Behind every great company are exceptional people who know how to get things done. This year’s Top Tech Leaders to Watch celebrates the founders, investors, and operators driving growth, building teams, creating momentum, and turning ambitious ideas into reality. From venture capital and entrepreneurship to marketing, recruiting, product, and artificial intelligence, these are the people shaping the next generation of companies. A special thank you to our community for your continued support and for taking the time to submit nominations. Your contributions helped us discover and recognize the incredible talent making an impact across the startup ecosystem.
Meet the 2026 Startup Awards Honourees
Discover the founders, investors, and industry leaders making an impact. Select a category below to explore.
- Product Leaders
- Marketing Leaders
- Recruiting Leaders
- Community and Growth Leaders
- Operators
- Female Founders
- Bootstrapping Companies
- Scaleup
- Hyperscale
- VCs, Funding & Venture Studios
- Top Exited Founders
Product Leaders & AI
Building a great product takes more than a great idea. It requires a deep understanding of customer needs, a clear vision, and the ability to turn complex challenges into simple, effective solutions. This category celebrates the founders and product leaders driving innovation, shaping product strategy, and building technology that solves real-world problems. From early development to scaling products used by thousands, these leaders are turning ideas into products that make an impact.
15. Dr. Trevor McKee
14. Alykhan Kara
13. Olaseni (Shaney) Cole
12. Arunabh Dastidar
11. Kyle Rector
10. Shao Hang He
9. Ryan Ovas
8. Ismail Moola
7. Maharram Mansimov
6. Adrienne Jung
5. Adam Czach
4. Ruchi Varshney
3. Bohdan Zabawskyj
2. Lisen Kaci
1. Chris Ellefson
15. Dr. Trevor McKee
Dr. Trevor McKee is a Toronto-based entrepreneur and biomedical AI researcher specializing in computational pathology, medical imaging, and advanced data analysis. With more than 20 years of experience, McKee holds a PhD in Bioengineering from MIT and serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto, where he is also affiliated with the Temerty Centre for AI Research and Education in Medicine. He has held leadership roles at Deciphex and HistoWiz and contributed to more than 40 scientific publications. Through his work with Pathomics.io and other ventures, McKee focuses on applying artificial intelligence to complex medical imaging, cancer research, and drug development.
14. Alykhan Kara
Alykhan Kara is the Founder of Appear, a technology company helping businesses improve their visibility across AI-powered search platforms, including ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini. With experience building technology ventures, including the e-commerce marketplace Shomigo, Kara is focused on helping companies adapt to changing online discovery and buying behaviours. Through Appear, he helps businesses optimize their digital presence, improve how AI systems understand their products and services, and connect with potential customers. He is also active in Toronto’s startup community, bringing founders and technology professionals together.
13. Olaseni (Shaney) Cole
Olaseni (Shaney) Cole is the Founder and CEO of Steminai, an AI-powered education platform helping students aged 5 to 18 learn coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, and STEM through personalized, gamified experiences. Previously, Cole founded Young Empowered Programmers in Africa, which provided coding and robotics education to more than 20,000 students. Recognized as a recipient of the 2025 Futurpreneur RBC Startup Awards, Cole also represented Canada at the 2026 G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit in Vienna, Austria. Through Steminai, Cole is working to make technology education more accessible to young learners worldwide.
12. Arunabh Dastidar
Arunabh Dastidar is the Co-Founder and CEO of Leni, an AI infrastructure platform helping commercial real estate and investment firms adopt artificial intelligence. A serial entrepreneur, Dastidar previously exited his first startup and managed over $1 billion in North American real estate assets through private equity. He is also a guest lecturer at NYU and Columbia University and has contributed to research collaborations involving MIT. Through Leni, he is focused on building practical, secure, and scalable AI solutions that help businesses streamline operations and make better decisions.
11. Kyle Rector
Kyle Rector is the Co-Founder and President of Boundless AI, a commercial financing marketplace using AI to connect businesses with suitable lenders. Drawing on his experience in fintech and lending, Rector is simplifying access to capital through a platform offering 20 financial products and a network of 180 lenders. Operating across the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, Boundless AI has supported more than 4,000 businesses globally, helping companies find financing that aligns with their needs and risk profiles.
10. Shao Hang He
Shao Hang He is a Toronto-based serial entrepreneur, technology leader, and angel investor with experience across artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and software development. He is the Founder of Athena AI, an AI-powered software business reporting more than 3 million users, and DevFortress, a seven-figure technology agency and Shopify Plus Partner. He also serves as CTO of Fanstories, a creator-focused platform reporting over 9 million users. Previously, He co-founded Blossom Coaching, which raised $2 million in venture capital. With expertise spanning AI, product development, and fundraising, he continues to build and scale technology businesses across multiple industries.
9. Ryan Ovas
Ryan Ovas is the CEO of Polar Labs and CTO of SpeakSense AI, bringing together expertise in software development, data engineering, and artificial intelligence. At Polar Labs, he helps businesses build scalable technology solutions, while at SpeakSense, he is developing AI-powered tools that enable subject matter experts to engage audiences through their own content and uncover valuable insights. Beyond his entrepreneurial work, Ovas is an active contributor to Toronto’s technology ecosystem, co-organizing the Toronto Snowflake User Group and supporting community collaboration through the Supercollider initiative. His work focuses on connecting people, technology, and innovation to create meaningful opportunities for growth.
8. Ismail Moola
Ismail Moola is the CEO of TimeSmart.AI, a healthcare technology company using artificial intelligence to streamline physician compensation, contract compliance, and payment processes. With over 20 years of experience in B2B SaaS, revenue growth, and strategic partnerships, Moola has built a career helping enterprise technology companies scale. He currently leads efforts to help major U.S. healthcare networks automate complex workflows, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen financial compliance.
7. Maharram Mansimov
Maharram Mansimov is the Co-Founder of ClaimGen, a Toronto-based technology company simplifying access to non-dilutive funding through Canada’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program. With experience across startups and accounting firms, Mansimov has helped companies in software, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, life sciences, and food innovation secure more than $40 million in R&D funding. Through ClaimGen, he is leveraging automation and data-driven processes to streamline tax credit claims, reduce administrative complexity, and help Canadian businesses access funding to support innovation and growth.
6. Adrienne Jung
Adrienne Jung is the Co-Founder and CEO of eeva, a Montreal-based technology startup building an AI-powered intelligence layer for the home. With over a decade of experience in business operations and entrepreneurship, Jung is focused on transforming how households manage appliances, maintenance, warranties, and essential home information. After raising $4 million for an earlier home technology venture, she pivoted the business to develop eeva, applying lessons learned to address the challenges of household management. An award-winning leader and public speaker, Jung is working to bring smarter, more connected solutions to everyday homeownership.
5. Adam Czach
Adam Czach is the CEO of 409.ai, a Techstars 2024 startup using artificial intelligence to help companies determine their fair market value in three days or less. With a background in marketing, technology, and startup growth, Czach previously served as Head of Marketing at Explorator Labs. He brings experience in building go-to-market strategies and is focused on making startup valuations faster and more accessible through AI-powered technology.
4. Ruchi Varshney
Ruchi Varshney is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Measure, a technology company helping businesses streamline revenue management and operations. Previously an engineering leader at Dropbox in Silicon Valley, Varshney brings extensive experience in technology, product strategy, and scaling businesses. She is also an active startup investor and advisor, supporting early-stage founders through capital investment, leadership coaching, and strategic guidance to help them build and grow successful companies.
3. Bohdan Zabawskyj
Bohdan Zabawskyj is a technology executive, advisor, and community builder with six successful exits and more than 20 patents. With extensive experience as a CTO and Chief Technology and Product Officer, he has helped companies develop, scale, and commercialize innovative technologies. He is also the founder of TrueNorthCTO, a pan-Canadian community connecting more than 3,500 senior technology leaders to share insights, collaborate, and strengthen Canada’s technology ecosystem. Zabawskyj has also been recognized among the CTO Craft 100.
2. Lisen Kaci
Lisen Kaci is the Founder and CEO of Discrepancy AI, a Toronto-based technology startup developing artificial intelligence solutions to simplify document review and analysis. A member of the Techstars 2024 cohort, Kaci is focused on helping businesses identify discrepancies, streamline document workflows, and reduce the time spent on manual reviews. With an entrepreneurial passion for building technology that solves real-world challenges, Kaci is working to make document analysis more efficient and accessible through AI-powered automation.
1. Chris Ellefson
Chris Ellefson is the President and CTO of Ollon, a Toronto-based software development agency helping startups build and scale technology solutions. With over 25 years of experience leading technology teams across healthcare, media, fintech, and other industries, Ellefson specializes in software architecture, technology strategy, and product development. As a fractional CTO, he also advises startups on technical leadership, security, funding, and AI adoption, helping companies navigate the evolving technology landscape.
Recruiting & People Leaders
You’re only as good as your team, as the saying goes. Behind every successful startup are talented people who bring ideas to life and help businesses grow. This category celebrates the recruiting and talent acquisition leaders who connect startups with exceptional talent, build high-performing teams, and shape the future of work. From finding the right people to helping companies scale their workforce, these leaders play a critical role in startup success.
7. Eric Frisch
6. Jacinta Grootjen
5. Virginia Poly
4. Rebecca Graham
3. Adam Gellert
2. Jeff Waldman
1. Jamie Savage
7. Eric Frisch
Eric Frisch is the Director of Partnerships at 10x Management, a company connecting businesses with experienced technology professionals and consultants. Based in Toronto, Frisch brings a background in business operations, strategic partnerships, and consulting. Since joining 10x Management in 2021, he has held several leadership roles, including Operations Consultant and Senior Operations Consultant, before expanding into partnership development. His work focuses on building business relationships, supporting operational strategy, and helping organizations access specialized expertise to execute projects and scale their operations.
6. Jacinta Grootjen
Jacinta Grootjen is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Primary People Group and Co-Founder of Demi, an AI-powered workplace platform. With more than 15 years of experience in human resources, operations, and technology, she helps growing companies build scalable people strategies, strengthen leadership, and improve organizational performance. Through Primary People Group and Demi, Grootjen combines practical HR expertise with AI-driven solutions to help businesses navigate workplace challenges, support managers, and build stronger teams.
5. Virginia Poly
Virginia Poly is the President of Poly Tech Talent and PolyCareers, an AI-driven hiring platform focused on simplifying recruitment for employers and job seekers. With more than 20 years of experience in technology recruitment, Poly helps North American companies build high-performing teams through local hiring and global talent networks spanning Southeast Europe, Brazil, and Pakistan. A recipient of the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award and recognized among Canada’s W100 Women Entrepreneurs, she is also a member of the Forbes Business Council. Her work focuses on connecting businesses with skilled talent while exploring how AI can improve recruitment and workforce development.
4. Rebecca Graham
Rebecca Graham is a Partner in the People Practice at BrightIron, where she provides strategic and operational human resources support to startups and growing companies. A Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), Graham brings experience working with both early-stage businesses and global organizations, including BlackBerry. Her work focuses on helping founders build scalable HR practices, strengthen recruitment and talent management, and navigate organizational growth. Through BrightIron, she provides fractional HR leadership to companies that need experienced people operations support without hiring a full-time executive.
3. Adam Gellert
Adam Gellert is the Founder and CEO of Linkus Group, a Toronto-based recruitment firm helping startups and growing businesses build high-performing teams. Since founding the company in 2009, Gellert has supported more than 500 organizations, facilitated over 1,000 hires, and achieved a reported 95% employee retention rate. His clients include KOHO, Coinsquare, and Klick Health. Recognized on Forbes’ 2026 list of Canada’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms, Linkus Group specializes in executive recruitment and hard-to-fill roles. Gellert is also the founder of Hipo and host of the Offer Accepted podcast.
2. Jeff Waldman
Jeff Waldman is the Founder of ScaleHR, an advisory platform supporting HR technology, recruitment, and workplace innovation. With more than 20 years of experience spanning human resources, technology, and business strategy, Waldman helps emerging companies strengthen their market presence and adopt new technologies. He also founded SocialHRCamp, a global event series launched in 2012 that brings HR professionals together for practical learning and collaboration. As host of the Unmuted Podcast, Waldman explores the future of work, artificial intelligence, and people leadership while connecting founders, technology innovators, and HR professionals across the industry.
1. Jamie Savage
Jamie Savage is the Founder and CEO of The Leadership Agency, an executive recruitment firm specializing in high-growth startups and scaleups across North America. Since founding the company in 2017, Savage has expanded its operations into the United States and worked with leading technology companies, including SkipTheDishes, StackAdapt, TouchBistro, and PagerDuty. Having interviewed more than 10,000 leaders, she has helped hundreds of founders and investors make critical hiring decisions. An angel investor, board member, and contributor to Forbes, Savage is recognized for her expertise in executive recruitment, leadership, and building high-performing teams.
Community, Growth Leaders, & Content
Building a great product is only the beginning. Sustainable growth requires strong marketing, compelling storytelling, and meaningful connections. This category celebrates the leaders driving business growth, building thriving communities, and creating content that connects brands with their audiences. From growth strategies to community engagement, these individuals play a vital role in helping startups expand their reach, attract customers, and scale.
5. Daniel Francavilla
4. Heather Odendaal
3. Lyndal Moody
2. Paul Davenport
1. Alexandra Kapelos-Peters
5. Daniel Francavilla
Daniel Francavilla is the Founder of Clarity Content, where he helps businesses and leaders strengthen their brands through strategic storytelling, content marketing, and creative communications. A brand strategist, advertising professor, and speaker, Francavilla specializes in developing compelling brand narratives and content strategies that drive engagement and business growth. His work focuses on helping organizations communicate their value, connect with audiences, and create meaningful impact through marketing.
4. Heather Odendaal
Heather Odendaal is the Founder and CEO of WNORTH, a global leadership community dedicated to advancing women into senior leadership positions. Founded in 2015, WNORTH has organized more than 450 events, welcomed over 20,000 participants, and featured more than 500 thought leaders through conferences, leadership forums, and networking experiences. Odendaal is also the Founder and CEO of Bluebird, an event planning and destination management company. Her work has earned recognition from The Globe and Mail as a Top 50 Changemaker and from Inc. Magazine’s 2026 Female Founder 500. She was previously recognized by FoundersBeta as a Top Female Founder in 2024 and 2025.
3. Lyndal Moody
Lyndal Moody is the Director of Community at Vetster, a veterinary telehealth platform connecting pet owners with veterinary professionals. With a background in digital marketing, brand strategy, and video production, Moody specializes in building engaged communities and developing compelling brand stories. A recognized influencer in the pet industry, she has led marketing campaigns for major brands and is exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance content creation, audience engagement, and digital marketing strategies.
2. Paul Davenport
Paul Davenport is the Head of Content at Boast, bringing more than a decade of experience in content marketing, brand storytelling, and demand generation. With a background spanning SaaS, cybersecurity, and technology, Davenport specializes in developing content strategies and integrated marketing campaigns that drive business growth. His expertise includes thought leadership, brand positioning, and leveraging digital media to help technology companies expand their reach and engage customers.
1. Alexandra Kapelos-Peters
Alexandra (Alex) Kapelos-Peters is the Founder of Cansulta, an entrepreneur, and business leader with experience in executive leadership, operations, and consulting. With a background spanning CEO and COO roles, she focuses on building innovative products, high-performing teams, and scalable businesses. Recognized among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, Kapelos-Peters brings expertise in business strategy, organizational growth, and helping companies navigate complex challenges.
Marketing & Sales Leaders
As technology and AI make it easier than ever to build and launch products, marketing and brand have become increasingly important in standing out from the competition. This year’s Top Marketing Leaders recognizes the creative minds and strategic thinkers driving brand awareness, connecting with customers, and helping companies grow in an increasingly competitive landscape.
11. Jennifer DeFrenza
10. Shani Mithani
9. Laney Lui
8. Shawn Chance
7. Amy Mingopoulos
6. Sandeep Todi
5. Kasey Bayne
4. Adrienne Watts
3. Kristian Borghesan
2. Ryan Burgio
1. Michael Magnacca
11. Jennifer DeFrenza
Jennifer DeFrenza is the Senior Director of Digital Marketing at Equiton, bringing extensive experience in digital marketing, brand strategy, and business growth. Throughout her career, she has led marketing initiatives for major brands, including Disney, Toyota, and Expedia, delivering measurable results in customer acquisition, revenue growth, and marketing performance. Previously recognized among FoundersBeta’s Top Marketing Leaders in 2024, DeFrenza specializes in data-driven marketing strategies, brand development, and scaling businesses through innovative campaigns.
10. Shani Mithani
Shani Mithani is the Head of Growth at Venn, a Canadian fintech company helping businesses simplify banking, payments, and financial management. A former McKinsey professional, Mithani joined Venn in 2024 and helped build its go-to-market and marketing operations. Under his growth leadership, Venn expanded to more than 15,000 businesses on its platform and ranked No. 10 on The Globe and Mail’s 2026 list of Canada’s Top Growing Companies. Based in Toronto, Mithani focuses on scaling customer acquisition, developing growth strategies, and expanding Venn’s reach among Canadian entrepreneurs.
9. Laney Lui
Laney Lui is the Founder and CEO of Zenful Sales, where she helps B2B technology startups build scalable revenue operations and accelerate growth. Specializing in go-to-market strategy, sales leadership, and revenue optimization, Lui works with early-stage and growth-stage companies through consulting and fractional Chief Revenue Officer engagements. As an ICF-certified coach, she also supports founders in developing leadership skills, strengthening sales strategies, and building sustainable businesses. She is also the founder of The Local Charity.
8. Shawn Chance
Shawn Chance is a Partner at BrightIron, where he helps early-stage startups develop go-to-market strategies, accelerate revenue growth, and scale operations. Previously a Partner at OMERS Ventures, Chance brings experience from both venture capital and executive leadership, including serving as Chief Revenue Officer and guiding startups from pre-revenue through later stages of growth. His background also includes product leadership roles at Microsoft and Spin Master, combining investment expertise with hands-on experience building and scaling technology companies.
7. Amy Mingopoulos
Amy Mingopoulos is a Growth Marketing Specialist at Wisedocs, an AI-powered insurtech company helping streamline claims document processing. She supports the company’s growth through digital marketing, social media strategy, product marketing, event coordination, and content creation. With experience in organic and paid campaigns, Mingopoulos focuses on expanding brand awareness, engaging customers, and supporting business growth in the insurance technology sector.
6. Sandeep Todi
Sandeep Todi is a growth executive and strategic advisor specializing in fintech, payments, payroll, and B2B software. As Payroll Lead at Huumans and a fractional advisor at Whitelight, he helps startups develop go-to-market strategies, build strategic partnerships, and expand into new markets. Todi also works with venture capital platforms and founder communities, supporting cross-border growth, market positioning, and programs that help emerging businesses scale.
5. Kasey Bayne
Kasey Bayne is a SaaS and technology growth leader, HubSpot revenue operations specialist, and fractional Chief Marketing Officer. She helps startups and growing businesses develop scalable marketing and sales strategies, streamline operations, and make data-driven decisions. With expertise in marketing automation, revenue operations, and growth strategy, Bayne focuses on helping companies build efficient systems that drive measurable business results.
4. Adrienne Watts
Adrienne Watts is a Growth Marketing Leader at Wagepoint, bringing over 11 years of experience in demand generation, field marketing, and B2B SaaS growth strategy. At Wagepoint, she leads partner channel growth initiatives and oversees the company’s event strategy, including conferences, webinars, and experiential programs. She also served as Interim Marketing Director, leading a team of seven through an eight-month transition. Previously, Watts held marketing leadership roles at Human8, Toluna, and GEODIS, developing integrated campaigns, driving pipeline growth, and strengthening customer engagement across North America.
3. Kristian Borghesan
Kristian Borghesan is the Chief Marketing Officer at FutureVault, a wealth technology company providing AI-powered digital vault solutions for financial institutions and wealth management firms. He leads the company’s go-to-market strategy, revenue operations, and marketing initiatives. Recognized as Canada’s WealthTech CMO of the Year for 2024–2025 and among the Top 30 Most Influential Fintech Marketers in 2026, Borghesan has also been featured in Nasdaq, InvestmentNews, Global News, and several other publications.
2. Ryan Burgio
Ryan Burgio is a marketing leader and entrepreneur behind Gambit Technologies, a Waterloo-based technology company. With over 20 years of experience in marketing, design, and brand development, Burgio has built a career helping companies strengthen their brands and connect with customers. As Creative Director at Gambit Technologies and Co-Founder of Stryve Digital Marketing, he brings a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and entrepreneurial experience. Burgio’s journey with Gambit Technologies was also featured in the Canadian startup documentary film, highlighting the people and stories behind Canada’s growing startup ecosystem.
1. Michael Magnacca
Mike Magnacca is the Managing Director at Catapult Partners, where he helps companies unlock growth through strategic investments, business transformation, and brand development. With over a decade of experience spanning startups to Fortune 500 companies, he is a three-time CEO, two-time founder, and former leader of award-winning marketing agencies serving global clients. His expertise includes business strategy, brand positioning, and company valuations. He also shares his experience as an instructor in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at the Schulich School of Business in Toronto.
Top Operators
Behind every successful startup are the operators who turn ambitious ideas into scalable businesses. This category celebrates the leaders driving operational excellence, building strong teams, streamlining processes, and helping startups grow and scale. From strategy to execution, these individuals play a critical role in turning vision into lasting success.
5. Caitlin Carter
4. Christine Kim
3. Jillian McLaren
2. Sarah Lesperance
1. Colin Knoll
6. Caitlin Carter
Caitlin Carter is a venture ecosystem connector, customer experience strategist, and member of the Highline Beta team, bringing more than 15 years of experience in SaaS, digital learning, and client services. Throughout her career, she has helped design learning experiences reaching over 500,000 people across 95 countries and 19 languages. Recognized as a Top 15 Ecosystem Connector, Carter combines her expertise in relationship building, community engagement, and digital innovation to support meaningful connections within the startup and venture capital ecosystem.
5. Christine H. Kim
Christine H. Kim is the Director of Business Development and Operations at MedMe Health, where she helps pharmacies expand their role in delivering accessible healthcare. With a career focused on healthcare innovation and organizational growth, Kim specializes in building teams, improving operations, and driving meaningful change across the healthcare system. She is also an advocate for women and girls in technology, supporting opportunities for them to enter, grow, and lead in the industry.
4. Jillian McLaren
Jillian McLaren is the Head of People and Culture at Punchcard Systems, where she focuses on building strong teams, developing leaders, and fostering organizational growth. An experienced management consultant and community leader based in Edmonton, McLaren brings expertise in operational strategy, leadership development, and organizational culture across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Recognized as Start Alberta Business Leader of the Year and YEGSC Connector of the Year, she is an active contributor to Alberta’s innovation ecosystem, helping organizations and communities thrive.
3. Mandeep Saini
Mandeep Saini is a Partner at BrightIron and a Fractional CFO specializing in helping technology startups navigate financial strategy, fundraising, and growth. With over 20 years of experience in finance and operations across the technology and entertainment industries, Saini brings expertise in mergers and acquisitions, corporate financing, and operational finance. He works closely with founders and leadership teams to strengthen financial operations, develop strategic growth plans, and maximize enterprise value, helping early-stage and high-growth companies build sustainable businesses and scale effectively.
2. Sarah Lesperance
Sarah Lesperance is the Head of SR&ED Growth at Employment Hero, where she helps Canadian startups access non-dilutive funding and resources to support their growth. An active community builder and connector in Canada’s startup ecosystem, Lesperance specializes in strategic partnerships, business development, and helping founders navigate SR&ED funding opportunities. She combines sales leadership with ecosystem engagement to help innovative companies scale and succeed.
1. Colin Knoll
Colin Knoll is the Chief Operating Officer at Huumans, a Canadian platform helping small businesses access financing, resources, and growth opportunities. An experienced business operator and scaling strategist, Knoll specializes in driving growth, business turnarounds, and operational transformation across SaaS, fintech, and financial services. He is also the Managing Director of Build Better Business Co. and previously held senior strategy roles at Servus Credit Union and Firma Foreign Exchange, where he helped lead initiatives that contributed to the company’s approximately $90 million acquisition by OFX.
Scaleup
Starting a startup is one thing, but scaling it is another. What got you here won’t necessarily get you there. Scaling requires a different mindset, stronger teams, and the ability to navigate new challenges as a business grows. This category celebrates the founders and leaders who have successfully taken their companies beyond the early stages, turning promising startups into thriving, scalable businesses.
8. Reza Farahani
7. Chris Hakim
6. Dr. Lauren Elise Karatanevski
5. Sam Jenkins
4. Keith Busch
3. Cory Friedman
2. James Tjan
1. Viler Lika
8. Reza Farahani
Reza Farahani is the Co-Founder and CEO of Katalyze AI, a technology company applying artificial intelligence to pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing. Founded in 2023, Katalyze AI develops AI-powered solutions that help life sciences companies improve manufacturing efficiency, streamline regulatory processes, and accelerate the production of medicines. Farahani previously co-founded WFHomie, an employee engagement platform that raised $1.9 million CAD in seed funding. A University of Waterloo alumnus, he brings experience in artificial intelligence, data analysis, and entrepreneurship to the life sciences industry, with a focus on making complex pharmaceutical operations more efficient and reliable.
7. Chris Hakim
Chris Hakim is the Founder and CEO of Wingbuddy, a Montreal-based travel company specializing in organized tours, vacation packages, and cruise experiences. Since founding the company in 2012, Hakim has focused on simplifying international travel through turnkey packages that combine accommodations, transportation, and curated experiences. Under his leadership, Wingbuddy has expanded its offerings to serve travellers across North America, while investing in technology, customer experience, and operational efficiency. His approach combines digital travel services with personalized customer support, helping make international travel more accessible and convenient.
6. Dr. Lauren Elise Karatanevski
Dr. Lauren Elise Karatanevski is the Founder and CEO of the Institute of Science, Health and Performance (ISHP), a Toronto-based health technology company focused on preventative healthcare, personalized diagnostics, and human performance. A former competitive springboard diver and Doctor of Chiropractic, Karatanevski brings nearly two decades of experience in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and wellness. She also co-owns Back in Action, a multidisciplinary healthcare practice, and serves as Director of Operations at B-Calm. Through ISHP, she is working to make advanced health assessments and data-driven insights more accessible. ISHP was recognized among FoundersBeta’s Top 100 Companies to Watch in 2026.
5. Sam Jenkins
Sam Jenkins is the CEO of Punchcard Systems, an Edmonton-based digital transformation and software development company helping organizations build technology and AI-powered platforms. An entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience, Jenkins previously co-founded Wellnext and helped launch Startup Edmonton. Under his leadership, Punchcard Systems has been recognized among Canada’s Top Growing Companies by The Globe and Mail. He is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Standard Field Systems, which develops digital tools for law enforcement. A recipient of Junior Achievement Northern Alberta’s 2026 Impact Award, Jenkins serves as Chair of the Winspear Centre for Music and holds the ICD.D corporate director designation.
4. Keith Busch
Keith Busch is the Founder and CEO of ClearCost, a Saskatchewan-based agtech and fintech company working to modernize bulk fertilizer trading. Founded in 2024, ClearCost develops technology that brings greater price transparency, digital contracting, risk management, and logistics coordination to agricultural markets. Under Busch’s leadership, the company was named a Top 10 finalist for the FinTech Grant at Startupfest 2026 and registered as a Payment Service Provider with the Bank of Canada. In October 2026, ClearCost announced a strategic investment partnership with SaskWorks Venture Fund and Motiv to support its next phase of growth and expansion across Canada and the United States.
3. Cory Friedman
Cory Friedman is the Founder and CEO of Kompas, a Montreal-based proptech company developing property management and accounting software for Canadian real estate operators. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Friedman previously served as Vice President at Lameer Management, where he developed technology that helped the firm manage a portfolio of more than 3,500 residential units. Since founding Kompas in 2024, he has grown the company to more than 20 employees, with its platform supporting over 25,000 residential units and processing more than $50 million in payments since January 2026. His work focuses on modernizing property management through automation, integrated accounting, and digital payments.
2. James Tjan
James Tjan is the Founder and CEO of Mindful Snacks, a Toronto-based company providing healthier snack and beverage solutions to workplaces, schools, and institutions across Canada. Since founding the company in 2012, Tjan has built partnerships with consumer food and beverage brands while expanding access to natural and organic products. Under his leadership, Mindful Snacks has also supported community initiatives, including a partnership with Arielle’s Snack Bar at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital, helping deliver more than 32,000 snacks to families in neonatal intensive care. His work focuses on workplace wellness, food accessibility, and building partnerships across the consumer packaged goods industry.
1. Viler Lika
Viler Lika is the Founder and CEO of SingleKey, a Toronto-based proptech company helping landlords and property managers reduce rental risks through tenant screening, rent guarantees, and financial protection services. Since founding the company in 2019, Lika has grown SingleKey into a profitable business generating more than $10 million in annual revenue and processing nearly 20% of rental applications across Canada. In 2026, SingleKey ranked No. 102 on The Globe and Mail’s list of Canada’s Top Growing Companies and was selected for the C100 Growth Cohort.
HyperScale
Some companies grow. Others redefine what’s possible. From rapid revenue growth to international expansion and significant market traction, this category celebrates the founders and business leaders taking their companies to new heights, breaking barriers, and scaling at an extraordinary pace.
10. Khalil Khamis
9. Jack Sadler
8. Mike Kim
7. John Lyotier
6. Vicki Knott
5. Alan Hopkins
4. Jenna Earnshaw
3. Hongwei Liu
2. Patrick Belliveau
1. Andrew Lockhead
10. Khalil Khamis
Khalil Khamis is the CEO of Crafty Ramen, a Guelph-Kitchener-based food company bringing restaurant-quality frozen ramen to grocery stores across North America. Under his leadership, Crafty Ramen has expanded into more than 2,700 retail locations across Canada and launched into over 4,200 U.S. retail locations, including Sprouts Farmers Market and Kroger. An experienced entrepreneur involved in multiple businesses, Khamis has helped guide Crafty Ramen’s expansion from restaurants into large-scale food manufacturing and retail distribution. He was also featured in the Canadian startup documentary Founders: The Startup Stories, produced by FoundersBeta.
9. Jack Sadler
Jack Sadler is the Co-Founder and CEO of Part3, a Toronto-based construction technology company transforming how architects, engineers, and designers collaborate and manage projects. Through its cloud-based platform, Part3 helps construction professionals streamline workflows, improve project visibility, and protect profit margins. Sadler is focused on modernizing the construction industry through technology, helping teams across North America work more efficiently and collaboratively.
8. Mike Kim
Mike Kim is the Co-Founder and CEO of Mycroft, a Toronto-based cybersecurity startup developing an AI-powered platform that helps businesses manage security, compliance, and risk. With more than 12 years of experience in cybersecurity and over 200 security audits and assessments, Kim brings extensive industry expertise to the company. Under his leadership, Mycroft raised $3.5 million in seed funding led by Luge Capital, with participation from Brightspark Ventures and Graphite Ventures. The company has attracted more than 50 customers and was selected for the C100 Growth Cohort.
7. John Lyotier
John Lyotier is the Co-Founder and CEO of TravelAI, an applied AI company connecting travelers with destinations and accommodations through a network of more than 470 interconnected brands. Previously, Lyotier co-founded Left Technologies, from which TravelAI emerged. Since 2016, the company’s technology has facilitated over $1.5 billion in gross booking value and six million nights booked. After rebuilding the business following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lyotier led its return to growth and recognition on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 and Fast 500 lists in 2025. He is also an advocate for sustainable commerce and responsible entrepreneurship.
6. Vicki Knott
Vicki Knott is the Co-Founder and CEO of CruxOCM, a Canadian industrial technology company developing autonomous control solutions for critical infrastructure. A professional engineer, Knott is focused on modernizing industrial operations through AI-powered automation, helping pipeline operators improve efficiency, safety, and performance. Since co-founding CruxOCM in 2017, she has led the development of technologies that integrate with existing industrial control systems to automate complex operational processes. Her work is helping advance industrial autonomy and transform how energy infrastructure is managed and optimized.
5. Alan Hopkins
Alan Hopkins is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Purity Gas, a Canadian industrial technology company specializing in on-site nitrogen generation systems. Since co-founding the company in 2017, Hopkins has helped expand Purity Gas into a growing North American business serving the food and beverage, energy, and advanced manufacturing industries. His leadership focuses on business strategy, growth, partnerships, and operational excellence. Through Purity Gas, Hopkins is helping industrial companies reduce their reliance on traditional nitrogen supply models while improving efficiency, cost management, and long-term operational resilience.
4. Jenna Earnshaw
Jenna Earnshaw is an AI leader and insurtech co-founder focused on scaling Wisedocs, an AI-powered claims software company. With experience in sales leadership, go-to-market strategy, and business growth, Earnshaw previously served as Head of Sales at Railz, a fintech company acquired by FIS, where she helped develop and scale its go-to-market operations. She brings expertise in helping early-stage technology companies build revenue strategies and accelerate growth.
3. Hongwei Liu
Hongwei Liu is the Founder and CEO of Mappedin, a Waterloo-based technology company transforming how people create, navigate, and interact with indoor spaces through digital mapping solutions. A graduate of the University of Waterloo in Electrical Engineering, Liu previously worked at BlackBerry’s radio-frequency laboratory before pursuing entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, Mappedin has developed technology that makes indoor mapping more accessible, helping businesses and organizations create interactive maps of complex environments. With a passion for connecting digital technology with physical spaces, Liu continues to advance innovation in indoor mapping and location-based experiences.
2. Patrick Belliveau
Patrick Belliveau is the CEO of Gambit, an artificial intelligence company developing AI-powered workers designed to take on real responsibilities within businesses. Focused on moving AI beyond traditional assistants and copilots, Belliveau leads the development of autonomous AI solutions that help organizations automate workflows, improve productivity, and deliver measurable business outcomes. Through Gambit, he is helping shape how companies integrate AI into their everyday operations.
1. Andrew Lockhead
Andrew Lockhead is the CEO of Stay22, a Montreal-based technology company helping content creators and publishers monetize their audiences through innovative travel commerce solutions. Under his leadership, Stay22 has grown from a simple mapping feature into a global monetization platform, reporting more than $1 billion in transactions in 2025, over $125 million raised, and a network of more than 5,500 partners. An experienced entrepreneur who previously exited a ticketing company, Lockhead continues to focus on scaling Stay22 and creating new revenue opportunities for creators and digital publishers worldwide.
VC, Funding & Venture Studio
Behind many successful startups are the investors, funding partners, and venture builders who help turn ambitious ideas into thriving businesses. Access to capital is only part of the equation. Strategic guidance, industry connections, and hands-on support are equally important. This category celebrates the venture capitalists, funding leaders, and venture studios backing innovative founders, building new companies, and helping startups navigate the journey from early-stage ideas to scalable businesses.
5. Clark Lai
4. Alexander Morsink
3. Ryan Correia
2. Ben Yoskovitz
1. Marcus Daniels
5. Clark Lai
Clark Lai is the Founder and CEO of Motiv Innovation Group, an award-winning venture builder focused on accelerating innovation and launching new businesses. Since founding Motiv in 2013, Lai has led its growth and expansion, helping clients and partners generate more than $2 billion in shareholder value, according to the company. With over 16 years of software development experience, he combines technical expertise in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data science with venture-building strategy. A serial entrepreneur and industry speaker, Lai has launched ventures across multiple sectors and serves as a judge for leading international digital and creative awards.
4. Alexander Morsink
Alexander Morsink is the Co-Founder and CEO of Equivesto, a Canadian investment platform connecting startups, growing businesses, and private investment opportunities with investors. Under his leadership, Equivesto has helped expand access to private market investing, supporting more than 150 investment campaigns and over $200 million in investments since its launch in 2020. An entrepreneur passionate about venture building and innovation, Morsink is focused on helping Canadian companies raise capital, connect with investors, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
3. Ryan Correia
Ryan Correia is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Equivesto, a Canadian online investment platform and licensed Exempt Market Dealer connecting investors with startups, small businesses, and private investment opportunities. Since launching in 2020, Equivesto has attracted more than 8,000 investors, facilitated over 150 investment campaigns, and reported more than $200 million invested. An entrepreneur and angel investor, Correia is focused on closing Canada’s early-stage funding gap, making private market investing more accessible, and helping Canadian businesses secure the capital they need to grow.
2. Ben Yoskovitz
Ben Yoskovitz is a Founding Partner at Highline Beta, a venture studio and early-stage investment firm focused on building and backing innovative startups. An entrepreneur, investor, and product strategist, Yoskovitz previously co-founded Year One Labs, a startup accelerator whose portfolio included Localmind, acquired by Airbnb. He is also the co-author of Lean Analytics, a widely recognized book helping startups use data to build better products and scale. His career includes leadership roles at VarageSale, GoInstant, and Salesforce, combining experience in venture building, product development, and startup investing.
1. Marcus Daniels
Marcus Daniels is the Founding Partner and CEO of Highline Beta, a Toronto-based venture studio and pre-seed venture capital firm focused on building and investing in innovative startups. With over 26 years of experience as a technology entrepreneur, investor, and corporate innovation leader, Daniels has led more than 30 corporate venture programs and 70 startup investments. He previously co-founded Highline VC and served as Managing Director of Extreme Startups. He is also the co-founder of Highline Beta ETH+AI, an initiative exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, Ethereum, and the future of finance.
Top Exited Founders
Building a company from the ground up is no small feat, but turning that vision into a successful exit is another milestone worth celebrating. This year’s Top Exit Founders recognizes entrepreneurs who have successfully built, scaled, and exited their companies, leaving a lasting impact on the startup ecosystem and inspiring the next generation of founders.
4. Rob Catalano
3. Marissa McNeelands
2. Kevin Kliman
1. Mark Bania
3. Rob Catalano
Rob Catalano is an HR technology executive and startup founder who co-founded WorkTango, a Toronto-based employee experience platform helping organizations improve employee engagement, workplace culture, and performance. With over 20 years of experience in HR technology, Catalano previously helped build Achievers before launching WorkTango in 2015. Under his leadership, WorkTango grew into a successful bootstrapped business, serving hundreds of customers before being acquired by Kazoo in 2022. The acquisition marked a significant milestone in Catalano’s entrepreneurial journey and his mission to create better workplaces through technology.
3. Marissa McNeelands
Marissa McNeelands is a Canadian entrepreneur and exited founder who previously founded and led Toast, a talent and community platform focused on advancing women in technology. Under her leadership, Toast grew beyond $1 million in revenue before its exit in 2025. She is now the Founder and CEO of Circa Thermal Studio, an Edmonton-based wellness venture focused on bringing people together through social sauna experiences. McNeelands has raised capital to support Circa’s development and continues to build businesses centred on community, connection, and meaningful experiences.
2. Kevin Kliman
Kevin Kliman is a Canadian entrepreneur who co-founded Humi, a Toronto-based technology company that simplifies human resources, payroll, and employee benefits for businesses. With a background in dentistry, Kliman transitioned into entrepreneurship and helped build Humi into one of Canada’s notable HR technology platforms. In 2025, Humi was acquired by global employment solutions company Employment Hero in a deal valued at over $100 million CAD. Under Kliman’s leadership, Humi grew to support more than 150,000 Canadians and facilitated over $7 billion in wages, marking a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey.
Following Humi’s acquisition, Kliman launched his next venture, Zemma, a health benefits platform focused on helping more benefit dollars go directly toward care. Built around a health trust model, Zemma offers personalized health benefits plans with funds that do not expire at the end of the year, providing a more flexible approach to employee health coverage.
1. Mark Bania
Mark Bania is a seasoned technology executive with over 15 years of experience building and scaling SaaS companies across multiple industries. With multiple successful exits, including the acquisition of Contractor Compliance by VelocityEHS, Bania has established himself as a leader in the Canadian startup ecosystem. His entrepreneurial journey was also featured in the Canadian startup documentary film. Now, Bania is embarking on a new chapter as the Founding CEO of ScoutEHS, an AI-native platform helping environmental, health, and safety professionals move from reactive reporting to proactive, real-time intelligence.
What’s Next?
Entrepreneurship deserves to be celebrated more. Behind every successful startup are founders, operators, investors, and community leaders who take risks, challenge conventional thinking, and dedicate years to turning ambitious ideas into reality. The FoundersBeta Startup Awards recognize the people helping shape the future of entrepreneurship. From building innovative products to creating jobs, scaling businesses, and supporting the next generation of founders, their contributions deserve recognition.
Coming up next, FoundersBeta will spotlight the Top 100 Companies, recognizing startups and growing businesses making an impact. We’ll also continue sharing the stories behind entrepreneurship through our Canadian Startup Documentary Film, highlighting the people, challenges, and journeys that define Canada’s startup ecosystem.
Know a company or founder who deserves to be featured? We’d love to hear from you. Help us discover and celebrate the next generation of companies and entrepreneurs building what’s next.
