Pitch Please

Have you Ever Wondered: "What if there was an Airbnb for Commercial Spaces?"  

Meet Alex, the founder of Quikspace, as he shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the inspiration behind his marketplace for commercial space.   

In this episode of Founder Stories, we chat with Alex Hines who discusses his previous successes and failures, from building a clothing brand and a design agency that led to him starting his current endeavour, Quikspace.  

Quickspace aims to solve the problem of underutilized commercial space by connecting space owners with people who need short-term space.   

He discusses the current state of the platform, its business model, and its plans for growth. Alex also highlights the importance of sales and distribution in the success of a startup and the potential for AI to disrupt the commercial real estate industry.  

Tune in to hear how Quikspace is paving the way for the future of commercial space rentals and why you should keep an eye on their rapid growth and resilience in the face of challenges.   

Keywords 

entrepreneurship, commercial space, marketplace, short-term rentals, customer acquisition, AI, predictive analytics, teamwork, perseverance 

Takeaways 

Sound Bites 

Chapters 

00:00 - Introduction to Quick Space and Alex's Background 

08:15 - The Inspiration behind Quick Space 

19:12 - Targeting Underutilized Commercial Spaces 

26:42 - Working with a Talented Team 

29:56 - The Importance of Sales and Distribution 

32:37 - The Potential of AI in Commercial Real Estate 

36:17 - Advice for Entrepreneurs and Conclusion 

About Alex 

I'm Alex Hines, a product designer by day and a serial entrepreneur by night currently building a markplace called Quikspace. I've had my share of wins and losses, founding and scaling a design agency, a clothing brand, a non-profit, and a cannabis retailer over the years among others that never got any traction. Each venture, whether a hit or a miss, has been a thrilling journey, teaching me invaluable lessons about growing businesses and understanding customer needs. Here's to embracing the ups and downs of entrepreneurship! 

About Quikspace 

Quikspace is a marketplace platform designed to bridge the gap between flexible workspace needs and property utilization. Our mission is to empower "hometrepreneurs" and small business owners by offering access to under-utilized and vacant commercial spaces on flexible terms. This provides a solution for businesses outgrowing their home workspace and generates income for leaseholders and property owners during their search for long-term tenants. By leveraging real-time availability, seamless booking processes, and integrated payment systems, Quikspace transforms vacant spaces into vibrant, productive hubs, fostering a community of dynamic businesses and driving economic growth. 

Want to Connect? 

Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderhines/ 

Quikspace: https://www.linkedin.com/company/quikspace/ 

Want to Learn More? 

Check out Quikspace today! - Website: https://www.getquikspace.com/ 

Ever wondered how augmented reality (AR) can go beyond just digital overlays and into detailed, hyper realistic experiences?

Meet Glyph, the platform that's embedding code into the real world, transforming AR into something truly remarkable. 

I sat down with Tahmeed Rahim, co-founder of Glyph, to discuss how their platform is redefining AR by allowing it to track deformation and provide realistic, interactive experiences. 

Tahmeed shares his journey from engineering at the University of Toronto to founding Glyph, highlighting how their technology enables precise AR overlays on complex surfaces like textiles and interiors. With applications ranging from interior design to robotics, Glyph is set to revolutionize how we interact with digital and physical worlds. 

Discover how Glyph's innovative approach is paving the way for the future of AR, making it more accessible and effective for businesses and consumers alike. 

Takeaways 

Chapters 

00:00- Introduction and Background 

04:11 - The Start of Glyph 

07:00 - Being a Versatile Founder 

10:08 - The Inspiration Behind the Name Glyph 

19:01 - Advanced Realism and Product Communication 

21:29 - Bringing the Showroom Experience Home 

25:46 - Enhancing Product Visualization 

29:14 - Becoming a Tool in Other People's Toolkits 

35:04 - Memorable Moments and Future Milestones 

About Tahmeed 

Tahmeed Rahim is the founder and CEO of Glyph Platforms, a startup focused on next gen spatial computing. An engineering graduate from University of Toronto, Tahmeed started his career as the first engineering hire at a biomedical company focused on personalized medicine, overseeing the development of automation systems for vision based assay analysis. With over 4 years of experience in building vision based systems, Tahmeed founded Dawn Robotics with the intention to apply the novel spatial computing system called "Glyph" in the field of robotics. Dawn Robotics eventually became Glyph Platforms as the applications of Glyph reached further than just robotics and into the field of Augmented Reality! 

About Glyph Platforms 

Glyph Platforms develops next gen spatial computing for applications in augmented reality in the trillion dollar textile industry. Glyph works with some of the largest  textile companies in the world to reduce waste, costs and time loss associated with physical sampling, via digitizing and showcasing their products using AR. We have big plans next year to release our hyper-realistic spatial computing markers called "Glyphs" to the public and let the AR community bring out the true potential of this new medium. By making computer vision accessible and easy to implement, Glyph Platforms aims to democratize the creation of AR experiences and drive the future of ambient computing. 

Want to Connect? 

Tahmeed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahmeed-u-rahim/ 

Glyph Platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/glyphplatforms/ 

Website: https://www.glyphplatforms.com/ 

Interested in Learning More? 

"Connect with me directly via Twitter/X or LinkedIn, learn more about us via Twitter, LinkedIn or visit our website Glyph Platforms' 

Curious How Influencers can Help Local Business Thrive?

In this episode of Founder Stories, we chat with Apostolos, co-founder of Eros, to explore their innovative approach to connecting influencers with small and medium-sized restaurants. Eros is transforming the way restaurants find and collaborate with influencers, focusing on authenticity and genuine connections.

Apostolos shares his journey from pro gamer and consultant to founding Eros, addressing the challenges of traditional influencer marketing. Eros flips the script by empowering influencers to choose the brands they want to work with, ensuring real passion and commitment in their collaborations.

Learn how Eros is making influencer marketing more accessible and effective for local eateries, and discover the impact it's having on both restaurants and content creators.

Apostolos Toptsis

Apostolos Toptsis is the CEO and founder of Eros Influencer Marketing, a company that bridges the gap between restaurants and passionate content creators. Apostolos transitioned into the influencer marketing industry after a successful career in software sales within the restaurant sector, sales and marketing consulting, and as an influencer in the gaming space. His innovative approach and dedication have propelled Eros Influencer Marketing to thrive in a competitive market.

Eros Influencer Marketing

Eros Influencer Marketing is a platform that connects restaurants with influencers to create effective marketing campaigns. It uses a marketplace model and a proprietary matching algorithm to pair restaurants with influencers whose interests align with the campaign’s objectives. The platform focuses on nano and micro-influencers to maximize reach and engagement rates.

Want to Connect?

Apostolos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apostolostoptsis/

Eros: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eros-influencer-marketing/

Website: https://www.erosmarketing.io/

Want to get Involved?

If you're an influencer and want to work with Eros, join the waitlist here: https://www.erosmarketing.io/email-submission

If you want to learn more how our platform works here is my calendar: https://calendly.com/erosinfluencermarketing/apostolos-eros-influencer-marketing-30-minutes

Offer to restaurants interested in working with Eros (50% off all plans), book a call here: https://calendly.com/erosinfluencermarketing/apostolos-eros-influencer-marketing-30-minutes

Rocket Fuel Episode #1: Avoiding Cap Table Pitfalls for Startups 

Dive into the essentials of cap tables with our first episode of Rocket Fuel on the Pitch Please podcast! Mike Thibodeau and Amit from Mantle break down the complexities and importance of cap tables for startup success. 

In this episode, we cover:  

• The basics of cap tables and why they're crucial for tracking ownership and equity distribution. 

• Common pitfalls to avoid and the strategic decisions every founder needs to make.  

• Insights on types of shares, vesting schedules, and considerations for giving equity to advisors and consultants.  

•️ How Mantle can simplify cap table management with real-time organization and scenario modelling.  

Understanding cap tables is essential for every startup founder. Mistakes can be costly and time-consuming, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure your company’s success.  

Tune in now to learn how to manage your cap table effectively and set your startup on the path to success! 

More About Amit Jethani  

At Mantle, Amit oversees Sales, Marketing, Customer Success, Finance, and Office Operations. Amit’s current focus is on our go-to-market for channel partners across North America and on scaling our customer operations as we navigate our next growth stage.  

Previously, Amit served as the Director of the Core Services vertical at Autonomic, where he focused on developing a connected vehicle platform for Ford Motor Company. Before this, he was the Product Manager for the Inventory Team, creating highly scalable and efficient APIs that that facilitated seamless onboarding of connectivity devices and vehicles. Autonomic was acquired by Ford Motor Company in 2018.  

Prior to his tenure at Autonomic, Amit was a Product Manager for the mobile team at Top Hat, overseeing both professor and student experiences. He also held the position of Product Manager at Pivotal Labs, where he worked with large corporate clients in the retail loyalty programs, banking, and automotive sectors. Earlier in his career, Amit was the Director of Product at Ruby Life (formerly Avid Life Media), leading the development of all web properties for both desktop and mobile platforms. 

About Mantle 

Mantle is created by a team of serial entrepreneurs who have worked together for over a decade across various startups and prolific exits. We are taking a fresh look at equity ownership since  we have personally felt the pain of managing equity at various stages of growth. We are building Mantle because we want to empower founders, operators, or lawyers who manage high growth companies to make better decisions. 

Want to Learn More About Cap Table Management? 

Amit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajethani/ 

Mantle: https://www.linkedin.com/company/withmantle/ 

Website: https://withmantle.com/ 

OFFER ALERT! 

"Listeners of Pitch Please can unlock 12 months of free access and white-glove onboarding. After their first year on Mantle, they'll secure our exclusive rate of US$100/month for unlimited stakeholders, per company. To redeem, founders should book a demo or register their company and mention Pitch Please."

Ever wished booking a flight could be as simple as hailing a cab? Meet Airble, the "Uber for flights." 

In this episode of Pitch Please, we chat with Saeed Golzar and Anojh Thayaparan, co-founders of Airble, the platform transforming private air travel. Discover how Airble provides a seamless booking experience for everything from helicopters to private jets, making regional and long-haul air travel more accessible and efficient. 

We explore their journey from pilots and tech enthusiasts to startup founders, their innovative approach to solving aviation's "empty leg" problem, and the challenges of marketing a platform with a diverse user base. 

Tune in to hear about Airble's unique features, such as the ability to book shared flights and even arrange emergency transport, all aimed at providing a flexible, user-friendly travel experience. 

Saeed Golzar 

Saeed Golzar, Founder and CEO of Airble, was a pilot with over a decade of flying experience across various aircraft, including Airbus A320s, Boeing MD83s, seaplanes and helicopters. Saeed's unique blend of aviation insights and an MBA form the foundation of Airble's vision. 

Anojh Thayaparan 

Anojh Thayaparan is the Chief Technology Officer at Airble, lending his expertise in software engineering and complex technical solutions. With a background in founding a software consulting firm and working on critical projects such as building security infrastructure for Courthouse Libraries BC, Anojh's contributions drive Airble's proprietary algorithms and technological advancements. 

Airble 

Airble is an instant flight booking marketplace for both domestic and international flights in North America, showcasing all types of aircraft based on the journey. The Airble platform allows users to choose a suitable time and place for the departure, view transparent fixed pricing, calculated at the moment of the booking, and pay instantly without any hassle. Airble allows clients to save time in booking charter flights by calculating the trip cost with just a few clicks. 

Want to Connect? 

Anojh Thayaparan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anojh/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Saeed Golzar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/golzarsaeed/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Airble: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airble/ 

Interested in Learning More? 

To learn more about Airble, visit airble.com or download the Airble mobile app. Stay tuned for new features and exciting offers from expanded service regions! Watch how our friendly Canadian influencer used Airble to travel: https://youtu.be/Yq8CA2-y4FQ

Navigating the job market as a student can be daunting. Enter Mockt, the platform that's revolutionizing interview preparation and access to information.

In this episode of Pitch Please, we caught up with Adam Huang, co-founder of Mockt, to discuss how their platform is transforming the way students prepare for job interviews. Adam shares his journey from studying at the University of Toronto to developing a tool that bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world job market demands.

We dive into how Mockt connects students with upper-year peers for realistic mock interviews, providing valuable feedback and building confidence. Adam explains the unique challenges they faced, the importance of real-time feedback, and their commitment to enhancing accessibility and affordability for students.

Discover how Mockt is helping students turn interview anxiety into success stories. Whether you're a student gearing up for your first job or looking to refine your interview skills, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

About Adam

Adam is a student entrepreneur with a keen interest in technology and product development. He co-founded Mockt, a platform designed to democratize access to interview practice for students through a peer-to-peer format. With experience in finance recruitment, he was able to leverage his recruitment insights to kickstart this new venture alongside his two co-founders.

Growing up, he was always interested in building and experiments, whether it was physically through LEGOs, or virtually through coding and open-world games. After his journey in finance, he looked to explore his passion for building, which began with simple coding projects but has since evolved into a broader exploration of what it means to create products that resonate with people. Today, he continues to hone his innovation and general acumen as a founder with a story that is a compelling reminder of the power of following one's passions and the impact of building with purpose.

About Mockt

Mockt is an ed-tech startup that aims to democratize access to mock interviews for students. For students, we aim to democratize access to mock interviews and help you land your next job offer. For career centers, we improve job placements, data transparency, and resource offerings for your entire student body.

Want to Connect?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getmockt/

Email: [email protected]

Want to Get Involved?

Visit the website and Get a Mock Now!

Ever thought your everyday spending could help pay your rent? Meet Karla, the innovative platform connecting local businesses and renters, easing the burden of high living costs.

In this episode of Pitch Please, we talk with Robin Gray, the visionary behind Karla Rewards. Robin shares his journey from his challenging upbringing in Montreal to founding a tech startup aimed at reducing living expenses for Canadians. We dive into how Karla's unique rewards system helps members earn cashback on daily purchases, which can then be applied to rent payments.

Robin also discusses Karla's focus on community, financial literacy through Karla AI, and their ambitious goal of transforming shopping experiences while supporting local businesses. Learn how Karla is creating a connected ecosystem that benefits both residents and businesses alike.

Listen now to discover how Karla is making housing more affordable and supporting local communities in Canada!

About Robin

Robin Gray, an African-Canadian entrepreneur from Montréal, Quebec, founded Karla Rewards in 2023. After a successful four-year stint at Microsoft, specializing in Azure Cloud and Data + AI services, Robin took the jump into entrepreneurship and went full force into tackling affordable housing within local communities plagued with high living costs.

Robin grew up relatively poor. His parents were both immigrants from Europe and Africa, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges of immigration, but generally, the high cost of living in Canada. He aims to create Canada's first super-platform, focused on affordable housing and supporting local businesses. Through Karla, he envisions a connected ecosystem where businesses and residents are interconnected through a single platform, The Karla Network, with an ambitious goal to make housing more affordable, fairer, and more rewarding through its unique rewards program, Lifestyle Rewards.

About Karla Technologies

Karla Technologies helps Canadians reduce living expenses, particularly rent when its members make online and local purchases through the Karla Alliance Network. Additionally, timely rent payments with Karla contribute to building a strong credit profile. Karla addresses the network effect challenge of loyalty by focusing on hyper-localization, targeting dense communities, and fostering neighborhood connections.

Key Announcements: 

1. Karla has commenced development on Karla AI, a Robo Advisor to help its members with financial literacy

2. Karla has reached 1,000 members and 100 stores on its platform

3. Karla has entered into a partnership with IDEA Mississauga to transform shopping experiences for 16,000 local businesses (including SquareOne) and help reduce rent for Mississauga's vast 800K+ residential community! 

Want to Connect?

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.karlarewards.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/karlarewards/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlarewards

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karla.ai

Robin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-gray8/

Want to Get Involved?

The Karla Alliance is growing—we welcome any interested parties to reach out directly to Robin Gray, Founder of Karla Technologies at [email protected]

Discovering Better Air Quality Solutions for a Healthier Future 🌿

Welcome back to Pitch Please! Today, I caught up with Jenessa Olson from ecologicca to discuss their innovative approach to indoor air quality and its profound impact on health.

We dive into how ecologicca's cutting-edge technology addresses air quality challenges, transforming how we manage and improve the air we breathe indoors. Jenessa shares her journey from chronic illness to founding a company that uses advanced air sanitization to eliminate pollutants and pathogens, ensuring healthier environments.

Learn how ecologicca’s systems go beyond traditional air purification, using hydroxyl technology to create fresher, cleaner indoor air.

About Jenessa Olson

Jenessa is a two-time founder and is the founder and CEO of ecologicca, an IoT company that is connecting your health and your environment. The company was initially born out of Jenessa's own personal health struggles. Despite being at the peak of her health and fitness journey, she would fall ill with inexplicable flus and it was finally determined that she was reacting to poor indoor air quality. Her travels showed her that this was a global problem, and thus began her mission to improve health through the environment. She has a background in software and logistics, was a former professional runner for Team Canada, has a Master's in Business from Ivey Business School and is passionate about social and environmental responsibility.

About ecologicca

ecologicca is an IoT startup, linking your health and your environment with our proprietary ecosystem. ecologicca's ecosystem consists of three parts: our hardware products, proprietary software system, and certification program. With our system, businesses can meet regulations such as ASHRAE 241 and 100, realize greater building efficiency, and improve environmental and human health - starting with the air we breathe indoors. 

Want to Connect?

Website: https://ecologicca.com/

ecologicca's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecologicca/

Jenessa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenessa-olson/

Interested in Learning More?

We are actively raising our Seed round and are looking for introductions to funds, family offices and angels in the IoT, hardware, proptech, cleantech spaces who are actively deploying. We are also looking to connect with any WELL accredited professionals who are looking for ways to help their customers meet regulations, improve their WELL scores, and quantify the impact of air quality on their health.