Collisions YYC

Randy is invested into 100 companies and funds right now. His favourite part of venture capital is how it democratises the right to invest into alternative asset classes, making room at the table for more players who, historically, may not have had that seat otherwise. Randy breaks down the deal “food chain”, why deal flow is more important than capturing Silicon Valley level deals, and the difference between an inventor and a business person.

Did you know that your mood, the way you react, the way you interact with people, and your communication style, are very much affected by the amount of sleep that you get at night? It’s true. A lack of sleep can create impairment equal to that of drinking which means you won’t operate as your best self. Learn about how to create a bedtime routine and environment that will set you up for success - in your bedroom and the boardroom.

Rick was told that the “A” in “AI” stands for “accountable”; meaning, we have to be accountable for how AI and ML get deployed to ensure there is no bias. He shares his insights on the valuable ways organizations and governments have deployed AI/ML to digitize industries such as forestry and fisheries, and how the model AltaML uses helps lift up whole communities with great talent and skillsets.

Whether you are seeking funding or to invest, Jeff Robson has the expertise to help you understand the lay of the land in Calgary. As President & CEO of Vada Capital, Jeff helps early-stage companies identify whether they need an investor or simply guidance. For those who are ready for investment, Vada Capital can help identify the true value of your idea, and shape the business the way you want it. Uncover key insights about failing fast, why curiosity is a powerful business tool and Calgary’s potential as a tech hub.

Our local innovation and venture sectors are critical to the success of Alberta companies. Successful families in our community want to invest in the local scene and entrepreneurs often rely on their local ecosystem to get interest from potential customers. This creates a more accessible and democratized asset class - which is critical for our economic strength and growth. Find out more about why Bryan is working hard to mobilize capital to set Alberta up for long-term success.

As more investors begin to notice Alberta’s tech ecosystem, there will be a race to invest in these start-ups. But what if you don’t have millions to invest, Red Thread Ventures is a great place to start by investing a smaller sum and get exposure to early-stage investing. Uncover what Red Thread Ventures is doing to create a community for start-ups and investors, why Mark wants to break down the archaic rules of investing, and why Alberta is a great province in which to place your bets.

From Nike to KFC, United Airlines to Disney, Douglas Vermeeren has conducted detailed first-hand research into major brands’ top achievers. Why? To uncover their unique strategies and translate them into effective wealth and passive income coaching for those a bit further down the ladder. No matter what you do to earn money, COVID put our world on its head and forced everyone to examine their income sources - leading many to become entrepreneurs without the support or context required. This inspiring episode is a quick master class on all things entrepreneur to get you started on your journey.

Rather than fit into the standard mould of what a founder looks and acts like, Sheenah is working to transform the way she pitches and lay the foundation for future women leaders to empower them to show up in their own unique way. She guides us through her experiences in pitching and raising capital to help you understand potential obstacles and opportunities. We also discuss the vision for her new company, ARI, and her hopes to bring visibility to tech leaders who don’t look like Mark Zuckerberg. 

Bringing your idea out of the basement and into the world is scary enough. And raising capital to grow your idea? Terrifying. It doesn’t have to be! There’s no better person to help you understand venture capital than Matthew Wilson, who’s had 80+ investments. He brings us down to earth to remind us of what really matters (and it isn’t necessarily a higher valuation). He took a unique approach by curating a 600 strong network of entrepreneurs, angel investors, and VCs around the world. Why? Instead of trying to get Albertans to change their mind about what verticals to invest into, Matthew and his team decided to show Alberta companies to those around the world who are already interested in investing in those verticals. Whether you want to raise funds for your big idea or spread your wealth to companies you believe in, Matthew will help you understand the goals of VC on either side.

Beyond proving your capability as an employee, there is a need to prove your knowledge in Digital Intelligence. Lee Ackerman is the perfect guide for this conversation, thanks to his multiple decades of experience working across organizational structures around the world in the arena of digital transformation. He breaks down what a digital citizen and digital society are, how we can teach and empower people to thrive, create and lead in our digital society, and what it means for our future of work.