Pitch Please

Are you curious about how a personal project can turn into a global impact? In this episode of "Pitch Please", Ziyaad Virji shares his journey as a young entrepreneur in menstrual health education, emphasizing the importance of purpose, listening, and understanding the problem before coming up with a solution. Ziyaad is the founder of "For the Menstruator", a youth-led organization that produces and distributes reusable menstrual products that are 100% biodegradable, cost-effective, and last for three years.

Through his experiences, Ziyaad highlights the three pillars of a sustainable social enterprise: product, education, and empowerment. He explains how "For the Menstruator" not only provides sustainable menstrual products but also educates and empowers communities to make their own reusable menstrual products, leading to entrepreneurial opportunities and a more sustainable future.

Ziyaad also shares the advantages and disadvantages of entrepreneurship, including the importance of resilience, adaptability, and learning from failures. He emphasizes the need for purpose-driven entrepreneurship and the power of inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Join us as we learn from Ziyaad's inspiring journey and gain valuable insights for our own entrepreneurial endeavors. Whether you're interested in menstrual health education, sustainable social enterprises, or entrepreneurship in general, this episode is sure to inspire and inform.

About Ziyaan Virji | (99+) Ziyaan Virji | LinkedIn

Ziyaan Virji is an award-winning entrepreneur that has found purpose in creating social impact. At only 15, he founded For The Menstruator., a global organization that aims to create a world of menstrual equity and has empowered over 20,000 people in 10 countries around the world. He has previously worked and served on the boards of a range of organizations in the Climate, Health, Education and Poverty space with his impact reaching over half a million people. He is a recognized speaker with his work being featured at some of the most powerful events and platforms including TED, BBC, DW, Toronto Star, Yahoo News and more. For his contribution towards humanitarian efforts, he has won some of the most prestigious accolades including the Princess Diana Award, Global Teen Leader, Winner of the Dragons’ Den for Change and Future 25Under25!  

Ziyaan is currently on a mission to empower other youth leaders through their journeys. He currently hosts the Leaders of Today Podcast that empowers youth through content, resources and opportunities. As part of his next chapter, he is currently building The Kind Company (through the Next36 program), a platform that aims to create a world where kindness is an integral part of people's daily lives, influencing their choices, purchases, and contributions to society.

About Ziyaan's Work

For The Menstruator: produces and distributes reusable menstrual products that last for 3 years, empowers target groups with skills on how to make their own products through workshops and capacity building. 

Leaders of Today: empowers youth through content, resources and opportunities to start their own leadership journeys. 

The Kind Company: a platform that makes it easy, fun and rewarding to carry out small acts of kindness in your everyday life. 

Want to Connect?

Website
https://www.leadersoftodaypod.com/

Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziyaanvirji/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/for-the-menstruator/

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

https://www.instagram.com/leadersoftodaypod/

https://www.instagram.com/forthemenstruator/

Subscribe to Ziyaan's Newsletter!

• Subscribe to Ziyaan's newsletter to follow his journey

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Are you looking to start your own startup but don't know where to begin? In this episode of "Pitch Please", Elmira and Dilya Abushayeva share their journey of building Mavuus, a freelance marketplace for marketers or businesses to find the best quality providers based on personal recommendations.

Throughout the episode, Elmira and Dilya provide expert advice on combining visionary themes and specific examples, building trust and strengthening networks, and the importance of personal branding for marketers. They also discuss the challenges of growing a network-based platform and share strategies for boosting business for providers.

Listeners will also hear about the memorable launch event of Mavuus in October 2022 and the invaluable feedback they have received from their engaged users. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your startup to the next level, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiring stories to help you on your journey.

About Dilya | (99+) Dilya Abushayeva | LinkedIn 

Marketer. Storyteller. Founder of Mavuus.

I’m a lover of all things marketing – but if I had to choose a favorite, it would probably be storytelling. I love a good opportunity to thoroughly get familiar with a subject matter (a product, a person, or a brand) and then be able to paint an interesting story that truly engages and captivates the audience.

About Elmira | (99+) Elmira Abushayeva | LinkedIn

Marketing Strategist. Founder of Mavuus.

Being a highly-driven marketing leader is deeply ingrained into who I am. I find epiphany in building strategies that convert into actions that bring real results. Innovation is at the center of my methods, and I’m always on the hunt for new ways to establish the brand and build meaningful relationships with customers.

About Mavuus (Mavuus)

Mavuus is an online job marketplace that connects marketers and service providers based on personal referrals and recommendations to work on all types of marketing projects—from copywriting to web development, design, and beyond.

Mavuus is created by two sisters who live and breathe a marketer’s life. We know the challenge of finding high-quality vendors firsthand. The struggle is real! We’re on a mission to help marketers and great vendors leverage the power of the group. To learn how the Mavuus marketplace connects freelancers + marketers like never before, visit www.mavuus.com. 

Want to Connect?

• www.mavuus.com
• [email protected]

Join Mavuus!

• Join Mavuus and help grow their user base of recommended service providers! www.mavuus.com

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Are you interested in the future of startups in Canada? Look no further than the latest episode of "Pitch Please" where a group of experts discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Canadian startup ecosystem.

The conversation covers a range of topics, including encouraging adoption in the startup ecosystem, managing team growth with different mindsets and core business principles, and building connections for successful startup fundraising. The group also discusses the importance of taking risks and collaborating for a better startup community.

One key takeaway from the episode is the importance of networking and building relationships in fundraising. The group shares personal stories of how they were able to successfully raise capital by leveraging their networks and building trust with investors.

Another important topic discussed is the challenge of managing team growth. The group shares their experiences and offers advice on how to navigate the complexities of building a strong team with different mindsets and core business principles.

Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the Canadian startup ecosystem and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to succeed in this competitive landscape. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of startups in Canada.

Our Guests
Krista Jones: (99+) Krista Jones | LinkedIn
Matthew Lombardi: (99+) Matthew Lombardi | LinkedIn
Arnav Mishra: (99+) Arnav Mishra | LinkedIn

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Are you struggling to create engaging content for your podcast? In this episode of Pitch Please, Momento Co-founder David Salib shares key ideas on how to optimize your content creation strategy, including identifying key ideas, finding optimally timed content, and using AI to expedite your work. 

David explains how identifying the key ideas of your content can help you produce it into new things, such as creating a great title for your YouTube video, writing a compelling description, and creating shorts and marketing assets that will spark curiosity for people to come check things out. He also emphasizes the importance of finding optimally timed content, which for social media is somewhere between 15 to 45 seconds, and how Memento can help you siphon all of your information into what are classified as moments. 

With Memento, you can take your long-form content, such as a podcast, and turn it into bite-sized content that can be shared on different platforms. The AI platform can help you write show notes, create videos, and even write articles that are tailored to your content. David also shares how Memento's chat assistant can help you get things done quickly, such as writing show notes or starting a blog. 

If you're looking for a tool that can help you grow your show on different platforms, Memento is definitely worth checking out. With its custom AI models, you can get a version of the AI that knows everything about your content and can help you write, produce video, and analyze your content. 

About David Salib ((99+) David Salib | LinkedIn)

David Salib is the co-founder of Momento, an AI-powered platform that helps content creators optimize their workflow and grow their audience. David has always been passionate about media and has spent the last decade working in the industry. He has worked with some of the biggest media companies in the world, including NBCUniversal and Viacom, and has helped them develop and implement content strategies that have driven growth and engagement. David's expertise in media and his passion for innovation led him to co-found Momento, where he is focused on helping creators of all sizes reach their full potential.

About Momento (Momento | Grow with AI video & audio marketing)

Momento is an AI-powered platform that helps content creators optimize their workflow and grow their audience. With Momento, creators can turn their long-form content, such as podcasts and videos, into bite-sized content that can be shared on different platforms. The platform uses custom AI models to help creators write show notes, create videos, and even write articles that are tailored to their content. Momento's chat assistant also helps creators get things done quickly, such as writing show notes or starting a blog. If you're looking for a tool that can help you grow your show on different platforms, Momento is definitely worth checking out.

Want to Connect?

• Website: https://studio.momento.fm/
•  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentofm/ 

Sign up for Momento!

• Join Momento and start simplifying your content strategy now: https://studio.momento.fm/

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Level up your dating game with Early IRLY!

We dive into the exciting world of dating apps with Early IRLY and Co-founder Connor Rose! This innovative app is all about connecting people in the most organic and fun way possible. Picture this: games that break the ice and create shared experiences between users, making those awkward first encounters a thing of the past. With Toronto and Vancouver as their launchpad, Early IRLY is ready to shake up the dating scene and expand to other cities soon. But what sets them apart? It's their video-first approach, combating misrepresentation and those pesky catfishing incidents that can ruin your dating mojo. The app's founders spill the beans on the challenges they faced while building Early IRLY, from the struggle of expressing personality through text to their wild journey as young entrepreneurs, including a jaw-dropping app acquisition offer during their high school days. So, if you're ready to step into a safe and cozy space where singles aged 18-26 can connect, build genuine connections, and have a blast, this episode is a must-listen!

About Connor Rose ((99+) Connor Rose | LinkedIn)

Connor Rose is a passionate entrepreneur and the CEO of IRLY, a cutting-edge startup focused on revolutionizing the way people connect with one another. With a keen interest in improving human interactions, Connor strives to create innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for users around the globe. When he's not leading IRLY's talented team or brainstorming new ideas, Connor can be found playing tennis, trying out new recipes, or travelling the world. 

About IRLY (I Really Like You (IRLY) - An Interactive Video Dating Experience (irlyapp.com))

IRLY is a forward-thinking startup committed to changing the way people interact and connect in the digital age. By leveraging advanced technology and creative design, IRLY provides an intuitive platform that fosters genuine connections and meaningful experiences for users worldwide. With a focus on user privacy, security, and a seamless user experience, IRLY is poised to become a leader in the social networking space. 

Want to Connect?

• Website: www.irlyapp.com
•  Email: [email protected]
•  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/connorrose
•  Twitter: @irly.app
•  Instagram: @irly.app 

Join IRLY!

• Looking for a new type of dating app? Download IRLY on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/irly-find-friends-dates/id1667799910 

Want to Know More or Help?

• Visit their website (www.irlyapp.com) to learn more about IRLY and sign up for the mailing list to receive the latest updates and news about their platform.
•  Follow them on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn) to stay connected with our community, and share your thoughts and experiences using the hashtag #IRLYapp.
•  If you're an investor interested in supporting their mission to revolutionize social networking, please reach out to [email protected] to discuss potential collaboration opportunities. 

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Discover the secrets of venture capital and startup funding in Canada.

We chat with Matthew Lombardi, the Managing Director of OneEleven, Canada's premier community of venture-backed tech companies, will take us on a journey through the different types of startup funding, investment stages, and how VCs support their portfolio. We'll also explore the Canadian funding landscape compared to other countries, with expert insights from Matthew. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge on raising funds and navigating the current funding climate. 

About Matthew Lombardi ((99+) Matthew Lombardi | LinkedIn)

Matthew Lombardi is the Managing Director of OneEleven, a post-seed accelerator in Toronto scaling the next generation of Canadian tech companies. Prior to leading OneEleven, he co-founded the not-for-profit marketplace GroceryHero, and has worked for the United Nations and in management consulting at Deloitte.
 
 Matthew is also an angel investor, advisor and mentor with multiple venture funds, member of the Board of Directors of the Toronto Zoo and Ontario Snowboard, and a frequent contributor to the Globe & Mail Report on Business, Financial Post, and Toronto Star on macroeconomics, global affairs, and public policy.

About OneEleven (Home – Oneeleven)

OneEleven is Canada's premier community of venture-backed tech companies. We create an environment to supercharge growth by providing unparalleled access to everything that rapidly scaling companies need in one place. Membership in OneEleven unlocks turnkey office space, one-of-a-kind upskilling programming, and a curated community of scale-ups, along with a notable alumni network including some of the biggest companies in Canadian tech today. 

Want to Connect?

• Website: https://oneeleven.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oneeleven-111/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/oneeleven_111 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneeleven_111/

Join OneEleven!

If you're a post-seed tech company looking to join OneEleven's growing community, apply now.

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Accelerate your learning with the secret formula for academic tutoring. 

We chat with Dhiraj Hariramani, the inspiring founder and CEO of LearnIt, about his vision to make learning personal and fun for undergraduates. Discover how LearnIt's e-learning platform fosters interactive academic experiences and strong student communities while maintaining an impressive Listen now and be a part of the global education revolution!

About Dhiraj Hariramani ((99+) Dhiraj Hariramani | LinkedIn(99+) Julia Slanina | LinkedIn)

Dhiraj, Founder & CEO at LearnIt, graduated from The University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of commerce and a specialisation in Finance. He has experience in Data Analytics, Project Management and Technology Consulting with companies such as Scotiabank and Accenture. Dhiraj’s love for education started at a young age where he would spend hours teaching in orphanages where he grew up in Kampala. At UBC, Dhiraj facilitated sessions for over 1,500 students, was a teaching assistant for 9 courses, and the first undergraduate to be a Teaching Assistant for MBA courses. Dhiraj has also spent time working with professionals such as doctors and engineers to help equip them with core academic skills.

Seeing the increasing failure rates after the pandemic, Dhiraj started LearnIt to make learning a more personal and fun experience for undergraduates. In the last 6 months, LearnIt has grown two fold and has helped over 200 students. Outside of work, Dhiraj loves to play soccer, tennis and read books. 

About LearnIt (Reimagine your education with LearnIt UBC (learn-it.online))

LearnIt is an e-learning platform focused on providing university-specific, personalized and interactive academic experiences through videos, group sessions and student tutoring in traditionally challenging courses.

In addition to the academic support provided, LearnIt connects students in courses and builds strong communities where students share resources, tips and help each other out. LearnIt currently holds one of the highest student retention rates in the tutoring industry (95%). 

Outside of Canada, LearnIt operates a non profit, LearnIt Global that is driven by the purpose of making education more accessible across the globe. 

Want to Connect?
LearnIt

• Website: learn-it.online
• IG: @learnit_ubc
• LinkedIn (LearnIt): https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnitcanada/
• Course Videos: https://dhiraj-s-school-aee1.thinkific.com/
• LearnIt Global: https://www.learn-it.online/learnit-global 

Personal

• LinkedIn (Dhiraj): https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhirajhariramani/

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Supercharge your social content with AI in just one click. We dive into the world of content repurposing and innovative learning networks with the unstoppable Tanika McLeod, founder of MinuteSkill and Cliq. Discover how Cliq is reshaping content creation, transforming videos and podcasts into shareable clips and written content in seconds! Ready to revolutionize your content game? Start by giving this episode a listen!

About Tanika McLeod ((99+) Tanika McLeod | LinkedIn)

Tanika is a dynamic entrepreneur and a driving force behind two innovative startups: MinuteSkill, a community learning network, and Cliq, a generative content repurposing tool. With a strong foundation in education and research, spanning nearly a decade, Tanika has honed her ability to foster transformative learning experiences in academia, entrepreneurship and community environments. Her passion lies in leveraging technology and education to cultivate critical thinking, equity, and create sustainable online learning experiences.
 
With an unwavering commitment to innovation and education, Tanika and her team continue to break new ground, translating their bold ideas into reality. 

About Cliq (Cliq | Slice Up Your Videos in one Cliq - Try it for free)

Cliq is a content repurposing tool that is going to change everything you thought you knew about content repurposing. 
 
Forget the tedious video editing and copywriting - grow all your socials with just one Cliq.

Cliq transforms videos and podcasts into shareable clips and written content for all your favorite platforms, including LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, blogs, and newsletters - in seconds.

Like autopilot for content repurposing.  

Want to Connect?

• Website: https://onecliq.io/
•  IG: https://www.instagram.com/minuteskill/
•  Cliq Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/minuteskill/
•  Tanika Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanikamcleod/ 

Want to Help?

• If you’re a content creator, podcaster or marketer and you struggle with posting consistently or being 'omni-present' across platforms, try Cliq today (https://onecliq.io/) - they are offering free trials to all their early adopters. 

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Revolutionizing maternal healthcare for families across Canada! We chat with Julia Slanina, a medical student-turned-tech entrepreneur and the CEO of Treehouse. We learn about her mission to create an all-in-one solution that connects healthcare providers and families having newborn children. Learn how Treehouse's innovative platform allows providers to manage their practice and families to access personalized care! 

About Julia Slanina ((99+) Julia Slanina | LinkedIn)

Julia Slanina is an entrepreneur, community builder, digital health innovator, and the founder and CEO of Treehouse. She is a medical student turned tech entrepreneur with a passion for improving community healthcare for aspiring, expectant, and new families across Canada. Julia has dedicated her time to developing an all-in-one solution designed to simplify the connection between allied healthcare providers and families.

About Treehouse (Treehouse™ | Practice Management Solution for Family Healthcare Providers (growwithtreehouse.ca))

Treehouse is one platform for all maternal care needs! ⁠Providers can run their entire business through our Practice Manager and families can access the Community to view their personalized portals, manage care, view appointments, pay for services, join groups, and connect with others.

Want to Connect?
www.growwithtreehouse.ca

www.treehousecommuntiy.ca

[email protected]

Want to Help?

• Right now Treehouse is looking to grow their community by inviting families to create free accounts at www.treehousecommunity.ca
• Treehouse is also encouraging more providers to make the switch to and use an all-in-one solution that not only enables them to manage their entire practice but also enhances their client experience. (www.growwithtreehouse.ca)

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Looking for reliable legal services that won't break the bank? Look no further than Goodlawyer! Their platform connects fast-growing businesses with rigorously pre-vetted business lawyers for a range of legal services, including contracts, financing, and corporate work. We talk to Grant, the Head of Growth at Goodlawyer, as he shares his story of helping early-stage startups commercialize their technologies. Discover how Goodlawyer's marketplace, Pro subscription, and Fractional General Counsel products can help your business grow without the high costs of traditional law firms.

About Grant Lahring ((99+) Grant Lahring | LinkedIn)

Grant is a co-founder and the Head of Growth at Goodlawyer. Grant has devoted his career to aiding early stage startups companies in commercializing their technologies. Grant received education in entrepreneurship during their undergraduate and MBA studies and has had the opportunity to assist several startups, including Uber. Currently, Grant is a content member of the Goodlawyer team and working to commercialize a marketplace technology that can assist founders in accessing legal services in a quicker, more accessible, and more affordable way than traditional firms. Goodlawyer's marketplace, Pro subscription, and Fractional General Counsel products assist fast growing companies of all sizes. To learn more about Goodlawyer, individuals are welcome to connect with Grant on LinkedIn.

About Goodlawyer (Goodlawyer | Top lawyers for Canadian businesses.)

Goodlawyer is a platform for fast-growing businesses that need reliable legal services at a better price. Clients can access our ever-growing network of rigorously pre-vetted business lawyers and complete a full range of legal services, including contracts, intellectual property, financing, corporate work, and more.  Goodlawyer can be used for project-based work large and small, as well as long-term Fractional General Counsel engagements. Prices are always transparent and cost-effective.

Want to Learn More of Help?
Goodlawyer is looking for fast-growing startups in need of fractional legal services. This is where they place a lawyer on your team for one or two days a week, to reduce your dependency on outside counsel and ultimately save a ton of cash while mitigating more risks.

Website: https://goodlawyer.ca

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