Entrepreneurship

As the Associate Director of the CDL Space Stream, I bring a diverse background in engineering, business development, and entrepreneurship to the forefront of the space industry. My journey began with a solid foundation in mechanical engineering, cultivated during my studies in the UK. Following graduation, I embarked on my engineering career in South Africa's dynamic railway sector, where I honed my skills from 2012 to 2015.

Seeking new challenges and experiences, I transitioned to the realm of business building, spending two years with a family office in Cyprus. This venture provided invaluable insights into strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. Subsequently, I assumed leadership of a large manufacturing facility in South Africa specializing in aluminum extrusion dies.

My passion for entrepreneurship and investment led me back to the family office, where I delved into gold mining activities and investment opportunities across Southern Africa. However, my trajectory took a transformative turn in 2020 when I immigrated to Canada and co-founded a pioneering space company. Our mission? To revolutionize satellite power delivery through innovative laser beam technology.

This endeavour propelled me into my current role at CDL, where I oversee the Space program, fostering collaboration between early-stage founders, industry luminaries, and investors. Under my guidance, the CDL Space program has evolved into a global beacon for aspiring space entrepreneurs, facilitating groundbreaking innovations and ventures that redefine the future of space exploration and commerce.

As a passionate AgTech entrepreneur and co-founder/CEO of Plantaform, I am on a mission to reshape the way households approach sustainable food production. Drawing from my international experiences in Spain, Dubai, Indonesia, and Canada, I've developed a passion for addressing global challenges and creating sustainable solutions for the future of food production.

At Plantaform, we specialize in cutting-edge Fogponics technology, which we apply across a range of applications from household systems to commercial vertical farms. Our flagship product, Rejuvenate, is a smart indoor garden that makes home gardening effortless for everyone. By leveraging NASA-inspired Fogponics, we utilize ultrasonic irrigation systems for healthier plant roots, precise nutrient delivery, and substantial water conservation. Our user-friendly plant pods allow individuals to enjoy homegrown produce without any prior gardening knowledge.

In addition to our household solutions, we are also pioneering commercial vertical farming systems that harness the power of Fogponics to optimize productivity and sustainability, contributing to a more resilient food system.

My previous experiences as Founder/CEO of YourDorm Inc. (a student housing intermediary service) and Co-founder/COO of Relomigo Inc. (a corporate relocation software) have instilled the importance of innovation, collaboration, and adaptability in me, which I now apply to Plantaform's growth and vision.

As an advocate for sustainable food systems, I am dedicated to inspiring and empowering individuals to participate in environmentally conscious food production.

I am 28 years old and a partner at Steinbachs and Chapelle Professional Corporation. In my role I provide accounting and business advisory services with a significant emphasis on taxation. I obtained my Masters of Accountancy from Brock University in 2018 and was designated as chartered professional accountant and chartered accountant in February of 2020. I completed CPA Canada’s In-Depth Taxation Course in the summer of 2023. I believe that that best way to lead is by serving others. To me this means taking the time to teach, and taking the time to listen. In my job there are two distinct areas where this is prevalent: (1) Understanding my clients and helping them integrate their needs and desires into their business. At the end of the day I want clients to see me as their trusted business advisor. This requires me to have a requisite level of technical knowledge but also have knowledge about them as people and not just as business owners. (2) I also love to pass on knowledge to future CPAs whether that be through my firm or volunteering at Brock University. Our firm has a number of co-op accounting students and I ensure I take time to train and teach these future CPAs whether that be in the regular day to day tasks but also when I learn something new that I teach this to someone else as well. My purpose is to serve others and my job allows me to do just that.

Matt Bogoroch is the co-founder and CEO of Birdseye, the world’s first AI-powered autonomous email marketing platform. Matt started his career as a data scientist focused on retail, but he knew he had an entrepreneurial spirit and drive to create real change in the retail space. Recognizing that consumer preferences and buying behaviour shifted, he set out to revolutionize traditional marketing in favour of hyper-personalized campaigns. Matt developed patent-pending artificial intelligence technology to enable personalization at scale, setting a new standard for digital marketing. He also assembled a team of Toronto’s best machine-learning engineers to help get the job done. Matt's passion, drive and determination were instrumental in securing a significant $3.5M USD investment from American investors last year. His success has garnered attention on a global scale, earning features in The Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch and BetaKit. Matt's leadership story is about more than business growth. It's about challenging norms, inspiring innovation, and spearheading a technological advancement in retail. Matt has a Master’s and an undergraduate degree from Ivey Business School. He lives in Toronto, ON and is proud to be building a Canadian tech company.

Daniel's mission is to create fair access to capital and opportunities. Currently, he's advancing his mission as the CEO & Co-founder of Flowbo (Y-Combinator S21), a fintech company that raised over $4.5m CAD to provide financial access and efficiencies to non-salaried workers including creators, musicians, and freelancers. 

Prior to Flowbo, Daniel was a growth investor at Softbank Vision Fund in both Silicon Valley and London, with a focus on fintech, marketplace, and transportation. He also served a Board Observer of the multibillion-dollar company, Auto1 Group, in Berlin. He was formally educated in public policy at University of Oxford and finance at McGill University. 

Daniel writes and speaks in public on topics of technology, finance, and careers, most recently lecturing as a guest at McGill University and Seoul National University. He also signed a book deal with John Wiley & Sons that will be released in early 2025. 

In his downtime, Daniel enjoys spending time with family, drinking coffee, writing pop music, and flying as a pilot.

An experienced manager with over 20 years of cross-functional team leadership and chain restaurant experience. A consistent and reliable leader with experience overseeing business launches and managing startup restaurants and small businesses to achieve stable and long-term profitability. Focused on satisfying customer expectations and building strong profit margins. Brings a history of improving customer reviews and adding to the company’s success through strict quality control and by creating innovative service offerings. A community Volunteer and a soccer coach for NUTMEG which creates inclusive and safe spaces for children to learn, play soccer, and have fun. Our programs are free and remove barriers so that no child is left behind. A Respond Search and Rescue member. Respond Search and Rescue or RSAR for short, operates within the GTA Providing Search and Rescue services as well as assisting at community events with medical, public safety, SAR, operations, and communications.

I am a Chartered Professional Accountant having my own professional corporation. I have been in accounting industry for more than 15 years. My latest experience before opening my own practise has been in controllership with metal industry as well as real estate industry. At Candor, we are committed to our services to our clients. Our major clients have come through references and they are super satisfied with our services. We have physical office in Scarborough having accounting staff working on site. Achievement: We are proud to say that, we are a paperless office. Our clients never have any complaints about communication. 

A life long entrepreneur, husband and father with a passion for technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. 

I enjoy working at the intersection of business, technology and strategy. My journey has afforded me the opportunity to work in healthcare, insurance, construction, entertainment, financial, beverage alcohol, cyber security and legal industries.

My passion is technology, the mountains, my road bike and the unprecedented impact of the internet on human collaboration. I want to work on stuff that matters.

Felix is an entrepreneur with a relentless drive to transform health and wellness into realms that are accessible, inclusive, and profoundly impactful. As the co-founder and COO of Curio, an AI-driven platform, his team is pioneering care navigation for individuals grappling with severe and chronic illnesses, aiming for compassionate healthcare.

With a decade of leadership under his belt, Felix has masterfully crafted health and wellness solutions catering to a diverse spectrum of needs—from Canadian Olympians finding their footing post-sports to enhancing the Old Age Security program to enabling employees to seamlessly access health benefits and helping children thrive with severe diseases.

At the core of Felix’s approach is the belief that effective healthcare transcends traditional boundaries, focusing on comprehensive experiences that nurture the entire individual.

Felix graduated with degrees in business and medical science from Western University.

Felix's life in Toronto is shared with his loving wife, newborn son, and their labradoodle.

Mohi Sanisel is a dynamic leader and an ardent advocate for technological innovation and entrepreneurship. With a journey that began in his childhood, Mohi's early fascination with computers and software development laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. Demonstrating early proficiency in programming and web development, he quickly transitioned from a curious learner to a creator, designing numerous websites for clients worldwide during his teenage years.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish the foremost crowdfunding platform in his native country, a venture that not only showcased his ability to innovate but also his skill in navigating the complex landscape of startup growth. This platform became a beacon for thousands, processing a significant number of transactions monthly and achieving impressive returns on investment.

Beyond his successes, Mohi has always prioritized knowledge exchange and mentorship. He has dedicated himself to educating and inspiring young entrepreneurs, volunteering at various events to encourage innovative thinking and perseverance. His move to Canada in 2019 marked a new chapter in his quest for global impact, seeking to learn and contribute to the international business landscape.

Joining the DMZ, ranked as the top university-based tech incubator globally, Mohi has played a pivotal role as a Programs Manager. His leadership at the DMZ has been instrumental in providing founders with the resources and guidance needed to scale rapidly and efficiently. Mohi's extensive background in technology, coupled with his keen insight into business strategy and development, has enabled him to support numerous startups in achieving their visions.

Mohi's dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship is evident in his active participation in the startup ecosystem, both in Canada and internationally. His approach to leadership is characterized by a deep commitment to empowering others, a passion for building collaborative communities, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

I've been passionate about filmmaking since I was 14. After studying film in London, UK, and Toronto Film School, I jumped into the professional world. Starting from scratch in a small loft where I slept on a couch, I began my business with just $70k borrowed from a friend.

Through sheer determination, I turned this small venture into a multi-million-dollar company in just four years. Today, Ontario Camera is almost nine years old and is one of the top camera rental companies in Toronto and Northern Ontario.

My journey showcases the power of hard work and persistence. From humble beginnings to leading the industry, I'm committed to pushing boundaries and shaping stories in the world of film and TV.

Sheida is a co-founder and CEO of Adaptis. She is an Architect and holds a PhD in Circular Engineering from the University of Waterloo. Sheida is an expert in design optimization, decarbonization, and circularity planning in the built environment. She has over ten years of professional experience in architecture, development and construction firms and has worked on multiple award-winning adaptation projects and net-zero carbon buildings across Canada and the US. She has received the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada Sustainable Design Award and the Energy Council of Canada Fellowship for Sustainable Energy Innovation for her work. 

Nuha is on a mission to build a new standard for sustainable materials that puts our earth first. She founded erthos while still completing her Business & Environmental Economics degree at the University of Toronto (Rotman). When her peers headed off to full-time jobs after graduation, she decided to go full-speed with erthos, scaling the company to a team of 20, raising over $11M US dollars, and launching global manufacturing pilots to tackle the issue worldwide. As an entrepreneur in an emerging technology space, Nuha plays an active role in supporting the development of the diverse innovation ecosystem in Canada and Globally. From serving as a board member of National sustainability organizations and accelerators like Canada Plastics Pact and Enactus Canada to mentoring young entrepreneurs and women in STEM, she is dedicated to supporting next-generation leaders who are collectively working together to positively impact this planet. Nuha's work in building erthos has been recognized globally, and the rapid expansion of erthos as one of Canada's fastest-growing cleantech companies. She was recently awarded by Bay Street Bull 30x30 and is on this year's Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Megan is the founder & CEO of Suppli, a circular Suppli chain platform for reusable food packaging. Prior to founding Suppli, Megan oversaw an impact investment portfolio of over $100 million, working with pre-seed startups globally to evaluate and operationalize innovative business models to tackle social challenges. Before that, she spent more than 8 years in public finance, splitting time as an investment analyst at Fidelity Investments, and as an associate at RBC Dominion Securities. She is also a CFA charterholder.

Sarah is the CEO & Co-Founder of Starling, a logistics and growth partner in the wholesale specialty food sector. Starling’s mission is to make high quality food available everywhere by eliminating the barriers to entry 90% of makers face trying to enter the wholesale market and by extending the perishable supply chain beyond urban centres. 

Sarah has an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business and an MSc. and BSc. Mathematics from the University of Guelph with a focus on optimization, logistics and scheduling. Her prior experience includes six years in capital markets as a VP of Business Development and as a Mergers & Acquisitions Associate and five years in data analytics developing optimization models and studying consumer behaviour in various industries.

Dani has always been passionate about telling compelling stories through media, and after working in the Marketing industry for 10+ years, she recently moved into full-time entrepreneurship as a Creator.

Though Dani did not grow up wealthy, she has always been curious about money management and has been dedicated to sharing financial education with her community so everyone can acquire wealth and reach financial freedom together.

In 2014, Dani took her first trip outside of North America (to Thailand) and fell in love with international travel. Since then, she’s visited 25+ countries, including her first “Liberty Leave” trip, where she took 6 months off from work to solo travel to 6 countries in Asia. Currently, she’s based in Malaga, Spain (for one year) on her Liberty Leave 2.0. She shares her travel experiences openly so her community can learn how they, too, can see the world without going into debt.

Fatima Zaidi is the Founder and CEO at Quill Inc., an award-winning production agency specializing in corporate audio, and CoHost, a podcast growth and analytics tool. As a member of the National Speakers Bureau, Fatima has spoken at various events around the world on media and tech trends leading her to keynote on world stages alongside speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk. In addition to being a commentator for BNN Bloomberg on the challenges that female and BIPOC founders face in entrepreneurship, she is a frequent contributor to publications including The Globe and Mail, and Huffington Post, and has also been featured in publications like Forbes and Entrepreneur. Over the past few years she has won two Top 30 under 30 awards, the Young Professional of the Year by Notable Life, Veuve Clicquot’s Bold Future Award, The Women in Content Marketing Award, and one of Flare Magazine’s Top 100 Women. Quill was also listed in 2023 as one of Canada’s fastest growing companies by the Globe & Mail. 

Outside of entrepreneurship Fatima teaches at the University of Toronto, and is Co-Chair of the #Tech4SickKids council for SickKids Hospital which is the second-largest pediatric research hospital in the world. She is on track to raise 25 million dollars to build a new emergency wing of the hospital, as well as fund some of the world's biggest data and AI projects.

John Evans is the Founder of EverLine Coatings and Services - a parking lot line striping and

pavement maintenance brand that is changing the game in an entire industry. With a focus on

franchisee support, innovation, exclusive durable products and an unrelenting drive for success John has led EverLine to being a force to be reckoned with in an underdeveloped industry. 

John’s entire life has been surrounded by franchising. His parents were multi-unit owners – he owned and operated one of the highest performing student painting franchises while in University – and now he is building a system that is made for franchisees – by franchisees.

In 2015, John won the prestigious Grand Prize award for the IFA’s NextGen in Franchising competition. In November 2019, he appeared on CBC's Dragons' Den and successfully pitched by getting a deal with the Dragons - since then EverLine has been expanding fast across Canada and now the United States. Since launching stateside in 2022, EverLine grew from 17 locations to 108 in a rapid expansion effort. Scale is the name of his game.

My name is Joseph and I’m the founder and CEO of Supademo. We help anyone create beautifully interactive product demos with generative AI. Since launching in 2023, we’ve helped 10,000+ users across 75+ companies drive adoption, accelerate time-to-value, and close more deals.

I started my first business when I was 14 and I’ve been a lifelong entrepreneur since. I previously studied Computer Science and Business at the University of British Columbia, before I dropped out in my final year to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. Since then, I’m proud to say I’ve only worked for myself and haven’t had a traditional job! Aside from UBC, I’m a proud alumni of On Deck, Next 36, Techstars, and Forbes' 30 Under 30.

Prior to Supademo, I helped scale Freshline.io as co-founder and CPO, a leading sales enablement platform built for food distributors and wholesalers.

Robert Price is the founder and the CEO of Bōde, an online real estate marketplace that launched in Alberta in 2019 and rapidly expanded to British Columbia and Ontario, selling over 1000 homes from homeowners and over 50 builders across Canada. He has brought together an award-winning all-star team that is turning the traditional real estate industry upside down as one of Calgary’s Top 15 most innovative companies in 2020 and the top 50 most promising businesses by Alberta Innovates. Bōde directly connects buyers and sellers to work out a deal with ease while saving 10s of thousands of dollars fully online. 

Previously, Robert was a senior executive at telecom leader and disruptor Axia, which provided next-generation fibre-based networks to customers in Canada, the US, France, and Singapore. Robert is also an Advisor to one of Canada’s fastest-growing tech companies, Symend and has a land development partnership building high-tech, sustainable communities. Robert was recently appointed to the Invest Alberta Board of Directors by the Premier of Alberta, focused on attracting bold, diversified investment in our province. As an Avenue Magazine Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40, Robert has a passion for transformational businesses that empower customers with choice through exceptional experiences.

CLC Tree Services began in 1988 as a simple stump-grinding business. After achieving his Arborist Certification in 2009, Calvin McCallum stepped into the family business and worked his way up the ranks of the company his father started. Since then, he has grown the company from a single-service business model to a highly professional, full-service tree care company, employing 15 people that services London and the surrounding area. 

As the CLC President, Calvin has consistently taken steps to grow beyond mere tree removal and pruning jobs to include plant health care, construction planning, emergency tree care and storm management, as well as difficult tree removal jobs in both an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The onsite mill reduces waste by repurposing logs into lumber and firewood, plus other waste is transformed into biochar. From a community standpoint, CLC takes part in local Touch a Truck events Calvin is a frequent radio guest on ‘Ask the Expert’, discussing tree-related topics, and CLC has donated to local groups, including ReForest London, London Food Bank, and Habitat for Humanity, among others. 

Whether promoting best practices personally—Calvin is a former Vice President of the Ontario Commercial Arborists Association (OCAA)—or professionally—he has organized OCAA Day of Service events in Southwestern Ontario since 2012, plus promotes education and growth for the industry as a whole—Calvin always pushes himself to be a little stronger every single day. Why? Because he wants to leave the planet a better place for his children, and beyond.

Michael Uadiale, the proud owner of Chaps and Fades Barbershop, is a leading figure in the grooming and styling world. Originating from Nigeria, he infuses his business with cultural richness and a strong sense of community. As a husband and father of two, Michael's dedication to family values extends seamlessly into the ethos of Chaps and Fades.

Since venturing into entrepreneurship in 2017, Michael's 14 years of industry experience have propelled the salon to excellence, earning a stellar reputation for its exceptional service.

Beyond his expertise with scissors and razors, Michael is a fervent advocate for community initiatives and growth opportunities. His commitment to giving back to the community is evident in Chaps and Fades, which has transformed into more than just a salon—it's a vibrant hub for connection and empowerment.

Guided by Michael's leadership, Chaps and Fades has flourished, expanding its reach and impact. Boasting a clientele base of over 1500, clients return for the skilled hands and warm atmosphere cultivated by Michael and his team. His journey isn't just a success story in the grooming industry; it's a testament to the transformative power of dedication, community, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Cody Ruberto, former professional soccer player turned entrepreneur, is the visionary founder and CEO of Uride. After a soccer injury led him back to his hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Cody witnessed firsthand the transportation challenges rural communities face. Inspired by his experiences, he founded Uride with a mission to revolutionize mobility and combat impaired driving in underserved areas. Cody's leadership has propelled Uride's rapid expansion across provinces, providing essential transportation services to communities. His unwavering dedication to social responsibility and innovation has garnered Uride recognition for its impactful initiatives. With a deep-rooted passion for positive change, Cody continues to drive Uride forward, pioneering new solutions and advocating for policy reforms.

Rohat Duskun is the Founder and CEO of Renas Painting, a commercial and residential painting company. The company he established with his honesty and stability policy has become a brand in Canada in a few years. Young entrepreneur and dynamic businessman Rohat Duskun produce works that will contribute to the development of society with contemporary scientific, technological and knowledge, with a professional working perspective of universal customer satisfaction in the sector. He continues to work non-stop with its huge staff by completing the projects it carries out on time with optimum solutions and following innovations with occupational safety. In just two years, the company has grown and now does residential property flipping in Canada. Born and raised in a small town in Turkey, he left his small town years ago to travel the world and hasn't returned since. He currently lives in Canada. He couldn't be happier. He's making every effort to achieve his dreams. Outside of work, you'll find Rohat cooking in the kitchen, staying active, playing tennis, or travelling the world.