HOW TO

How to: Make a Massive Exit Come Together (and everything in between)

We love and share this type of content because it’s important to not only showcase the highs but also the challenges Founders embark on getting to this point.

In this latest content episode, Kirk Simpson, CEO and Co-Founder of goConfirm (formerly Qui) shared an honest recounting of a big exit (but also the hardships and challenges that come along with it).

Who is Kirk?

He is a lifelong Founder, helping to build a company called Wave, which specializes in liberating brave entrepreneurs from the pain of back-office tasks so they can focus on what they do best. He is now the active CEO of goConfirm (formerly Qui), which is working to bring the value of decentralized identity to consumers.

Kirk got candid with us about his experience as an entrepreneur and founder, the ups and downs of a massive exit, and more of the important lessons and takeaways he brings with him today.

In this episode, we also discuss:

• Kirk’s early years

• The ups and downs of selling

• His honest take on entrepreneurship (no sugarcoating)

• The most formative experience of his career

• His best advice for starting a company in today’s market

• What is goConfirm (at the time referred to as Qui)?

• Tips for a great pitch

• Using his idea for B2B and B2C (and how you can too)

Want more Founder Stories like this? Subscribe to our Founders Journey Series — we have a BRAND NEW season of new content set to release this summer!

Reply to this email and let us know what Founder content you want to see from us

PARTNER CONTENT

Grow your capital with Humi at TechTO’s Summer Social!

Have you secured your ticket for TechTO’s Summer Social? 👀

Kick-off Collision Week with us at the biggest party of the summer!

This is your chance to network, mingle, and connect with amazing minds in Toronto’s tech scene – and we may even have a special treat for you. 

Tickets are still available - but going FAST!

*this is sponsored content

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Summer season is booked and busy! See what’s coming up for the community and make sure you’re on the list!

📣 TechTO Together @ Rotman | May 27, 2024 - We’re back at Rotman for the next edition of our most popular series. Join us at Rotman for the next batch of leaders and innovators sharing their knowledge of tech with our community. After Party to follow the event!

🍻 In-Person Insider Social | May 30, 2024 - Join others in the Insider community for a night of drinks and conversation as we pub crawl across Toronto. Please note, this event is for our paying Insider members only. Become an Insider today to attend events like this!

❓Virtual Insiders AMA with the TechTO Co-Founders | June 4, 2024 - This is your chance for a one-on-one with the TechTO Co-Founders. Whatever your questions are, they spend their lunch hour answering them in real-time. Please note, this event is for our paying Insider members only. Become an Insider today to attend events like this!

📊 TechTO: Marketing | June 5, 2024 - The marketing event you love returns to OneEleven with more of the leaders in the marketing space you want to hear from. After Party to follow, so there will be lots of opportunities to meet and mingle with your Marketing heroes!

☀️ TechTO: Summer Social Series | June 17, 2024 - Bringing back the best (and biggest) party of the Summer! Kick-off Collision Week with us at The Slip. Food, drinks, and summer vibes are all included in your ticket purchase!
Thanks to Humi and BDC for sponsoring this event!

👫 TechTO: Talent | June 24, 2024 - TechTO: Talent is an interactive (virtual) event to support the tech community. Connect with Canada’s incredible talent pool, explore the job market, learn practical tips, and meet active employers. There’s something for everyone! 

💵 TechTO E-Commerce with Orium | June 26, 2024 - Join us for an exclusive partnership event with Orium, where industry leaders from Composable.com, BigCommerce, and Stripe come together to explore the future of ecommerce.

Visit our events page to see everything we have coming up for the community! New events are announced every month!

SPEAK AT TECHTO

Have a unique business or Founder’s journey to share? Come and speak at TechTO!

If you’re building something amazing, making an impact on the tech ecosystem in Canada, or know anyone doing the same - we want to hear from you!

Recommend your friends, colleagues or even yourself for a potential speaking opportunity at a future TechTO event.

It’s your chance to share your story, inspire others, and offer wisdom to many aspiring tech leaders at our in-person events. Our events see thousands every year join to gain inspiration and find direction from founders in the ecosystem.

Interested or know anyone who might be? Reach out to us at [email protected]