Founders

Co-founder of Publicus, Akash combines his passion for AI and physics with an entrepreneurial spirit. A multifaceted individual training for triathlons and creating artwork, he embodies continuous learning and welcomes engaging conversations about innovative ideas.

A seasoned technology leader with 25 years of experience, Alex Plotkin is the founder of Cyberwall Inc. and co-founder of PioneerIP. With an MSc. in Technology Management and CISSP certification, he specializes in cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and AI-powered solutions.

Alex Levin, founding partner of Levin Consulting Group and co-founder of PioneerIP, specializes in intellectual property and patent portfolio management. With an LLM in IP and Schulich MBA, he brings extensive expertise in strategy development, particularly in medical devices and AI-based solutions.

Alexandra, the Canadian Director for EndJewHatred, passionately fights antisemitism driven by personal tragedy. She focuses on education, unity, and inclusivity to empower Jewish communities and allies, organizing events and collaborating with advocates to drive impactful change across Canada.

Anna Wolfman, a seasoned corporate professional turned entrepreneur, founded Femunify to address the resource challenges faced by female solopreneurs. Femunify, a barter platform and community, empowers women to exchange skills and accelerate business growth through collaboration.

Ariel Freiman, a seasoned media strategist with a BA from McGill and an MA from Oxford Brookes, excels in partnership sales and content marketing. She leads CoNEX, a local news enterprise enhancing rural journalism, and has driven success at major media outlets like The Financial Times and Toronto Star.

Arthur Drevnig is a professional engineer with an MBA and over 20 years of technology sales experience. He thrives in selling innovative, high technology solutions that provide real value.

A strategic and results-oriented executive with 15+ years of experience in business optimization. At OHHI, Avidan translates the company's vision into actionable steps.

Calvin Benchimol, a seasoned leader with 10 years at Lafarge overseeing $100M aggregate delivery, successfully scaled and exited eCompliance, a B2B SaaS startup. A recognized thought leader in frontline participation and health & safety, he's now the Cofounder & CEO of his latest venture.

Daniel has worked in organizations' FP&A, Analytics, Operations, Strategy, and Product verticals. He has spent the last three years scaling a Toronto-based start-up (Zensurance) alongside the CEO and COO. He has built out teams and processes to facilitate 700% headcount and revenue growth in that time. Before Zensurance, Daniel worked on the Strategic Finance team at Intuit and the strategy and analytics team at Rogers Communications.

Darryl Singer, cofounder of Beyond the Echoes and Emet Talks, is an AdTech/MarTech expert who has worked with top global brands. His experience in the Creator Economy at Tagger informs his current work creating effective influencer advocacy programs.

Denis, a serial entrepreneur with global experience, blends marketing, operations, and storytelling skills. Founder of Mindaro and a former marketing director with a tenfold ARR growth, Denis has driven success for major clients and is a committed athlete and innovator.

Dr. Marina Shapira Shocher, founder of CircleUp (formerly HaMagaal) a platform aiding Jewish & Israeli communities, leverages her expertise to help immigrants. She actively supports newcomers, drawing from her own experiences to facilitate their assimilation into new countries.

Dr. Katchen is a renowned executive coach and psychologist specializing in FinTech and Technology leadership. A champion of women in tech through #MoveTheDial, she combines evidence-based therapeutic approaches with executive coaching to help leaders and founders achieve optimal performance.

Li, a former TCM practitioner, combines eastern medicine with modern design through Heali Tape. Inspired by patients seeking portable pain solutions for workplace injuries, she created stylish, natural healing products that blend ancient ingredients with contemporary aesthetics.

Eyal is a seasoned entrepreneur with deep expertise in video production and streaming technology. Author of "The Streaming Media Handbook," he has worked with celebrities and Fortune 100 companies like IBM and American Express. Videolinq is his third startup.

Ezra, a successful 2nd-time founder with a gaming exit, brings expertise in Esports, ML, and fashion. He excels in game design, product management, AI R&D, and boasts experience with incubators and academic collaborations.

Former chiropractor and medical sales professional Heather combines her healthcare expertise with her passion for active living. She co-created Heali Tape to provide natural pain relief and support athletes' recovery while maintaining their training schedules.

With extensive experience in education, data analytics, and private investments, Jacob leads Canadian Alternative Investments to democratize Canada's private investment marketplace. He empowers investors through transparency and education, helping Canadians discover and evaluate local private investment opportunities with confidence.

As founder of TripAdd, Jake innovates in the aviation industry by helping airlines maximize their ancillary revenue potential. His platform transforms the traditional airline revenue model, enabling carriers to optimize additional income streams beyond ticket sales.

Jared, a Software Engineer specializing in A.I., excels in TypeScript, JavaScript, and Python. With a Bachelor's in Computer Science and Physics from U of T, he’s eager to drive innovation and deliver high-quality code at FEAT

Jenny Hazan brings 20+ years of expertise in journalism, brand development, and marketing across diverse sectors. A communications professional and mental health advocate, she champions emotional intelligence as key to personal wellbeing and creating positive societal change.

As founder and CEO of Publicus, Joe leverages his extensive experience at the intersection of technology, government, and policy to revolutionize citizen-government interactions. His mission is to streamline public services, making government more accessible and efficient for businesses and citizens alike.

John, co-founder and CSO/COO of BWellAi, leverages decades of experience in healthcare technology and diagnostics. His past successes include mass-spectrometry solutions and consulting for major diagnostic firms. At BWellAi, he drives outreach and partnership strategies for AI-driven preventative healthcare solutions.

Jordan Wisenberg, CEO of FEAT., leverages his experience as a former artist with 5 million streams, marketer, and producer to address industry challenges. With a Bachelor’s in Economics and Marketing from McGill, Jordan aims to solve key issues in music service sales.

Josh Guttman is a CRO and experienced operator with a proven track record in scaling teams and achieving substantial revenue growth. His past roles at high-growth companies demonstrate his expertise in driving sales success from early-stage to late-stage ventures.

Joyneel Acharya, co-founder of BWellAi, combines his computer science and MBA backgrounds to drive technical development and product strategy. With 8+ years in entrepreneurship, he leads the creation of innovative health technologies, integrating AI and data systems for impactful health management solutions.

Karina is a product manager and UX designer driving innovation in cannabis tech. She leads teams to create solutions for complex industry problems, fueled by her personal experience as a medical cannabis patient.

A resourceful entrepreneur with experience in sales, tech, and event management. Keren's vision at OHHI is to create a world without social barriers, promoting social cohesion.

Liam Mason is co-founder and director of CriticiseAI, revolutionizing university feedback and grading systems. With experience in financial operations and technology implementation across Canadian and UK markets, he brings strategic vision to educational innovation.

Lianne Gotkind, Co-founder, excels in dismantling echo chambers and building alliances through cross-collaboration. With expertise in online market research for CPG and pharmaceuticals, she adeptly manages projects and creates impactful advocacy events, enhancing audience engagement and influence.

Serial entrepreneur and investor Lorie manages diverse ventures from industrial real estate to solar power projects. After growing his 70-year-old family clothing business to 200+ employees, he now focuses on investing in real estate development, mortgages, and tech startups.

Marcel is a visionary entrepreneur and product engineer with a distinguished career at Google, Facebook, and Blackberry, where he secured a major UX patent. As a 3x founder, including Foodo, and with deep industry insights from Travelport, he excels in transforming innovative concepts into reality.

Maria is transforming the construction industry through innovative talent data solutions. As a pioneering force in construction workforce optimization, she helps companies quickly identify and leverage internal talent to accelerate bid processes and bridge critical skill gaps.

A product manager who shaped solutions at Xerox, American Express, and Mastercard, Marina now transforms perinatal care in Canada. Inspired by her motherhood journey, she's developing platforms to connect new parents with trusted support services.

Matthew Green, a product engineer, business analyst, and entrepreneur with a Masters in aerospace engineering and robotics, combines technical and business expertise to drive innovation. He founded Chasqui, an AI-powered job networking platform, to address job market inefficiencies.

Passionate about real estate, AI, and startups, Max Cooper combined his interests after studying politics and public policy. Inspired by personal experiences and created a solution to revolutionize dream home searches

With over two decades in marketing and content creation, Melanie brings extensive leadership experience managing digital production studios and creative teams. A bilingual strategic leader, she's directed major campaigns for tier-1 brands, specializing in virtual reality, augmented reality, and innovative storytelling.

With a decade in digital marketing, Michael led ParticipACTION's app to #1 in the App Store and expanded Cineplex's TimePlay to 25 global markets. A Rotman MBA graduate, he's managed social media for TED Talks Toronto and held roles at RBC and KPMG.

A global fitness innovator with 15 years of industry expertise, Nicole Rakowski is transforming how people approach wellness. As co-founder of Fitsentive, she's developed a revolutionary free fitness app that reimagines workout motivation and personal health journeys.

Niv Gottfried brings 6 years of leadership and strategic planning expertise to Aye Technology. As co-leader with Rony Chen, he combines business management skills and operational excellence to advance their vision of enhanced network security and fraud prevention.

A veteran web developer with 30 years' experience, Noah brings construction industry insights to his programming expertise. Specializing in PHP and ActionScript 2.0, he crafts innovative digital solutions. When not coding, he's immersed in gaming and sci-fi horror.

Olivia Charles has worked in regulatory affairs at Envisagenics and has a background in drug regulation research at Mount Sinai NYC. She is working toward an HBA in Bioethics and Pre-Med from the University of Toronto.

A Solution Architect with extensive experience in enterprise-grade business applications. Oren designs OHHI's platform infrastructure and provides valuable insights on business processes.

A seasoned data analyst with 20 years of experience in translating data into strategies. Oren's passion lies in simplifying complex issues and connecting people through AI at OHHI.

Patricia, a 20+ year sales veteran with C-suite experience in cannabis tech, drives growth through global market expansion. She aids medical cannabis producers in navigating compliance, ensuring responsible industry practices.

RA serial entrepreneur, Rafi has led multiple successful tech ventures including VZPass Inc. and three companies acquired by industry leaders. Now at StoriedLife AI, he develops AI solutions helping seniors preserve and share their life stories.

As founder of NextMini, Rinel is revolutionizing early childhood development through EdTech innovation. Her mobile app combines social-emotional learning with interactive storytelling, while developing sensory toys for diverse needs, creating a comprehensive approach to children's emotional resilience.

Romina Vitaver, co-founder of GoAway, is passionate about simplifying the trip planning experience for fellow travellers. Using a human-centered approach, she leads the branding efforts, ensuring the all-in-one platform resonates personally with users.

A Biomedical Engineer and accomplished Product and Project Manager, Ron specializes in driving double organizational growth.

Rony Chen, a cybersecurity and software development expert, brings 5 years of online security expertise. A Tel Aviv Open University graduate, he specializes in security implementation and training, with proficiency in PL/SQL, C, Python, and SIEM systems.

As co-founder of Dream Big Books Inc., Ryan brings 15 years of entrepreneurial experience and boundless creativity to children's publishing. His innovative problem-solving approach, shaped by childhood reading adventures, drives his passion for helping young minds explore limitless possibilities.

Sarit is a seasoned CEO and business development executive specializing in AI innovation and startup growth. With expertise in team building and strategic development, she transforms concepts into profitable solutions while consistently delivering high-ROI projects.

Sasha Fried, a digital health pioneer, scaled telemedicine services to 500+ physicians during COVID-19. Drawing from personal experience as an orthotics user, he's now revolutionizing the industry by making custom footcare solutions more accessible and affordable for Canadians.

Shany is a multifaceted professional combining engineering expertise, an MBA, and certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. As a Senior Behaviour Therapist at Surrey Place, she enhances lives through evidence-based interventions, drawing on international experience from Japan to West Africa. With a focus on digital accessibility and marginalized communities, Shany brings together analytical thinking and empathy to create innovative solutions for those with developmental disabilities.

Shawna Millman, founder of Cottage Confidence Rentals, brings 21 years of Wall Street and Bay Street experience managing $3B in leisure sector assets. She now helps cottage owners transform properties into successful income-generating investments.

Sonya Meloff, co-founder of Sales Talent Agency, has revolutionized North American sales recruitment since 2007. A former Monster.com executive, she's helped 1,500+ organizations build sales teams and champions sales careers through initiatives like the Great Canadian Sales Competition.

As Founder & CEO of Kelencontent, Tanya Kelen is a serial entrepreneur and content distribution expert who has licensed 8000+ hours of premium content globally. She specializes in strategic partnerships, production, and distribution, serving major networks including Disney, Amazon, and Nickelodeon.

Tom Petersil, founder and CEO of BWellAi, brings nearly 20 years of IBM experience in data solutions. After launching digital health startups during COVID-19, he created BWellAi to democratize health insights using AI and Web3, offering advanced tools for free and promoting equitable health management.

Uri Ron-Amit, partner at NewAge Trekking, brings 25 years of global humanitarian aid and backpacking experience. His passion for cultural exchange and sustainable tourism creates unique treks that combine adventure with environmental and social impact.

A seasoned expert in R&D and computer vision, Vadim specializes in machine learning and deep learning technologies. His extensive software development experience spans Python, algorithms, Android, and cloud computing, with particular expertise in AWS and image processing solutions.

Clinical social worker and infant mental health specialist Valerie Groysman founded Talkin' Sleep to provide families with science-backed, relationship-based sleep solutions. Her tech-enabled platform delivers personalized guidance for infant and child sleep and well-being, offering a compassionate alternative to conventional methods.

Yan Katcharovski, CTO & Chief of Staff at Intra, uses his expertise in technology and leadership to provide top talent and tools to the healthcare and childcare sectors. His background in AI research and entrepreneurship further drives Intra's innovative solutions.

A tech visionary with over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, Yulia specializes in launching tech businesses globally. She combines hands-on marketing communications expertise with passionate startup advocacy, championing innovation and greater representation of women in STEM.

Zack Gans is an experienced entrepreneur passionate about interactive storytelling. With a diverse background and strong leadership skills, Zack drives innovation in the digital media industry.

Zack Magerman, a customer relations executive in the internet industry, excels at building strategic partnerships. The George Brown College marketing graduate combines operational expertise with a relationship-centric approach to deliver exceptional value to business owners.