Emily Mercy

I am super happy to see how economic development units are adopting AI to make life easier for entrepreneurs and startups. Here's the case from Economic Development Lethbridge and the Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta (RINSA), who are adopting AI Assistants for a more effective entrepreneurship support. Read the whole case and announcement here below #entrepreneurship #innovation #AI #Alberta #Lethbridge #startupecosystem

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I recently asked Tiffany Linke-Boyko from Flying Fish Ventures for her insights on how Edmonton-region founders can better connect with venture capital (VC) firms. Here's what she had to say: "Founders often lack a base-level understanding of VC and the fundraising process, which adds challenges to an already tough journey. Building relationships early and knowing how to navigate the VC landscape is crucial." Here are Tiffany’s tips for connecting with VCs: 1️⃣ Events: If investors are present, introduce yourself! Building relationships early can speed up future fundraising efforts. Practice your pitch and determine if you're a good fit for their investment thesis. 2️⃣ Cold Outreach: Email or LinkedIn can work for some firms, but check their policies—some prefer warm intros only. 3️⃣ Warm Intros: Leverage your network—other founders, community members, or service providers can make key introductions. 4️⃣ Website Forms: Some VCs offer forms for submitting your pitch—use them if available. 5️⃣ Conferences: Be strategic—attend if you have a clear purpose, like connecting with investors. 🎯 Pro Tip: Always research VCs to ensure they align with your company’s stage and their investment thesis. This is great advice for founders looking to navigate the VC landscape in Edmonton. What’s your go-to strategy for connecting with investors? Let’s share and learn! #EdmontonInnovation #VCFundraising #StartupTips #Entrepreneurship

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For a new entrepreneur, seeking out investor help is just as difficult as it sounds. In a bid to make life easier for the next generation of startup founders across Alberta and the Canadian Prairies, Metiquity Ventures’ co-founding partners Bryan Slauko, CFA and Jacques LaPointe MBA, PEng have outlined some of the best potential routes for aspiring entrepreneurs for reach their destination on their respective startup investment journeys. Find out everything you need to know about #bootstrapping, #angelinvesting and more financial investor lingo via our blog: https://lnkd.in/ghnfxsKh #earlystage #startups #vcs #calgary #yycbusiness #fundingrounds #investments #investor #entrepreneur #startupecosystem #startup #growthcapital #vc #venturecapital #funding

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There are just a few days left to sign up for MWAF’s free webinar. Learn what steps you need to find investors. 👇

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Zero Inbox made it to round 3 of the New Ventures BC competition. If you know me, then you know that this is cool, because I believe in a few fundamental principles: 1) these competitions are great for local entrepreneurs because it helps them hone their craft 2) wheeling and dealing is important in learning We are delighted to be part of New Ventures BC. More important than the prizes are of course the mentorship they provide. Simply being a part of this competition is a prize in and of itself. Thank you New Ventures BC for allowing us to take part. Funny story - our mentor Catherine Dahl, FCPA, FCMA actually won the competition for Quadient Accounts Payable Automation by Beanworks, which eventually got acquired for more than $100 M. Of course, being in good company does not necessarily mean a repeat of good results. However we are simply encouraged by the relation and to be around such great people / organizations. Go ahead, try the world's greatest AI Email Organizer and get to Inbox Zero @ https://zeroinbox.ai #inboxzero #zeroinbox #ai #ballerworks

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Is It Really Ambition, or Is It Canada’s Business Ecosystem That Holds Entrepreneurs Back? I recently came across an article on BetaKit written by Douglas Soltys where Harley Finkelstein and Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke discussed the need for more ambition in Canada's entrepreneurial scene. Tobias Lütke specifically called out Canada’s “go-for-bronze” culture, claiming that ambition is a core problem. (https://lnkd.in/ecjd-jeZ) But let’s be honest—ambition alone won’t fix a broken system. The real issue isn’t just a lack of drive (we actually want to get gold!). It’s the structural barriers baked into Canada’s business ecosystem that hold back so many entrepreneurs, especially Black entrepreneurs. At The Inclusivity Institute for Better Data (IIBD), we’ve seen firsthand how #algorithmic biases and #proxy variables—like #geographic location and #credit scores—unfairly penalize Black entrepreneurs when they seek funding. It’s not about ambition. These entrepreneurs have plenty of that. It’s about #access—and right now, the system is designed to keep them out. One point I did agree with 'we’re also dealing with the worst year for VC fundraising in a decade, combined with tax changes that are killing investment opportunities for startups'. As such combined with structurally racism even the most ambitious entrepreneurs can’t succeed in an ecosystem where the odds are stacked against them. Check out our petition: Call to Action: Legislation to Eradicate Anti-Black Racism in Banking Practices 👉🏾 Sign the petition here: Change.org: https://lnkd.in/eq9BmAiy NewMode: https://lnkd.in/ePaB6-iv 👉🏾 Support our efforts by contributing here: Fund This Cause: https://lnkd.in/d6cGVcEt 👉🏾 To learn more, share your experience, and become more involved, contact us at: [email protected] Thank you for standing with us in this crucial cause! Join the conversation: #BlackEntrepreneurs #Advocacy #SupportBlackBusinesses #ItIsNotOK #Entrepreneurship #RacialEquity #FundTheCause

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I’m an introvert, how do I network? I'm going to Launch Party, the ultimate celebration of Calgary’s most promising Tech Startups and the grand finale of Innovation Week YYC 2024. It's going to be an awesome way to meet fellow entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts including the Top 10 Selection Committee of Haley Jabusch, ✨Joella A. , and Matt Elliott. But when you walk into a conference room full of people, it can be intimidating. Here's what I do... I’m an introvert, how do I network? Introverts (like me) have an advantage in networking because we naturally have the right skills. We’re good listeners, we remember details, we ask good questions, and follow-up. What’s the best way to network at a conference? In short, be prepared. Before the event, find out who’s going, ask your friends, look up the sponsor companies, use LinkedIn to make connections. Then arrange a meet and chat one of the presentation topics - it’s easy to connect over an interesting topic. How do I introduce myself? First, learn about the other person. What are they working on? What are their goals for this year? Now you can relate what you do to what they do. Here’s a framework: “We help (customer) + (with problem) + so they can (benefits)” E.g. “We help founders simplify technology complexity so they can grow revenue”. 👋 Come say "Hi!" and let's have a fun conversation! What's your networking tip? Share below! Want to know more? 🛫 Follow me for Insights on scaling your business. 👟 Make better software decisions, faster. Get my Software Assessment Playbook. Send me a DM. #Innovation #Management #Technology

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Thank you so much to my co-organizer Mike Shoss for streaming this event! 150 people packed OneEleven last night, and the energy was electric. The panel was incredible, so many diverse perspectives from internal talent acquisition leaders, external recruiters, start-up advisors, and two recently hired PMs, we had all angles on the job hunt. I got so much out of the session, here are some of my key take-aways and your TLDR on how to approach your job hunt right now: 1) Be intentional - think about the type of company you want to work at, whether it be size, stage, domain, business model, and understand why you want that. 2) Personalization gives you an edge - blast applying and not caring about the opportunity is a waste of time. Use your intentionality to pick the jobs you really want, and then put the extra effort in to telling the org why you are interested and how you would make an impact on their bottom line. Our panelist Caitlin Chua cold applied to her current role and included a case analysis that framed her whole interview process. 3) Don't be afraid to be your authentic self - tell your employer about yourself, and show your personal interests. If that somehow deters them from hiring you, then it wasn't a fit for you in the first place. Remember rejection is protection. 4) Networking isn't a means to an end, it's the whole journey- Building connections in your community can absolute help you get a job, but you shouldn't do it only to get a job. Make networking a journey for yourself and aim to build meaningful connections. They will help you in the long-run through professional opportunities, but also help you build your craft, make friends and create a richer, more fulfilling career. Thank you to our panelists Saeed K., Voula Vasilopoulos, Reece Fallon, @michaelhashizume, Caitlin Chua, @jasonmark for joining us! and as ever our amazing group of volunteers for helping pull the night together, Burcin Olcer Ozturk, Anahita P., Jade Pauk, Nik Astashinsky, Artem Trofimov, Curtis Savage, Maidah Mir!

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Shout out to Sam Naylor, Douglas Lui, CPA, CA and Calan Breckon for inviting the Deep Surface AI team to attend this meeting to discuss access to capital for #2SLGBTQIA+ founders and businesses serving those communities. Thanks to Ben Stokes, Patrick Driscoll, Jemi S., Geffrye Parsons, David Tsui and Leah Nguyen for sharing their insights into the barriers facing founders from, and businesses serving, the 2SLGBTQIA+, #Indigenous, #PersonOfColour and #Female communities. 👉 Worth noting 👈 Between 2000 and 2022, only 0.5% of funding in the US went to LGBTQ+ founders, while they created 36% more jobs, filed 114% more patents, and had 44% more exits. (https://lnkd.in/gX66A_7R)

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🎥 Ever been told it’s easier to secure $1.5 million than $15,000? It might sound counterintuitive, but for many entrepreneurs and innovators, it’s a real challenge. Why do funders sometimes prefer bigger asks? And how can smaller funding requests—essential for Lean Startup and Design Thinking methodologies—be positioned to secure the support they need? 💡 One key takeaway: Small funding isn’t just about building an MVP; it’s about the search phase—validating the market’s pain points, engaging with real users, and ensuring your solution is solving the right problem. By reducing risk and setting the foundation for scale, this approach can actually make you more fundable in the long run. Small Funding = Validation Phase, Big Vision = High Impact. 📢 Have you faced a challenge like this in your funding journey? How did you reconcile a small ask with a big vision? Have you tried the approaches mentioned? I’d love to hear your story in the comments. Thanks you Dr. Ditza Moreli Sagiv for bringing this topic up in our conversation during the Maximize Your 2025 Innovation Plan seminar.

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The typical product feedback we now get is: "Wow I can't believe you actually do all of this" or "How are you doing this in Canada?" This is why we are now looking for our first marketing hire to help take Vault to the next stage of growth. If you know anyone who I should be speaking with, tag them below!

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Imagine a Canada without Shopify. What began as a small business now powers millions of entrepreneurial dreams. This is the power of entrepreneurship—it’s not a single moment, but a dynamic journey that transforms industries, communities, and economies. To ensure Canada remains prosperous in the decades ahead, we need to create the conditions that foster and reward entrepreneurial growth. But this journey isn’t just for startups—Canada’s largest and most established companies have a crucial role to play. With the newly launched NACO Canada Angels & Dreams Fellowship Program, we’re clearing the runway for the next generation of Canadian innovators to get lift off. Success is about playing for the long term. Canada’s biggest companies are already getting involved, including senior leaders of industry giants like Amazon AWS, Barclays Canada, Google Canada, Interac, Loblaw Digital, National Bank, Porter Airlines, WestJet, and many others. By supporting the next generation of innovators through this Fellowship, we can help create the structural advantages that drive global competitiveness and transformative growth. Reach out if you want to get involved. Together, we’re building a future where Canada’s entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and lead on the world stage. This is just the beginning. #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #AngelsAndDreams #Fellowship #CanadianBusiness https://lnkd.in/gp-dttZT

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Starting a company in Calgary, away from the glarmorous tech hubs, taught me one thing: it's not about where you are but what you do with where you are. Calgary's community has been a cornerstone of our ZayZoon journey, providing support and unique opportunities that have fuelled our success. The key lesson? Your startup's location is just geography; its potential lies in your vision, drive, and readiness to seize opportunities wherever they arise. Your path may be unconventional and your challenges unique, but the potential for meaningful change is vast. Read more about our journey and insights in my latest article on Fast Company: https://lnkd.in/gGrvQBct #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #CalgaryTech #AlbertaTech #ZayZoonHustle

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Hey Toronto Founders and Investors! Are you planning to be in the city on May 23rd for Toronto Tech Fest? Join Jonah Midanik, General Partner of Forum Ventures and Forum's AI Studio, at the Forum House Happy Hour in collaboration with Sixty Degree Capital 🎉🎊 Get ready for an engaging evening filled with small bites, drinks, and insightful discussions about AI and AI Agents. Spots are limited, so don't wait too long to secure your spot! Register now at the link in the comments section below 👇 #TorontoTech #AI #TechEvent

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What's happening in #Winnipeg tech this month? Check it out 👇 🌾 EMILI has received investment from the governments of Canada and Manitoba for their Innovation Farms Centre. The centre will receive $2,025,000 over fives years to support increasing productivity, sustainability, and profitability across the agriculture and agri-food sector. 📈 Taiv, an ad detection and replacement device, is launching 3 new markets: Atlanta, San Francisco, and San Diego. 👩‍⚕️ QDoc Inc., a virtual healthcare platform, has launched their iPhone App and secured a contract with the Manitoba Government to provide 25,000 visits with Nurse Practitioners. 🛫 Andrew Loewen and Randy Schartner, former Priceline executives, announced their latest project Plannin, a global travel booking platform that empowers creators to monetize their hotel recommendations. 🤝 Gryd, has brought on Tim Wootton, founder of Rover Parking (Acquired by Spot Hero 2020), as an exclusive advisor for GrydPark. 🙌 North Forge has hired Dana Driedger as the Director of Strategic Initiatives. 🤖 Grant McDonald, Co-Founder and CEO at Bobo, has been accepted into Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii)'s CTO Level Up Program. 👀 In some eye-opening news, Manitoba raised the least of any Province in Canada in the first half of the year. With only one venture deal reported to the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA), Manitoba’s collective tech companies raised less than $1M. Venture deals and capital raised are not the only metrics that an ecosystem should be measuring their success by, though they are valuable indicators. These numbers highlight how much work there is still to do to make Manitoba a world-class ecosystem. Want to read more? Check out the Winnipeg Tech Newsletter in the comments.

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This is a very interesting article on how Canada’s new Greenwashing laws are shaking up businesses. Just minutes after Bill C-59 passed, the Pathway Alliance – a group of companies including ConocoPhillips and Imperial Oil, deleted their online corporate sustainability reports. The bill requires that companies provide evidence to back up their environmental claims. What do you make of this shake up?  I’d love to hear your thoughts. #greenwashing #greenhushing #canada #legislation https://lnkd.in/gKgny7Yr

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Arbor on the big stage! "Imagine navigating a ship through dense fog, you can't see the shoreline but you know it's rocky. You don't have a GPS, and there's no channel markers. It's nearly impossible to chart a safe course." "Now imagine that ship is our economy, and the fog is the uncertainty surrounding greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon Accounting is our GPS." Senator Colin Deacon really hit the nail on the head, outlining the importance of accuracy and traceability when it comes to carbon accounting. Thank you for your kind words senator, highlighting Arbor as a true leader in this space. #carbonaccounting #accuracy #traceability #supplychain #emissionsdata #software #data #arbor #canada

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