Superangel.ca

IP Marketing Advisor provides ’Words Of Wisdom for Start-Up Entrepreneurs‘

From an Interview w/ Harley Finkelstein

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Exploriem.org & OCRI are Hosting the 2nd Annual ‘Bootstrap Awards‘ on February 12th

‘Celebrating Entrepreneurship in Our Community’

Get Your Submissons in Now by Clicking  HERE

In 2007 I had the fortunate opportunity of being introduced to Ian Graham and to TheCodeFactory, Ottawa’s leading business incubator and start-up co-working space. I was immediately impressed with Ian’s passion for start-ups and his unique expertise in business innovation, and this interest subsequently led to my becoming an adviser to Ian’s company and to us developing a really strong and supportive working relationship. I recently asked Ian about current student-entrepreneur initiatives/programs at TheCodeFactory, and below is his reply. On a side note I strongly suggest that any start-up entrepreneurs in the Ottawa region, student or otherwise, (who don’t already know him) get in touch with Ian for one of his ‘famous’ coffee-side chats and mentoring sessions – well worth your while.

“The best example I can give with regard to student entrepreneurs is our “Students and Start-ups” event. This event is based on the premise that students want meaningful and relevant work experience, and start-ups want energetic and enthusiastic employees. Putting the two groups together seems like a match made in heaven. We have had 3 ‘Students and Start-ups’ at TheCodeFactory resulting in 8 hires (I witnessed the latest one today first hand), with more expected within the next few weeks. When people hire, what they are really looking for is attitude and personality; however, traditional hiring processes focus exclusively on skills. ‘Students and Start-ups’ provides a matching based on attitude and passion, free of resume bias. It is really more about you, the person, and less about how good you look on paper. Start with some introductions, add a couple of team-based challenges and the result is students getting hired and matched with great companies. This event adds value to all of the participants and is just one of the ways TheCodeFactory adds value to students and entrepreneurs.”

Martin Zwilling of Startup Professionals & Forbes.com Interviews Harley Finkelstein

Part of  ‘Startup Professionals Musings’ on StartupProfessionals.com

Click Logo or HERE for Full Interview

When I moved to Toronto last year, it was strongly suggested to me that I meet with the Maple Leaf Angels. Although our paths had crossed informally at numerous venture and start-up events, I didn’t fully grasp the extent of their dynamic model. I recently had the opportunity to meet with Craig Hayashi, who is a one of their principals (and sits on their Board of Directors), for a lengthy chat about how the group operates and how they invest. Below is a brief summary of our dialogue. I must say that besides being a friend of the SuperAngel team, Craig is also a great guy and I highly recommend their dynamic group to any start-ups seeking fresh capital and experienced advice.

Maple Leaf Angels is Ontario’s leading angel investment group with over 40 investors and $6 million in financings closed since its inception in 2007. Maple Leaf Angels holds 10 investment events a year where high potential early stage companies in the high tech, medical device, and cleantech sectors are presented to their group of investors. Maple Leaf Angels’ members are experienced business professionals that have strong operational expertise and business networks (with an accompanying track record to prove it). In addition to financing capital, members help investee companies by taking board seats or advisory roles. The following provides a detailed Q/A with Craig and Rob Koturbash, who is the Managing Director of the group – click HERE.