In this season two finale, recorded for a live audience, host Leah Sarich dives into the critical role of ecosystem support in driving the success of tech startups, featuring insights from a panel of dynamic leaders. Terry Rock, CEO of Platform Calgary, starts the discussion by highlighting their efforts in connecting innovators with capital and resources, supporting over 600 tech companies through specialized programs.

Shelley Kuipers, Managing Partner of The51, shares her vision of activating $2.5 billion in capital for women-led businesses by 2030, emphasizing the transformative impact of community and advisory support. Martin Toner from ATB Capital Markets highlights the bank’s commitment to Founders through lending, venture capital, and equity research, ensuring long-term support to Alberta’s growing tech sector. Amreesh Khanna, dentist and Founder of the OraQ platform offers an inspiring perspective on the transition to becoming a Founder and creating innovative technology for his industry. He underscores the value of mentorship, community support, and an interconnected ecosystem for overcoming challenges.

The panelists collectively explore the importance of collaboration, networking, and shared resources in fostering innovation in Alberta and Canada. The conversation concludes with a shared vision for Calgary as a leading tech hub fueled by investment, mentorship, and a vibrant community ready to support the next generation of entrepreneurs. 

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Newcomer Entrepreneur Program - Calgary Catholic Immigration Services 
• Alberta Catalyzer
• National Bank Investor Hub
• The Rainforest: The Secret to Building the Next Silicon Valley by Victor W. Hwang and Greg Horowitt
• SAIT - Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials
• OCIF - Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund
• BDC - SWOT Analysis
• Virtual Gurus
• CoolIT
• Steve Blank on The Secret History of Silicon Valley
• Astronomic Audio
• Maven Media

About Terry Rock | CEO of Platform Calgary

Dr. Terry Rock is President & CEO of Platform Calgary, an organization focused on driving growth and velocity in Calgary’s tech and innovation ecosystem. Platform works with over 100 partners to advance startup Founders, investors, tech talent and corporate innovators in the new Platform Innovation Centre in Calgary’s East Village.

Terry’s previous experience has covered a wide variety of contexts and industries. He has been Executive Director of the Alberta Small Brewers Association and founding CEO of Calgary Arts Development Authority. He worked on civic partnerships at The City of Calgary and was an assistant professor in strategy at the University of Calgary.

Terry has contributed to the community through volunteering on the TELUS Calgary Community Board and the boards of Sled Island Music & Arts Festival, Hillhurst United Church, Calgary Cultural Capital 2012, the 2008 and 2016 Calgary-hosted Juno Awards, and was on the founding board of cSPACE Projects. He was Chair of the AIESEC Canada board where he had been President in the early 90’s.

Dr. Rock holds a PhD in Management with a focus on strategic management, entrepreneurship and innovation from Texas Tech University, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing (with Distinction) from the University of Saskatchewan.

About Shelley Kuipers | Co-Founder and CEO of The51

Shelley Kuipers is investing in the world she wants to live in. As an activist in business, entrepreneurship and investment, Shelley likes to take on the status quo, and seek out democratized business models and platforms.

Prior to co-founding The51, Shelley founded crowdsourcing company Chaordix and technology and marketing firm, Stormworks. She was also the Co-Founder of IOVIA, based in London, UK. Shelley also collaboratively runs her family office Adventure Capital, with her partner and two sons. Shelley has had the opportunity to live and work in Canada, the U.S. and the UK, as well as lead commercialisation efforts across global markets.

Shelley has been early-stage investing for more than 20 years. Her investment experience started in oil and gas, but she quickly diversified her investments into the tech sector with a focus on innovation-driven companies across many sectors. To date her family office has made +30 early-stage investments. Shelley supports many Founders, and ventures as an advisor, board observer and director.

About Amreesh Khanna | Founder of OraQ AI

Dr. Amreesh Khanna refers to himself as a professional tooth enthusiast, more commonly known as a Dentist. He has a deep passion for the integration of AI/ML in clinical applications and is at the forefront of advancing precision dental care through his start-up OraQ AI. This company is dedicated to redefining ethical dental practice growth by prioritizing optimal patient care.

With over 17 years of clinical dental experience, Dr. Khanna has encountered numerous challenges and successes on his entrepreneurial journey as a dental practice owner. In terms of patient care, he has been involved in complex treatments including dental implants, bone and gum grafting, IV conscious sedation, dental sleep medicine for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, and oral rehabilitation for individuals with complex TMD, tooth wear, and bite concerns.

Dr. Khanna remains actively engaged in his field as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. Additionally, he has established his own dental education platform called ADEPT Dental Education, which aims to drive accelerated growth on the clinical and business sides of Dentistry.

Community involvement has always held great importance in Dr. Khanna’s life. As a dental student, he founded the SHINE Dental Clinic in Edmonton to provide dental care to those in need. He also leads a non-profit organization called Cause to Smile, which strives to "do good beyond the walls of our clinics".

Away from his professional endeavors, Dr. Khanna enjoys traveling with his wife and two young daughters, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

About Martin Toner | Managing Director, Institutional Equity Research, ATB Capital Markets

Martin is a seasoned sell-side analyst with 15 years of capital markets experience, specializing in North American Growth & Innovation companies. Currently, he provides coverage for 12 leading firms in this sector. Martin has a proven track record of outperformance, honed through extensive experience managing North American and U.S. equity core, income, hedge, and ESG-focused funds.

An expert in stock selection, fundamental analysis, risk management, financial modeling, and macroeconomic research, Martin has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver results in complex market environments. His leadership experience includes serving on boards of directors, acting as a partner, and holding the role of Chief Compliance Officer.

From 2010 to 2019, Martin was a registered advising portfolio manager, further solidifying his reputation as a trusted and accomplished professional in the investment management space.

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Contact Thin Air Labs: 

• Website: ThinAirLabs.ca
• LinkedIn: Thin Air Labs
• X: Thin Air Labs
• YouTube: Thin Air Labs

Contact Terry Rock: 

• Website: PlatformCalgary.com
• Linkedin: Terry Rock

Contact Shelley Kuipers: 

• Website: the51.com
• Linkedin: Shelley Kuipers

Contact Amreesh Khanna:

• Website: www.oraq.ai
• Linkedin: Amreesh Khanna

Contact Martin Toner: 

• Website: ATB Equity Research
• Linkedin: Martin Toner