetaKit Podcast. Featuring: Chris Neumann (Panache Ventures), Matt Cohen (Ripple Ventures), John Ruffolo (Maverix Private Equity), Michelle Scarborough (Thrive Venture Fund), Satraj Bambra (Round13's Digital Asset Fund). Sponsored by Zoholics Canada 2023, Zoho’s premier user conference. Use the code "BETAKIT25" for a 25% discount!

Aug 19, 2023 • 45min
Alexis Gay is the funniest person in tech
"One of the things that's funniest in tech is the complete and utter lack of self-awareness." Comedian and podcaster Alexis Gay joins to share her transition from working in tech to creating content that perfectly articulates the absurdities of working in tech. This episode originally aired on October 21, 2022.