Bob Vaez

A clubhouse for ambitious Builders, Creators, Entrepreneurs. House 831 🏡 Curated membership, exclusive member-only perks, fireside chats, mastermind sessions, and co-working coffee shop style. Located in the heart of 17th ave. The big unlock with House 831 is the intersection of Creatives and Tech. People like Ralph Sadowski (Shopify, Uber, Neo) colliding with Scott Bakken (Content creator, Community builder and 750K+ across Insta/TikTok) 💪 It's where the kernels of the best companies in Calgary will come from. A house of learnings, good conversation, curiosity, creativity and hard work. It's important to note that the co-working aspect is "co-working, coffee shop style". We have limited desk space. Only 10 tables for 50 members. But that's ok. House 831 isn't meant to be a place to do an 8 hour day of laptop work. It's a space to drop-in for a mind-meld session, record a podcast in the studio, grab a coffee, and get exclusive access to events. ☕ 🎙 🧠 Some events will be curated, but open to the broader community (like Katherine, Nina, Nyle and Philippe's Run Club) 🏃‍♂️ Some events will be Members or Members +1 only. Intimate lunches, off-the-record fireside chats and backyard concerts. Members can host their own events too. After all, this is your house. 🔥 Want to be a House 831 member? Apply through the link in the comments 👇 This is Calgary 2.0. Long Calgary 🚀 https://lnkd.in/gCR8bR-h

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You've registered for Yotta, right? Wait you haven't you registered for Yotta? Why haven't you registered? Why aren't you registering now? https://lnkd.in/ej6vHVgw #yotta #yotta2024 #vegas #digitalinfrastructure #data #datacenter #datacentre #compute #storage #network #carbonzero #esg #sustainability #ai #artificialintelligence #quantumcomputing #quantumtechnology #chips #servers #cooling #liquidcooling #telecom #satellitecommunications #subsea #subseacable #telecom #edgecomputing

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Important work. Important tips. Get ready to raise.

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Returning from your annual leave to the news of a mass layoff is not easy, even if you have not been impacted directly. While I am sure this decision was not taken lightly and I could not agree more with what our CEO Dax said below about all the people we hired at Lightspeed over the past few years, it will take a while for those of us who are still here to go back to business as usual. Until then I need your support! This is where you all potentially come into play as my LinkedIn network: To my HR & Recruitment connections across EMEA & NOAM (Germany, Netherlands, UK, Belgium, France, USA & Canada) please email our talent directory [email protected] or reach out to me for more information if your company is hiring for various positions across most departments. As a recruiter, it is hard to see folks you hired and worked with being let go, and as a colleague even harder.... To my former colleagues who were impacted, if you need any support with your CV, need an intro email to someone I might be connected with who has an open position at their company or just want to chat, please reach out. ... also please remember you are so much more than your job!

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It's been a minute since I posted anything related to partner ecosystem led growth. I've been heads down in the lab at Prompt Therapy Solutions Inc building a program, a team and a unique methodology that keeps Prompts personality deeply engrained our partner program. If you are brought in to build or redesign a partner program, don't just take the standard frameworks you read about and fit them "as is". You need to spend time learning about the companies culture, it's personality in the market, the personality of each of the leadership team and design a program that leverages that personality to determine what the foundation of the program will look like. Oh and remember, partners are your customers. Their success is directly attributed to your success. #partnerecosystemledgrowth #partnerops #partnermanagement #healthtech #digitalhealth #physiotherapy #physicaltherapy

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As someone who follows innovation in the semiconductor space closely, I’ve been increasingly impressed by ventureLAB and the impact they’re making on hardware and deep tech startups. VentureLab is much more than just an innovation hub—they’re building a community focused on helping companies tackle the unique challenges of hardware development, from raising capital and securing intellectual property to commercializing their technologies. Through programs like the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, they’re providing startups with access to critical resources that can be hard to find elsewhere, including top-tier mentorship, specialized equipment, and connections to industry leaders. One of the biggest highlights for next year is the Hard Tech Summit 2024, which VentureLab is hosting. This summit is set to be a major platform for semiconductor and AI hardware innovators, bringing together some of the brightest minds in the industry. It’s not just about showcasing cutting-edge tech—it’s about meaningful collaboration, discussing future challenges, and scaling up solutions to meet global demand. For anyone in deep tech, this event is a must-attend, and it’s amazing to see how VentureLab is supporting the future of hardware innovation. I’m excited to see how VentureLab continues to drive growth and opportunity in the semiconductor ecosystem, and I’m looking forward to the game-changing ideas that will emerge at the Hard Tech Summit 2024. #HardTechSummit2024 #VentureLab #SemiconductorInnovation #AIHardware #DeepTech #InnovationEcosystem

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Here’s one thing I know for certain. Surround yourself with an amazing team of professionals who excel at what they do. Meet Joanne Mondelli, Director of Engagement, and Natalia Reis, RGD, VP of Brand from the exceptional team at Q30 Design Inc. These talented professionals, alongside the entire Q30 team, have been an absolute pleasure to collaborate with on an exciting project I’ve been working on (more details to come, so stay tuned!). What I enjoy most about working with Joanne and Natalia is not only their unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier results but also their meticulous approach to project management. They bring a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and attention to detail that’s rare and invaluable. I have complete trust in their expertise, knowing they will lead me in the right direction. Here’s the thing—when you hire professionals who align with your values and are experts in their field, you empower yourself to focus on what you do best. It's about working smarter, not harder. By trusting their leadership, I can channel my energy into the core areas of my business with confidence. Remember this: micromanaging leaders in their field not only disempowers them but also holds you back. When you allow people to shine in their respective roles, you enable growth, efficiency, and success across the board. Success isn’t about doing it all—it's about doing what you do best and letting the right people handle the rest. Trust your team, and watch how far you can go together. #collaborationovercompetition #leadership #empower #teambuilding #leadershipinsights #leadbyexample #management #humanfirst

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🚀 Why Choose Cavity Studios? All-in-One Powerhouse: Why juggle multiple vendors when you can have everything under one roof? From 2D sketches to 3D magic, we’re your one-stop shop for all things fashion. ▪️ Dream Team Dynamics: Our design, animation, and Meta marketing masterminds don’t just work together; they create synergy that transforms ideas into reality. ▪️ Cutting-Edge Creativity: We don’t follow trends; we set them. Get ready for designs that turn heads and spark conversations. ▪️ Tech Packs That Talk: Our detailed tech packs speak the language of precision, ensuring no detail gets lost in translation—hello, seamless production! ▪️ Save Time & Money: With our 3D prototyping, you’ll cut costs and speed up the process. It’s like getting your cake and eating it too—deliciously efficient! ▪️ Eco-Friendly Focus: Why harm the planet when you can fashion sustainably? We minimize waste so your brand can shine green. ▪️ Rapid Turnarounds: In the fast-paced fashion world, we keep you ahead of the curve with quick decision-making and lightning-fast production cycles. ▪️ Quality You Can Trust: Our designs aren’t just pretty; they’re precise. Expect high-quality outcomes that elevate your brand. ▪️ Future-Proof Your Fashion: With our innovative strategies, you won’t just keep up with the industry; you’ll lead the charge into the future of fashion. ▪️ Tailored for You: Your vision is unique, and we treat it that way. Our personalized support ensures we’re in sync with your goals—because great partnerships start with great understanding. Ready to step into the future of fashion? Let’s make some magic together! ✨ #CavityStudios #FashionInnovation #3DDesign #SustainableFashion #CustomFootwear #TechPack #DesignServices #FutureOfFashion #CreativeCollaboration

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Pixels and Pints! It was my first time to come to one of the most legendary meetups in Calgary organized for over a decade by the OG community builder Tony Grimes. The purpose of Pixels and Pints is simple: provide a venue for web developers and digital creatives to sit down, relax and talk shop. There are no presentations, tutorials or pre-defined discussion topics; just a few pints and good conversation. All are welcome: designers; coders; copywriters; analysts; anyone who spends their day pushing, publishing or just plain programming pixels. Why the pints? Because after a long work day, you probably need one.

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👋🏾Welcome to Indigo Innovation Group: Your Strategic Thought Partner. ✨At Indigo Innovation Group, we are dedicated to serving as strategic thought partners, advisors, strategists, coaches, and consultants to philanthropic, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations. We aim to accelerate change through system-level approaches, equity, and strategic collaboration. 👉🏾Consulting Services Having a strategic thought partner can make all the difference in navigating complex challenges and driving impactful change. Our consulting services are designed to provide you with the expertise and support needed to achieve your goals. Whether you want to develop a comprehensive strategy, enhance your organization's effectiveness, or foster collaboration, we are here to guide you every step. 👉🏾Coaching Services: Embrace the FLOW Our coaching program, FLOW, is designed to help you achieve a state of mind where you are entirely focused, balanced, and in tune with your desired goals, dreams, and unique calling. We help you tap into your natural rhythm through personalized coaching sessions, enabling you to reach your full potential and experience profound personal and professional growth. 👉🏾Speaking Services: Inspire. Transformation Indigo Innovation Group also offers dynamic keynote presentations on social and transformational change. Our presentations cover a range of proprietary topics, and we can work with you to create a customized experience tailored to your audience's needs. Whether you want to inspire your team or spark meaningful conversations within your community, our speaking services will leave a lasting impact. 👉🏾Schedule a Consultation Ready to explore how Indigo Innovation Group can help you or your organization thrive? Visit our website to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation today. Through strategic thought partnerships and collaboration, we can create a brighter future. 👉🏾Connect with Us Visit Indigo Innovation Group's website to learn more about our consulting, coaching, and speaking services. Then, follow me, Tracey Greene- Washington on social media to stay updated with our latest insights and events. https://lnkd.in/g5533cnc #Coaching #KeynoteSpeaking #SocialChange #TransformationalLeadership #website #womeninbusiness #indigoinnovationgroup #consultation #traceygreenewashington

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Take Two is cutting staff and canceling projects while they wait for GTA6 to come out. They seem to be undertaking a year of efficiency not unlike Meta's in 2023. Sigh. I had hopped that Take Two was better than this. ----- Feb. 6, 2023: GamesIndustryBiz: "Take-Two misses sales guidance, downgrades forecast again. Zelnick says shortfall isn't on developers as publisher looks to trim expenses without sweeping layoffs" GamesIndustryBiz: https://lnkd.in/gtSUr4sy Feb 8, 2024 : IGN: "Take-Two CEO Says They Have 'No Current Plans' for Layoffs Amid Cost Reduction Program. Strauss Zelnick says they "haven't put any meat on the bones of" the cost reduction plan quite yet." IGN: https://lnkd.in/gM7tgBMA March 7, 2023 GamesIndustryBiz: "Take-Two cuts jobs at Private Division Publisher says impact on US dev teams is minimal, and it has started legal processes outside of US that could result in further layoffs" GamesIndustryBiz: https://lnkd.in/gRTN67MU March 28, 2024 GamesIndustryBiz: "Take-Two to acquire Gearbox from Embracer for $460 million. Randy Pitchford to remain leader of the Borderlands developer" GamesIndustryBiz: https://lnkd.in/g8_b7pwz April 17, 2024 GameDeveloper: "Take-Two is making layoffs weeks after dropping $460M on Gearbox Interactive. The publisher will spend up to $200 million on a cost reduction program that will also include project cancellations." GameDeveloper: https://lnkd.in/gV97WPwr ----- April 17, 2024 GamesIndustryBiz: "Take-Two laying off 5% of staff. In addition to approximately 580 jobs cut, publisher's latest cost reduction program also involves cancelling projects, streamlining organizational structure" ( Brendan Sinclair) (April 16, 2024) "Take-Two Interactive is embarking on another cost cutting program, and this one will see the company layoff about 5% of its employees by the end of the year. "As part of these efforts, the company is rationalizing its pipeline and eliminating several projects in development and streamlining its organizational structure, which will eliminate headcount and reduce future hiring needs," Take-Two explained in an SEC filing stating that the board of directors approved the new program today. In its latest annual report, Take-Two reported having 11,580 full-time employees, which would put the layoffs at approximately 580 people. Take-Two expects the cost reduction program to cost up to $200 million, with as much as $140 million in charges coming from the cancelled games, up to $35 million in employee severance and similar charges, and as much as $25 million more in office space reduction expenses. Take-Two has posted net losses for seven straight quarters. Its last quarter reporting a net profit was the three months ended June 30, 2022, the quarter before the publisher closed on its acquisition of Zynga." GamesIndustryBiz https://lnkd.in/g4rD93_4 #gameindustry #gamelayoffs #disturbanceintheforce #gamedev #taketwo

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🔙 Throwback Episode Alert! 🎙️ We're diving back into one of our favorite episodes of Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, featuring the remarkable Shea Belsky. As the CTO of Mentra and a staunch advocate for neurodiversity, Shea brings invaluable insights into fostering an inclusive workplace for neurodivergent individuals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the unique dynamics and strengths that neurodivergent leaders bring to the table. 🌟 Episode Highlights: Unique Perspectives of Neurodivergent Leaders (0:02:00) - Shea discusses the distinctive viewpoints and innovative approaches neurodivergent leaders bring to solving problems and managing teams. The Importance of 'Manual of Me' Documents (0:04:05) - Learn about the benefits of creating personal guides to improve team communication and understanding, especially in remote settings. Challenges in Neurodivergent Leadership (0:08:04) - Shea shares the ongoing struggles and the lack of tailored leadership resources for neurodivergent professionals. Advocating for Neurodiversity in the Workplace (0:15:10) - Insights into the efforts by companies like HubSpot and Wayfair to create supportive environments for neurodivergent employees. Join us in revisiting this insightful discussion and discover how to create a more inclusive and supportive workspace. If you'd like to be a guest on a future Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge episode, DM the word PODCAST and a booking link will be sent to you. #TechnologyLeadership #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #LeadershipDevelopment #DigitalTransformation #TechLeaders #Neurodivergent #InclusiveWorkplace #Mentra

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"Just pass the cost on to the customer!" How often have we heard that lazy solution for addressing increased costs due to inflation? Take this $1 charge just to toss wings in sauce at what used to be one of my favorite #Ottawa wing nights. It’s a mundane, repetitive task that could easily be automated — with economic savings for both the customer and business owner. With Canadian household spending down 1.3% in Q2 2024—reaching recession levels—it’s obvious: people just don’t have the money. Everyone’s tightening their belts, and your business can’t keep passing every extra cost onto consumers. Robots and automation are inherently deflationary. To truly thrive in any economic environment you need to explore process innovation, automation, and robotics to reduce costs and stay competitive. Imagine if Canada had a Ministry of Automation and Robotics, helping businesses integrate Canadian-made solutions to stay competitive and affordable for Canadian consumers.... Ah well, see ya never wing night. 🍗 👋 🍗 👋 🍗 👋

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The 3 top secrets about SR&ED If you’re a founder in the Canadian tech space - this snippet is for you! 1. In 2019, SR&ED provided >$3 billion in tax incentives to over 20,000 businesses. A quick 1-liner on SR&ED: It is the single largest federal program to support R&D in businesses in Canada. 2. 80% of SR&ED claims were received by companies with <100 employees I really want to hammer this home 2% of claims came from Solopreneurs Since this is from 2019, I fully expect this number to be higher for 2023-2024 57% were for companies with 1 to 19 employees…again based on 2019 data The takeaway - You might be small But you’re a powerhouse of innovation 3. You had an innovative-as-heck idea, spent time and experimented on it; but it failed You can still claim SR&ED on it. I LOVE this because it is the correct long term approach. Be rewarded for your innovative attempt, not its outcome. — Like this snippet? Please let me know what you thought in the comments below. Also, follow me for more insights. Want to get started with SR&ED for your business? Drop me a note for a no-obligations consultation.

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Like in a VC round, finding a lead investor in an Angel round is crucial. The lead does not necessarily need to invest the most. What matters is that they endorse you to other investors. A lead can be a subject matter expert, a well-known Super Angel with a track record, or just someone who believes in you. They will write the first check, did their diligence on your company, and are willing to share their findings with others. Most importantly, a lead believes in the potential of the company and will be more keen to take risks and grow faster. Read a great story about the lead Angel in Shopify, John Phillips: https://lnkd.in/gkCshb9F #angels #leads #funding

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The Venture Capital Association of Alberta (VCAA) is excited to share an upcoming two-part webinar series hosted by Michael Ho, Founder & CEO of The Priority Map. If you're a founder preparing for your Series A or refining your fundraising strategy, these sessions are packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss! 💡 Meet Michael Ho With a track record that includes raising venture capital, leading product for a company, being part of a sales team from zero to $100M, achieving two successful exits, and working as a VC, Michael now focuses on helping founders build a winning narrative and secure multiple term sheets. 📅 Session 1: Building Your Narrative from Seed to Series A When: September 26, 2024 from 4 - 5 pm MT Where: Virtual - Register here 👉 https://lu.ma/cqcgtld0 📅 Session 2: How to Run a Fundraising Process When: October 17, 2024 from 10 - 11 am MT Where: Virtual - Register here 👉 https://lu.ma/cqwz0m29 🎯 Key Takeaways from Both Sessions: 1. VC Expectations: Understand what venture capitalists are looking for in today's market. 2. Milestones & Roadmap: Learn essential steps to unlock Series A funding and attract multiple term sheets. 3. Investor FOMO: Discover how to create urgency among investors and secure term sheets. 4. Best Practices: Gain insights into key strategies, metrics, and timelines for a successful fundraising process. Join us for expert guidance on navigating the fundraising process! #venturecapital #fundraising #startupfunding #seed #seriesA #VCAA #startups

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Last week I attended NEXT Canada's Venture Reveal event, where I was fortunate to witness some of Canada's most promising startups pitch their innovative companies to an audience of investors, academics, and fellow entrepreneurs. For those unfamiliar, NEXT is a powerhouse tech incubator committed to nurturing the next wave of impactful Canadian entrepreneurs. With an impressive track record of launching unicorns, facilitating over $2B in capital raises, and supporting countless entrepreneurs in their journey to improve Canada's competitiveness, they are highly valued in the early-stage tech community. Reflecting on the event, a few key insights resonated with me: -"There will be 100 problems in a startup, the ones who end up surprising us aren't always the ones who sparkle the most. They are the ones who keep crawling through." Ajay Agrawal's perspective on the nonlinear nature of startup challenges underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability. -As John Kelleher aptly put it, "The game of building successful tech startups is a game of outliers. Every year of the 130k businesses are started, 4,000 are capable of building and securing venture funding. Of those, 200 will raise funding from a top-tier VC and only 15 will generate almost all venture returns. -Despite Canada's GDP per capita experiencing a decline of 1/2% annually since 2020, it's imperative we foster an environment that cultivates high-growth ventures. Amidst these takeaways, I'm inspired by the resilience and dedication exhibited by entrepreneurs tackling real-world problems head-on, especially amidst today's challenging climate. Special kudos to my mentees, Nicole Baranowski at Hairstrong and Matthew Stevens & Mathew Chan at Tailwind, for their commitment to bringing their innovative offerings to market. Here's to celebrating the bold visionaries shaping Canada's entrepreneurial landscape. Onward and upward!!! #CDNtech #entrepreneurship #growth

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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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We hit a major milestone this year! The all-volunteer board at CSEF (College Skateboarding Educational Foundation) raised over $100,000 from generous individual donors—our highest bank account balance ever. There were tears of joy, followed by an internal debate: Should we keep some funds on hand to invest in fundraising infrastructure and start next year with a cushion to give us a headstart? Or should we give it all to deserving scholarship applicants now, committing to work even harder next year to raise even more and expand our impact? As we reviewed this year’s applications, the reality hit us, as it does every year: we had more deserving applicants than funds available. The decision was clear. We have our work cut out for us next year. But for now, we celebrate our incredible recipients—the largest group by far—and thank our wonderful donors for making it all possible. To learn more about CSEF, its impact, and to consider kickstarting next year’s fundraising (heaven knows we can use it), visit collegeskateboarding.com.

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