Follow the Money
From the perspective of entrepreneurs, investors and influencers, Follow the Money is a brand new Collisions YYC series featuring discussions about the investment landscape in Western Canada. With a twist on what are often purely financial conversations, we also explore the deeper sense of purpose that must exist in today's world where it takes more than money to make a difference.
Teruel A. Carrasco
In this episode, gain an insider’s perspective on early-stage investing and the current economic cycle with Venture Capitalist Teruel A. Carrasco. As Co-Founder of Radar Endeavour Group Inc., Tangible Venture Partners Inc., and President of Valhalla Private Capital, Teruel brings a wealth of investment insights to the episode. You’ll gain clarity on the current economic cycle’s impact on early-stage investing and the importance of collaboration between investors to reduce risk and accelerate innovation.
Darcy Tuer
In this episode, discover how one Calgary fintech company is on a big, audacious mission to save 10M people 10BN dollars and help end the stressful paycheque-to-paycheque lifestyle that affects more than 80% of Canadians and Americans. To do this, the team purpose-built an app that allows employees to access their earned wages before their next pay period, helping avoid costly NSF fees or payday loans to fill in any gaps or surprise expenses. This episode will inspire you to find creative solutions to big problems while providing key insights into scale-ups, including how Zayzoon achieved 5x revenue growth with minimal operating costs and a work-from-anywhere model.
Mark Mitchell
In this episode, the topic revolves around the challenges of building and sustaining a startup using proper investment strategies. Mark Mitchell, experienced investor and Co-Founder of Red Thread Ventures and Weave VC, comes back on the show to shed light on the importance of focusing on what can be controlled to avoid failure of the company.
Wilson Acton
In this episode, hear from Wilson Acton about the first exciting year of building Tall Grass Ventures, a fund he co-created in 2022 to fill the pre-series funding gap while helping founders address their specific challenges in building better businesses. Wilson shares how Tall Grass went from just starting in April 2022 to operating a $20M fund with significant demand, despite softening markets. Wilson also highlights how AgTech can play in future industries, from aviation to cattle production and the importance of having primary producers at the table to help drive the next revolution.
Brian L’Heureux
In this episode, Brian L’Heureux, the Owner and CEO of Linestar Utility Supply, takes us on a journey of growing a leading business in the competitive utility industry. Discover the impact of the merger and acquisition trend among Canadian utility companies on Linestar and how Brian and the Partner team navigated these challenges to establish the company as a top player. You’ll also learn how Linestar achieved initial growth without taking on debt and the strategic partnerships with Fort Capital, CAI Capital Partners and CAA driving the company’s future expansion and innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a seasoned industry leader.
Andrew Lester & Andi Caruso
In this episode, hear from Andrew Lester and Andi Caruso, the co-founders of Lyric Cycle. These innovators are changing the way we think about transportation with their electric bikes, mopeds, and motorcycles, all while improving sustainability and accessibility. But it’s not just about the products they sell - although they're impressive enough that Tyson Beckford to reach out to partner with them on their 305 GHOST. Andrew and Andi are also building key, local partnerships to create a ripple effect of positive change. Hear their inspiring journey, from working together at Shaw to building a competitive brand, and discover how they’re thinking outside the box to solve sustainability problems and improve people’s lives.
Evan Wain
In this episode, Evan Wain, Co-Founder of Ordr, takes us on a journey through the world of tech startups. Ordr is a game-changing platform that allows live event patrons to order concessions directly to their seats, without missing a beat. Evan shares his story of how he became an entrepreneur, despite being an unlikely candidate, and the process of finding a problem worth solving. He also delves into the challenges of raising initial funds and building a successful tech startup. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation with a true innovator!
Ted Fleming
Ted Fleming is the Founder and CEO of Partake, a Calgary-based company that makes non-alcoholic beverages. Ted started Partake after he was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and found that cutting alcohol out of his diet helped improve his health and symptoms. At first, he heard a lot of negative feedback about the idea of non-alcoholic drinks — but now, Partake has proven itself to be a success! Partake has become a top-selling beverage company, and received $4M in 2020 in a Series A investment funding round.
Connor O’Shea
In this episode, Connor O’Shea will inspire you to take a chance on your next big idea. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Westgen Technologies, a remote power and methane-reduction technology company. While on paternity leave, he and his co-founder mortgaged their homes, took their entire savings, and invested it into their idea. Their great idea came to them as a result of looming regulatory changes that would dramatically change the energy industry, presenting them with a massive opportunity to bring their idea to life.
Heiko Peters
In this episode, discover how technology is revolutionizing healthcare so that patients can receive specialist advice within 24 hours rather than 24 months. Heiko Peters, Co-Founder, COO and CTO of Althea Medical, shares its inception story, purpose and journey of its artificial intelligence technology. This technology was created by another Collisions YYC guest, Dr. Devon Livingstone.
Dennis Kambeitz
In this episode, discover the real implications that robotics and artificial intelligence will have on our world with Dennis Kambeitz, CEO of EZ-Robot. The World Economic Forum predicts that 1BN will need retraining by 2030 as technology continues to change how we work, play and live. We are on the cusp of the largest workforce transition in history, and it will affect all of us. Dennis shares what EZ-Robot does to train students and teachers about robotics and shares his journey of raising funds through crowdfunding and venture capital.
Andrew Ladd & Meredith Wolff
In this episode, you’ll learn about the story of 1616, a non-profit foundation created by NHL player Andrew Ladd and his wife, Brandy. They teamed up with Meredith Wolff, a lawyer and charitable consultant who helps athletes and entertainers do high-impact strategic philanthropy. Andrew shares his mental health journey and the ‘a-ha’ moment that helped him realize our youth, particularly in hockey, don’t have four core proficiencies that can aid them when things get tough: competence, confidence, connection, and character. The valuable lessons learned by Andrew and Brandy in founding 1616 are applicable no matter what industry you’re in.
Brahm Klar
In this episode, you’ll hear from Brahm Klar, General Partner of Round13, a Toronto-based tech-focused venture capital fund. Brahm shares his insights into the evolution of venture capital in Canada from the early aughts until today - including some of the new challenges VC funds face to stay competitive and differentiate themselves. He shares his perspective on why Western Canada has been so successful when it comes to innovative businesses, as well as what Western Canadian businesses should keep in mind when trying to compete against Toronto or Silicon Valley.
Michael Hebert
In this episode, you’ll hear from Michael Hebert, Associate of Venture Capital at NGIF. He shares the story of how NGIF is leading the way in cleantech investment to lower emissions in the gas sector. You’ll learn about the key differences in NGIF’s model compared to other VC funds, why facilitation and collaboration are so important to their success, and the role that champions play in moving ESG forward for a better energy future.
Robert Price
In this episode, Robert Price discusses the disruptive plans of his company, Bode. They aim to revolutionize the home buying and selling industry by digitizing the entire experience for both buyers and sellers. This not only makes the process easier and less confusing for Canadians but also improves the industry overall. Learn how they have approached funding and growing their business, as well as what focus they are keeping in order to ensure success.
Richard Simpson
In this episode, Chief Revenue Officer of ZeroKey, Richard Simpson, shares the unique journey of the company from a guerrilla marketing video in Barcelona in 2018 to closing a Series A funding round in 2020. This Calgary-based company is revolutionizing what digitization can do in logistics, industrial manufacturing, oil and gas and more. ZeroKey hyperaccurately tracks any asset you need with its real-time location systems by digitizing entire environments. Find out how they achieved their incredible growth trajectory.
Crystal Phillips
In this episode, learn more about the innovative health sciences sector in Alberta. Crystal is deeply involved in HealthTech; she is the Health Lead at Thin Air Labs (who support and invest in early-stage ventures), Co-Founder of Branch Out Neurological Foundation (a Calgary non-profit that accelerates neuroscience innovation), and sits on the board for Tactile Orthopaedics. Learn how organizations like these are changing the narrative and setting the standard for Alberta’s ecosystem.
Brett Colvin
Back in law school, Brett realized that the way traditional lawyers and clients had a relationship wasn’t the best possibility for both parties. So he and two friends teamed up to create GoodLawyer, the fixed-price, subscription model legal service provider for start-ups. Discover how they got buy-in for this disruptive product, where they began raising funds, and why narrowing in on their ideal customer profile helped them build the business more successfully.
Mads Daugaard
Are you curious about biotech? This episode is a must-listen! Mads Daugaard is a world-renowned expert in translational cancer research who is the President and Chief Scientific Officer of Rakovina Therapeutics Inc. Learn about his experience as a 3X founder, as well as his perspective on the biotech sector in Canada.
Danny Motyka
The legalization of cannabis in Canada has sparked new interest in psychedelics as a potential investment. However, the industry is still very speculative with no concrete market for these substances. This can make it difficult to raise capital for a facility that manufactures plant-based medicines. Learn how Psygen is attracting investors to Western Canada by working with the University of Calgary to create a research hub.
David Owen Cord
Avanti’s founders were looking for a partner who would be supportive and collaborative, rather than one who act like they have all the answers. Learn how they found the perfect venture capital partner who helped them to achieve their goals faster than if they had bootstrapped them.
Nic Beique
FinTech start-up Helcim’s CEO Nic shares his insights on bootstrapped business growth, and how it can be beneficial to figure out your company’s identity before seeking outside investment. You will learn about Helcim’s approach to hiring, and how they have assembled a team of key talent to help them reach their ambitious growth goals.
Brian Boulanger
Brian is the CEO of ARC Financial, which is one of Canada’s leading mid-market investment firms. ARC Financial has been a driver of industry change in Alberta, while actively promoting innovation and research. With over 9 funds, $6BN of capital and 180+ investments, ARC Financial knows plenty about investing in the energy sector. Get up to speed on where Alberta can create significant change, Brian’s take on deal flow, and how traditional oil and gas businesses will be the backbone of our energy transition plans now and in the future.
Zack Storms & Tim Lynn
Zack and Tim have been working together across the Prairies for years to help Prairie entrepreneurs succeed. Their Investment Summits allow local startups to get in front of investors, while simultaneously training and introducing new investors to the ecosystem. Their combined knowledge will give you a snapshot into the Prairie startup world, their enthusiasm is contagious, and their optimism will have you itching to get involved.
Sandi Gilbert
Alberta is on the cusp of a new era, and entrepreneurs have played a huge role in this. Sandi understands that scrappy Alberta start-ups have transformed in recent years, and thrust their way into an internationally competitive market. Find out more about the founders who led those companies to success (and helped others get there too), and what you can learn from them.
Wilson Acton
Wilson Acton is a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of multiple companies. He also co-founded Tall Grass Ventures, a venture fund that invests in early-stage technology companies in Alberta. Wilson is no stranger to innovative ideas—he shares his experience launching and building startups, as well as what he’s learned by observing Alberta’s investment landscape.
Al-Karim Khimji
In this episode, you will gain insight into Al-Kharim’s fundraising process, starting with friends and family. You’ll also hear about what he feels is most important for entrepreneurs, how Al-Kharim has seen capital flow into Alberta’s tech industry, and why he believes that access to capital is a critical component of success.
Mark Mitchell
In this new era, your business needs to be focused more than ever before - and Mark is here to help you. Recently, Mark become dedicated to the idea of strategic connections over deal flow. This episode offers advice on how to do that, explains the difference between angel investing and traditional investing, and points out what makes Alberta such an advantage.
Bryan Slauko
The first of our new series, Follow the Money, features Bryan Slauko, Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Metiquity Ventures Fund. Bryan has a depth of understanding of the investment landscape – he explains why it is important for Alberta to access more investments and shares his insights about the deeper purpose behind all investing opportunities.