BUILDERS PERSPECTIVE

For today’s builders perspective, we take a look at the next frontier of AI and why it’s important for today’s Founders.

Allen Lau, (Founder of Wattpad) and current Co-Founder and Venture Partner at Two Small Fish Ventures offers compelling insights into the current market landscape, emerging trends, and weighs in on the conversations making headlines for the Canadian tech community.

Today, Allen shared his thoughts on what he thinks is the next frontier of AI and why it’s an important concept for today’s Founders and tech enthusiasts.

COMMUNITY

ICYMI! We made an announcement earlier this week!

To underscore our commitment to national programming, TechTO has changed the pronunciation of its name to "tɛk tuː." It's the same spelling, but different pronunciation.

Over the years, our community has given us a lot of feedback surrounding our name, especially when visiting cities outside of Toronto.


Like a true startup, we've outgrown our name. Now, instead of changing it, we're just asking you to change how you say it. It will take some time (our team has even been practicing) but we know this is a great next step for the recognition of the brand on a national level. TechTO, like a destination, not T.O. Easy right?


TechTO will be in Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary this year, and we hope to see you there! Check out our upcoming events here and let us know what you think of the new pronunciation: www.techto.org/events 

If you missed our in-depth conversation with the CEO and Chair of SRTX, Katherine Homuth, we have you covered. 🇨🇦 

Going over everything from her early entrepreneurship years, all the way to defining the important work she's doing for manufacturing in Canada, to how she built an indestructible product (Sheertex tights) and found the right way to market it to customers, it's an honest conversation on the true struggles of being a Founder in this country and the importance of advocating for yourself and your work. Every Founder needs to listen to this.


Watch the full conversation below

PARTNER CONTENT

TechExit.io Vancouver: Where Tech Entrepreneurs Learn How To Acquire or Be Acquired

On February 25, 2025, the Vancouver Convention Centre West will host TechExit.io Vancouver, the definitive event for tech entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders looking to master the art of acquisitions.

Learn more about the Movers and Shakers of M&A here

What makes TechExit.io stand out is its roster of seasoned speakers—individuals who have successfully navigated complex deals and are eager to share their hard-earned insights.

• Jack Newton, CEO of Clio, has transformed his company into a legal tech juggernaut through strategic acquisitions like Lexicata and Lawyaw. His keynote will highlight how the right deals can fuel growth and innovation.

• Greg Malpass, Founder of Traction on Demand, will share the story behind his company’s sale to Salesforce—offering a rare glimpse into how to position a business for a high-value exit.

• Judi Hess, Former CEO of Copperleaf, will delve into the intricacies of timing and negotiation, recounting her company’s landmark sale to Industrial and Financial Systems (IFS).

• Sarah Miller Wright, President of Certn, will discuss how acquisitions like InterCheck Australia have helped her company expand globally.

• Jason Leeson, President of Squirrel Systems, will offer a case study on securing innovation and growth through acquisition by the Volaris Group.

TechExit.io is where the future of Canada’s tech industry is built—deal by deal, story by story.

Whether you’re exploring how to scale your business, preparing for an acquisition, or simply want to learn from those who’ve done it, TechExit.io Vancouver is the place to be.

TechTO members save 20% on registration with the discount code TECHTO20

*this is sponsored content

Join Koru’s Ecosystem Hackathon to make an impact on schools in Ontario!

As part of Koru’s 5th-year anniversary celebration, they’re hosting a Hackathon focused on creating impact for the community. They are inviting local startups and tech & innovation teams at larger companies to solve real problems that schools, teachers, and students face today in Ontario. 

TechTO is supporting as an Ecosystem Partner, and we’d love to extend the invite to your team to participate in the event 

Teams of 3–5 colleagues can sign up to participate in a week* of problem-solving, guided by educators, community partners, and Koru. Apply to participate here. Applications are due by January 23rd, 2025.

For more information visit our website at https://www.hellokoru.com/ecosystem-hack. Please feel free to share this with your team or anyone you think might be interested! 

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to [email protected] 

*Please note that participation in the Hackathon is expected to be a part-time commitment and can be done remotely except in the afternoon on the last day. The participants will be expected to attend the Final Hack Day in person on February 13th, 2025 in Downtown Toronto from 1pm onwards

*this is sponsored content

READS AND OPPORTUNITIES

• tofu is hiring a Founding Engineer for their team
  

• Montreal-based Vasco secured $8m USD
  

• Clone your voice for videos, projects, and more in seconds
  

• Personal finance matters every Founder should know
  

• Social media secrets for building your company presence online
  

• Making AI work for you and your business
  

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