FinHub: A Canadian Founders Podcast

In this episode we talk with Rob Khazzam, the CEO and founder of Float, an all-in-one card and spend management solution for Canadian businesses. We discuss Rob’s journey from launching Uber across Europe to founding Float, the challenges of building a startup, and the critical lessons learned along the way. We also delve into the core elements needed for success in FinTech and Float’s recent $17 million series B financing round. Don’t miss Rob's valuable insights on culture, product market fit, and trends in the FinTech industry!

In this episode, we interviewed Rainbow Chik, a Rotman Commerce alumna who has spent the past decade at the forefront of data-driven investing, alternative data, and ESG analytics. We discussed how data collection has evolved, the innovative approaches investment firms are using to gather insights, and the challenges they face along the way. Rainbow shared her unique perspective on the transformative role of data in reshaping the financial industry.

In this episode, we spoke with Danish Yusuf, founder of Zensurance, Canada's biggest Insurtech that provides innovative insurance solutions for Canadian small businesses, offering amazing rates that can be up to 35% less than what competitors offer, giving their customers the confidence they need at the best possible price. We explore Danish's journey from McKinsey to being a founder, his strategy for company growth, his persistent vision on the market, and four of Zensurance's competitive advantages against competitors. Lastly, Danish also talks about future trends in the financial industry. 

In this episode, we spoke with David Excell, founder of Featurespace, a leading company in the field of adaptive behavioral analytics. We explore Featurespace’s journey in revolutionizing fraud prevention and risk management, delve into their innovative use of machine learning, and discuss key industry topics such as the evolution of real-time fraud detection and the challenges of implementing AI-driven solutions in financial services.

In this episode, we sit down with Mahima Poddar, SVP and Group Head of Personal Banking at EQ Bank. We dive into EQ Bank's challenger-bank approach, explore their innovative product development process, and discuss hot topics such as Open Banking and the consolidation trends in Canadian banking.

In this episode, Jad discusses how Baselane is revolutionizing the banking and real estate industry, helping landlords have tailored financial services, automated tools, and actionable data to save time, increase returns, and grow their investment portfolios. Jad walks us through the process of data consolidation, how his software works, and also the importance of partnerships. We also discuss retention strategies, data privacy, and product creation and growth. Lastly, Jad talks about  the upcoming trends for the Fintech ecosystem.

In this episode, we talked with Hamed, the founder and CEO of VoPay, a company revolutionizing the fintech landscape by offering data-driven API payment infrastructure and financial solutions across North America.   Hamed shares his journey from the telecom industry to founding VoPay, emphasizing the challenges of money movement that led him to create a fintech solution. Overcoming hurdles such as regulatory compliance and financial risk, VoPay has distinguished itself by not merely processing payments but enabling businesses to become fintech providers.  The episode explores VoPay's impact across various industries, their approach to leveraging AI and machine learning, and thoughts on trends such as open banking and the rise of financial services integration within different sectors. Hamed also discusses the company's bootstrap funding strategy, customer-driven product development, and future expansion plans. The conversation concludes with insights on entrepreneurship in the competitive fintech industry. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to VoPay 00:51 The Genesis of VoPay: Hamed's Journey 02:04 Overcoming Challenges in Building VoPay 03:18 Differentiating VoPay in the FinTech Space 04:22 Impactful Customer Stories and Industry Influence 06:02 Exploring AI and Machine Learning in Financial Services 08:14 The Future of FinTech: Open Banking and Beyond 13:17 Raising Capital and the Bootstrapping Journey 17:46 Product Development: Customer-Driven Innovation 19:08 VoPay's Expansion Plans and Future Projects 20:15 Entrepreneurial Lessons from VoPay's Journey 22:12 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

In this episode, we dive into the world of how tech is driving changes in enterprise architecture and fostering innovation within a large financial institution's customer strategy. Our guest, Lawrence, serves as the Chief Architect & Innovation Officer at BMO Financial Group, where his primary focus is not just on nurturing a culture of tech innovation across the bank but also on discovering emerging technological trends beneficial to the BMO's strategy. Join us as we explore how Lawrence and his team are driving innovation forward, embedding it into the core of the organization's culture, and staying ahead of emerging technologies that could shape the future of banking, helping customers make real financial progress.

In this episode, Cato discusses how Loop is enabling businesses to seamlessly manage money around the world. He also talks about the opportunities within the current financial system and how Loop has found ways to leverage them. Cato emphasizes the significance of partnering with existing financial institutions to build technology that works seamlessly and is interoperable with existing financial services. Lastly, Cato sheds light on the future vision for Loop. Listen in to uncover the transformative potential of Loop in the world of fintech! Go and check out Loop Loop's LinkedIn Cato's LinkedIn Cato's Twitter

In this episode, Jesse discusses how Homewise is enhancing the ownership process for its customers. Jeff also talks about the challenges faced during this entrepreneurial journey and how they were able to mitigate them. He also emphasizes the significance of partnerships in creating value. Lastly, Jesse sheds light on open banking and the upcoming trends for the Fintech ecosystem. Go and check out ⁠Homewise Homewise's LinkedIn

In this episode, we delve into Dr. Van Liere's remarkable journey in fintech, tracing his path from prestigious organizations like Shopify and the Wikimedia Foundation to his pivotal role at Wealthsimple. We explore how his expertise in data science and technology is shaping Wealthsimple's innovative approach to financial services. We also discuss the intersection of fintech with emerging technologies like AI and gather his valuable advice for students and aspiring fintech entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we had a discussion with Jeff about his journey from co-founding Skipthedishes to now co-founding NeoFinancial. We talked about the benefits of having multiple co-founders, and Jeff also shared his views on how having a multi-billion-dollar tech startup based in Winnipeg could be influential to the tech landscape in the province. We also delved into how NeoFinancial is shaping the fintech industry in Canada, and the regulatory framework surrounding the fintech industry.

In this episode, Professor Harvey talks about inverted yield curves, our current financial situation, and Decentralized Finance (DeFi). He also identifies the current issues in today's banks, and gives us an idea of how the future of finance should look like.

In this episode, we delve into Justin's journey as a founder and how he met his co-founder. We also talk about Pine's growth and the fintech industry in Canada.  Justin emphasizes the significance of having insights into the industry in which you are building a business. Such insights can help in navigating the challenges that arise along the way.

In this episode, we discuss Financeit’s fascinating consumer lending business of partnering with retailers and vendors to offer a competing product that is better than HELOCs and personal credit. We also explore its inspiring journey from failure to acquisition by Goldman Sachs to the bright future as the leading Canadian company in this $70B marketplace. We will also hear from the co-founder and CEO, Michael Garrity, a serial tech startup founder, who shares his wisdom on the entrepreneurial mindset, networking, and outlook for the future.

On this episode of the Canadian Founders Podcast, host Anagh Narain sits down with Mike Dobbins, founder of RBC Ventures and venture partner at Framework Ventures. Dobbins shares his experiences navigating the Canadian banking ecosystem and his journey creating RBC Ventures. Listeners will learn about the importance of relationship building, the shift towards digital banking, and the role of experimentation and customer feedback in selecting startups or ideas to build. Dobbins also discusses his experience as a venture capitalist, the impact of the pandemic on access to capital and valuations, and opportunities for collaboration between banks and fintechs. This episode is full of valuable insights and takeaways for anyone interested in fintech and the future of banking.

Daniel is the founder of Koho, a no-fee spending and savings account platform with the aim of helping Canadians change the way they save money. He has been an advocate for the start-up community in Canada throughout his career where he was a key seed investor in various startups and founded a renewable energy company before Koho.  In this episode ,we talk about the Canadian financial services ecosystem, the importance of money management, the shift towards digital banking in Canada and much more!

Saroop is the founder of Senso ai, Canada's mortgage tech platform that uses predictive artificial intelligence to provide lenders and financial institutions insights into their clients’ needs and strengthens relationships. He has been a big advocate for the technology innovation and investment community in Canada and hopes to change the way mortgage companies operate through the use of data analytics and integration of technology into their operations.  In this episode ,we talk about the Canadian startup ecosystem, the pros and cons of being an entrepreneur, the changing mortgage landscape and much more!

Laura is the founder of PolicyMe, Canada’s Insurtech platform that provides customers with affordable and quick access to insurance policies. Over the years she has worked as a management consultant at Oliver Wyman, and has had extensive experience within the insurance products industry as well. Laura's work at the World Economic Forum led her to launch a program that involved partnerships between multiple industry stakeholders as well and she continues to work towards making insurance more affordable for individuals in Canada.  In this episode ,we talk about PolicyMe's business model and growth, the evolving insurance industry in Canada and much more! 

With Your Host: Priyanka Vashisth Meet Kirk, the founder of Wave HQ, Canada’s bookkeeping and payments solutions software for small businessowners. As an entrepreneur, Kirk is passionate about building great teams and is focusing on helping businesses streamline accounting processes through waves products and services. Since being founded in 2009, Wave grew substantially in a short period of time, and was acquired by H&R block in 2019. The company continues to innovate, with a goal of making Wave an all-in-one financial management solution for small business owners.  In this episode ,we talk about waves success, the launch of its new products, open banking and much more.