Ari Aronson

Pumped to be in Toronto today for Shopify editions.dev with Barrel CTO Wes. If you're here - come say hi 👋🏼 If you haven’t had a chance to check out the 150+ product updates in Shopify’s bi-annual release, Summer Edition '24, check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gETbX_2P It’s hard to believe we’ve been helping brands launch on Shopify since 2009. A lot has changed in the last 15 years. It's no longer enough for brands to invest in their website alone—they need to meet their customers where they are to succeed. As an agency, Barrel has evolved from focusing solely on a client’s website to examining the entire customer journey, seeking opportunities to enhance how customers shop and experience the brand across touchpoints. Many of our clients are CPG brands, making this approach even more relevant. These days we're working on building Shopify B2B E-Commerce storefronts, designing Amazon content, creating personalized email/SMS flows, and implementing Shopify POS. Shopify has continually evolved with merchants' changing needs and customers' buying patterns. They’re not afraid to embrace partnerships like Amazon Buy with Prime while investing the same energy in POS and B2B that got their core e-commerce offering to where it is today. The Summer ’24 Edition is aptly titled ‘Unified’ and, as usual, it’s a lot to digest. The addition of a “Top 10” summary this year is a great starting point. Among my favorite updates are unified & tailored Markets experiences across B2B and retail, store credit availability, split shipping in checkout, and seamless store pickup between POS and DTC. I'm eager to dive into the Summer Edition '24 with our team over the next few days and uncover new opportunities to enhance our clients' commerce experiences. + Subscribe to my newsletter for a weekly look at what I'm building and learning in agency leadership, life, and e-commerce: https://lnkd.in/eJU8Zpt

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By popular demand, I'm sharing the list of all tech events in Toronto for May here 👇 https://lnkd.in/eQc5yhjY Whether you're looking to learn from the best founders in the city, getting introduced to your next lead investor, hoping to land that next tech role, or just hang out with some of the coolest people changing the world, with over 130+ tech events on the list, there's bound to be something for you! My recommendations for events coming up? 1. Start with Toronto Tech Fest's exclusive Opening Gala experience (formal wear, food, drink, speakers, and secret passwords 🤫) 90% of all tickets sold, grab the last ones before they're gone! https://lu.ma/TTFGALA 2. Come see what people in the city are building at Demos Only! with Google. If you think you have the chops, sign up to demo what you're building yourself! https://lu.ma/qkmyfpyp 3. 6 of the top female founders will be battling it out at the Woman Founder Pitch Battle at the 6six. Signups are still live and pitching slots are open for women founders currently building their businesses. https://lu.ma/he8edd0d 4. Close out the week with a 1000+ person Founder Rooftop Mixer Party at Lavelle. This is shaping up to be the biggest startup gathering of the season, with an opportunity to meet, mingle, and learn with top founders, investors, operators, and business executives from across the tech space. https://lu.ma/b7jlqx2w If the list was helpful, please consider dropping me a like 👍 and helping to repost 🪃! Mell Truong Frank Chen Eric Lay Parry Chan Arda Erturk Victor Ou Oliver Xin ✨ Interested in more events in May? Check out lu.ma/torontotechfest for a whole month of amazing May tech events in Toronto! 👉 Got questions on the hottest tech events? Chat with us and stay in the know: lnkd.in/gNiWyJXv 📣 Want a list of all the tech events happening this month in Toronto? Click below 👇

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For Canadian founders navigating non-tech startup funding, knowledge is power. This episode dives deep into Canada’s extensive grant landscape—over 3,000 options, with Ontario leading the way. Learn why aligning your project with the right grant is crucial, and get actionable tips for making the process less daunting. Perfect for those looking to strengthen their funding strategies https://lnkd.in/giAn-i8W

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Such a great blog post which I suggest every founder read. So many golden nuggets in here. But one that stands out: What are some qualities that you see in the most successful founders? Well, I love smart people, with high IQs, and high EQs, that’s great. But, of the founders that I see, the highest correlation with success is with their grit quotient. They’re not necessarily the smartest people in the world, but their grit and determination are unbelievable. They never give up and always find a way to blast through any obstacle they face. It’s the mentality of “succeed or die” – it’s that kind of determination that wins. #gritcotient #grit #founder #highperformancemindset

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Did you know, VC firms that actively engage in marketing are 3x more likely to attract top-tier LPs [SonicBoom]. With over 230 active VC firms in Canada alone, leveraging marketing to build on visibility and amplify credibility is essential in a competitive market. Here are four VC firms I think shine in content and marketing strategies: - First Round Capital's The Review newsletter offers valuable insights to founders and LPs, setting them apart in the industry with 100k subscribers. - Version One Ventures excels in valuable content on their blog and sparks meaningful discussions on LinkedIn. It’s a perfect example of how great content drives real engagement with a target audience. - Inovia Conversations by Inovia Capital  focuses on sharing tactical advice and firsthand experiences, solidifying their positioning as 'company builders with an operator-led mindset'. - Pangaea Ventures, a Kollectively client, recently launched their new website that not only looks great but also aligns their brand messaging with their positioning as a leader in the #hardtech space. To enhance your fund's growth, ensure these 4 marketing musts are on your checklist: - Crystal clear value proposition - Investment in Thought Leadership - Strong Brand Presence - Regular Engagement in industry conversations Amidst the hustle of due diligence and fundraising, remember not to sideline marketing—it's a critical factor in expanding your fund's reach. #VentureCapital #MarketingStrategy #ThoughtLeadership #BrandPresence

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Are the Godfathers of AI actually CANADIAN? I LOVED working with Dorian over the years. He's a true entrepreneur with a creative spirit and a deep AI expert. Check out our CEO's interview with him on the VENTURE 2 VICTORY pod (link available in Tim's first comment below). #venturecapital #executiverecruiting #AI #canadianentrepreneurs

Curious - what are your thoughts on ageism in Canadian tech? Over the past month or so I've had several conversations with very experienced senior leaders, with terrific track records who have asked whether there is a 'too old to be considered' factor in hiring a leader for a scale-up. While I'm interested in exploring this... it also feels a little poking a bear. My first thought is this: Regardless of age - we're most often looking for: 1. experience navigating growth; 2. highly relevant talent; 3. desire to learn, grow and adapt; 4. and the energy and attitude to get through the highs and lows of scaling a business. 1. Age often brings depth of experience ✔️ 2. Talent relevance is a question ... newer tech and tools point to younger people with more recent education... but is that a fair conclusion? 3 & 4. What about willingness to learn, grow and adapt? or energy & attitude? Some might make assumptions that adaptability & energy decline in the final decade of a career. But I've seen more than enough late career wins to prove otherwise. So LinkedIn friends ... what do you think? Is ageism a problem in Canadian tech? Are we missing opportunities to leverage the experience in our communities? How can our senior professionals prepare to have the best final chapters?

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Switched things up a bit last night and headed out to the Toronto Marketing Hub's Marketing Social ! While I typically go to events in the Tech space, it was interesting striking up conversations within the Toronto Marketing ecosystem. Having the opportunity to discuss the candidate/hiring landscape currently, the rapid changes in AI-driven strategies and the ability to embrace the digital shift in the industry. Interesting insights I gathered: - Many people are upskilling them selves on the digital / AI / UI side to become more employable as desired skills from employers are changing - With the personal investment in upskilling, an above-average compensation is being targeted - (no surprise here) Many people I spoke with are managing multiple 'side gigs' and projects to develop a portfolio and to become more deiserd by employers - Some people had a tangable fear of the increase in automations and shrinking of internal marketing teams. Creating a bigger gap in the employer/candidate market #Marketing #networking #event #hiringtrends #iqpartners

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Are you facing a big decision on how to fund your startup? 🤔💡 Dive into a Toronto Business Development Centre guide written by AIO's own Kate Tomen, VP of Business Development & Operations, and uncover the critical differences between crowdfunding and angel investing. This essential read is your roadmap to making an informed funding choice that aligns with your startup's goals and needs. 🚀 Whether it's the expansive potential of angel investment or the community-driven power of crowdfunding, we've got the insights you need to navigate this crucial journey. 🔗 Your next big step is just a click away! https://lnkd.in/eEBGRZnE #StartupFunding #AngelInvestors #Crowdfunding #TBDC #EntrepreneurJourney

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At #meshcon's Day 2 Innovation Showcase, we met four more incredible leaders from under-represented communities across Canada. 1. 35% of LBTQ+ people still face discrimination when looking for a job, so the goal of Austen (Amber) Rowden 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 as founder of Rowden Digital, is to create spaces and inclusive environments where queer folks aren't a checkmark on a DEI list or token employee — but rather supported and encouraged to be their authentic selves at work. 2. Working at the intersection of art, technology and business, Art P. was tired of not seeing representation from the Indigenous community in the field of tech and innovation, which is why he started Indigitech Destiny. He notes that many people don't realize Indigenous peoples are one of the largest growing economic forces in not just Canada, but globally. 3. Lulu Mashonganyika is "on a mission to make flexible childcare possible for everyone, everywhere." Historically, childcare has been the lone responsibility of mothers, she says. So at LiiT Care Connect Inc. their aim is to use technology and the digital space to create a digital village that supports women who want to thrive in the workforce, but require childcare. 4. The biggest group of healthcare providers in Canada is family caregivers, says Paisley Churchill. One in four Canadians over the age of 16 are caring for loved ones experiencing a health crisis or disability. But there are no mechanisms in the country to support family caregivers, which leads to a lower quality of care for the person in need, says Churchill. The mission at Team CarePal is to ensure nobody has to provide care alone. #DigitalTransformation #innovation

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qastme.net Launch Your Dream Business with the Power of AI Get everything you need to succeed online in one powerful package. Imagine having a cutting-edge AI website (up to 25 pages) designed to convert visitors into leads, with targeted Google Ads driving qualified traffic. Our AI technology will craft a compelling press release to announce your launch, distributed for maximum impact. And to keep your sales funnel flowing, we'll leverage AI SEO to optimize your website and generate up to 5 high-quality leads per day, turning clicks into calls and sales. Here's what you'll get: * AI-Powered Website (up to 25 pages): Our AI will design a user-friendly, high-converting website tailored to your brand and target audience. * Targeted AI Google Ads: Reach your ideal customers with laser precision using AI-generated Google Ads campaigns. * AI Press Release Writing & Distribution: Get the word out with a captivating press release written by AI and distributed to top media outlets. * AI SEO Optimization: Dominate search engine results with our AI SEO tools, ensuring your website ranks high for relevant keywords. * Up to 5 Leads per Day: Our AI lead generation engine will identify and attract qualified leads, fueling your sales pipeline. Stop wasting time and money on piecemeal solutions. This all-in-one AI marketing package provides everything you need to launch and grow your business online. Ready to take your business to the next level? Contact us today to learn more and get started!

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In a recent online interview with ME +ai : A Marketing Education Community’s Liz Oke, Sonia Carreno, President of the IAB Canada, spoke about the profound influence of AI on marketing and marketing education. Read the full article here: https://hubs.ly/Q02tswSV0 #News #AI #Marketing #Interview #education

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How did rebranding turn Float into one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies? 🚀 When Float (formerly Journal) approached us, they had the ambition and potential to revolutionize business spending in Canada, but they lacked a clear brand direction. Our mission was simple yet impactful: to help Float clarify their identity, align their message, and set the stage for massive growth. Through our brand therapy process, we uncovered the core values that would shape Float’s future—simplicity, empowerment, and trust. We transformed these insights into a bold new identity and a tagline that says it all: “Business spending as it should be.” The results were beyond what anyone expected: • 300x increase in customers • 12x team expansion • Recognized as one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies This wasn’t just a rebrand—it was a launchpad for growth. Curious about how brand clarity could drive real results for your business? Drop a comment or reach out directly—I’d love to chat about how strategic branding can fuel your journey.

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🎙 A really good episode with tons of insight! Check it out below!

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FRIDAY - Sharing 3 searches with interesting nuance that the Jagger team is currently working on. CEO - TORONTO. DTC Brand doing mid eight figures of revenue - looking for a CEO who had lead & scaled a DTC first brand w/ omni-channel experience. Experience driving growth through to significant acquisition. Understanding of process, capital markets, contacts etc. Marketing Lead - REMOTE across Canada. (This could be a manager level or someone currently in a Senior IC capacity... or someone currently in a head of / director role that doesn't need a large team at the onset - We're open on comp and background) First Marketing hire for an early stage startup with successful founders who just sold their last business Applying everything they learned with the same approach to a new industry - These roles are the most fun and require a Marketing Generalist who thrives in the trenches and wants to build own the function from an early stage. B2B SaaS experience a must. Need someone who can be efficient - not going to build a team at the onset etc. *** I genuinely think this will be one of the most successful startups we hear about over the coming years Strategic Finance / Founding AE (In the US) / Marketing & Events Manager. One of our clients is a Search Fund that just purchased an amazing & long standing software business - They've injected two Co-CEOs who are incredibly sharp and hungry - They are going to grow the hell out of this business & looking for people who want to join. Great opportunity for people to join a proven business model with long track record that will now be in scale up mode and operating as a high growth start-up even though it's been around for YEARS. 3 roles - Need people who are looking for growth - This will not be VC backed salary bands - Lean, mean, green! Please reach out if you know of anyone or if you're interested in these opportunities. #Jobs #Hiring #Recruiting

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Let us know which #InnovationWeekYYC Day 5 evening events you're attending: 👩‍💼Agile Product Delivery Workshop | 🕒 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm at  Platform Innovation Centre Learn how to implement iterative software development processes with a focus on minimizing risks and gathering feedback for product-market fit. This workshop covers defining product features, launching minimal viable products, and agile project management techniques from Finnovate, making it ideal for startups looking to enhance their delivery strategies. 🔷Fundraising Realities: Navigating Barriers and Building Bridges for Diverse Founders | 🕒 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm at  Platform Innovation Centre This session will explore the unique challenges underrepresented founders face when raising capital, offering insights from experts and strategies to overcome barriers. Join the conversation to learn how funders and allies can help create a more inclusive venture ecosystem. 🌱SSRIA Business Growth Program: Final Showcase | 🕒 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM at Trolley 5 Join the watch party of the Smart Sustainable Tech Showcase to explore the latest innovations in sustainable tech for the building industry. Connect with innovators and learn how these technologies are advancing carbon reduction and building resilience in Alberta. This is a great opportunity to network and stay informed on how sustainable practices are shaping the future of infrastructure. ⚒️d.talks Presents: Design + AI, Friend or Foe? A Debate | 🕒 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at  Platform Innovation Centre Join d.talks as they explore the role of AI in the design industry during this dynamic debate. Delve into how AI is transforming careers in graphic design, architecture, and beyond—either as a tool for creativity or a disruptive force. Join industry experts for an engaging conversation on whether AI will enhance or replace traditional design roles. There are only a couple of nights left! Don’t miss your chance to celebrate, learn and grow with the #yycTech community. Register now! https://lnkd.in/gYjSnJYw

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