The Tech Poutine crew returns with a live episode featuring an engaging discussion on the strengths and challenges of Montreal's tech ecosystem. The episode kicks off with reflections on a networking lunch held at Hotel Neligan, where 20-25 attendees (ranging from LPs to founders) conversed about vital topics like Canadian tech, scalability, AI, converting service businesses to product businesses, and the importance of team dynamics. Key takeaways include the significance of coaching, the unique advantages of Montreal's size and accessibility, and the necessity for the ecosystem to nurture belief and ambition in young founders. The participants emphasize the need for collaboration over competition, celebrating successes, and maintaining connections within the tech community for sustained growth and global competitiveness.

In this live podcast episode of Tech Poutine, four innovative entrepreneurs from Quebec Tech share their journeys, challenges, and insights. The discussion was held at Ax.c in downtown Montréal, We kicked off with introductions from the hosts and the panel members: Nectarios, Ian, Catherine and Gabriel, and entrepreneurs Marc-Olivier, Laurent, Marc-Antoine, and William.

They collectively highlight their motivations for starting their companies, the importance of understanding their customers' pain points, and the role of innovative technologies in their respective fields. Marc-Olivier discusses Gaia, a platform aimed at improving telecom operations, while Marc-Antoine shares his journey with Enthnocare, focusing on advanced prosthetics. Laurent from Innodal speaks about biotechnologies in food safety, and William from Mechasys explains their solutions for the construction industry.

The conversation also addresses the significance of securing funding, the critical role of high-quality talent, and the challenges of navigating regulatory landscapes. The episode concludes with an engaging Q&A session with the audience, where the founders reflect on what Montreal needs to better support its startups.

In this interview, William St-Pierre discusses his innovative business in the field of tech hardware and software, focusing on a laser projector system designed to display construction plans at full scale on job sites. He talks about the challenges of traditional methods, the development process, and the importance of finding the right partners for capital raising. William highlights the difficulties and solutions in adopting new technologies in the construction industry, particularly in overcoming resistance to change. He emphasizes the necessity of perseverance, the importance of good partnerships, and the impact of regional differences on the adoption of their product.

In this episode, Laurent discusses his work in biotechnology, specifically focusing on the development of antimicrobials for food processing to eliminate harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Laurent explains the significance of his innovation in preventing foodborne illnesses and the rigorous regulatory environment they navigated, culminating in approval from Health Canada and the FDA. Laurent outlines the challenges of commercializing biotechnology, the importance of education within the food industry, and the impact of new technologies on food safety. He also shares insights into the evolving landscape of food technology and the future of the industry.

In this interview, Marc-Antoine shares the inspiring story behind his company, which develops advanced medical prosthetics. He explains how the company brings cutting-edge sports, textile, and manufacturing technologies to the traditionally artisanal field of prosthetics. Marc-Antoine delves into the personal motivation behind his work, inspired by his experience with his mother using uncomfortable orthopedic products. He discusses the importance of co-creation with users and healthcare professionals, challenges in commercialization, and the necessity of building a team with the right expertise from the start. The episode highlights his journey from university research to selling thousands of units in 29 countries, emphasizing the mission to enhance the lives of those with amputations.

In this interview, we discover Gaïa, an innovative startup in the telecommunications sector. Marc Olivier discusses their unique approach to service management for telecom companies, offering an integrated platform to optimize operations and improve the user experience. They share their journey, from founding their previous company to creating Gaïa, and how they conquered the US market. The challenges of rapid growth, customer retention, and the company's future ambitions are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of innovation and adaptability in developing technological solutions.

In this special live recording of the Tech Poutine podcast, we welcome John Rikhtegar, Director of Capital at RBCX, to discuss the current state of venture capital and investment in Canada. John shares insights on market cycles, the impact of AI on investments, and the challenges and opportunities facing fund managers and entrepreneurs.

We explored historical patterns in venture capital, discussed the importance of credibility and early-stage investing, and debated the pros and cons of building startups in today's economic climate. The conversation highlights the potential for technology firms and the future growth of the Canadian tech ecosystem.

In this episode, we spoke with Philip Telio, founder of Startup Fest, about the 15-year anniversary of the renowned event. Phil reflects on the origins of Startup Fest, the transition from smaller events like Startup Camp, and the pivotal moments that have marked the festival's evolution. He shares anecdotes about influential figures like Andy Nulman and events like the elevator pitches and the memorable tornado incident.

The discussion also covers the importance of community, the introduction of new initiatives like mentor offices, and the festival's enduring impact on the startup ecosystem. The episode concludes with a look at the new startup hub Ax-C and its potential role in fostering innovation in Montreal.

In this episode, the team reunites to discuss the current state of venture capital and the tech industry. The discussion highlights the significant events and reports shaping the industry, including the Web Summit in Vancouver and the CVCA conference in Calgary. The conversation touches on the differences between the Canadian and U.S. markets, drawing parallels to the U.S. market 15 years ago. They delve into the impact of AI on the industry, the evolving landscape of VC funding, and the importance of international capital. Notably, the podcast also honors John Stokes from Real Ventures, who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award, reflecting on his contributions and the dynamics of his work with startups. The episode wraps up with optimism about the new generation of founders and the need for the older generation to share insights and resources to foster growth in the ecosystem.

In this episode, the team reunites to discuss the success and impact of the recent North Star event in Montreal. They reflect on the feedback from various attendees, including student founders, experienced entrepreneurs, and VCs. The discussion highlights the unique atmosphere and notable speakers at the event, as well as the need for continued engagement and inspiration within the startup community. The conversation then shifts to broader topics including the evolving dynamics of venture capital, the implications of AI on business models, and the increasing trend of tech entrepreneurs turning to traditional businesses. The episode concludes with thoughts on the importance of strong leadership in times of geopolitical tension and the potential for future tech-focused events in Montreal.