10 episodes

Sharing the challenges, success, and failures in Canada’s Startup Eco-system We talk to founders, funders, innovators, and communities with your host The Founder of TorontoStarts The Startup Coach

Startup Talk The Canadian Startup Podcast The Startup Coach founder of TorontoStarts

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 11 Ratings

Sharing the challenges, success, and failures in Canada’s Startup Eco-system We talk to founders, funders, innovators, and communities with your host The Founder of TorontoStarts The Startup Coach

    Revolutionizing the Cannabis Industry: A Chat with Djot's CEO

    Revolutionizing the Cannabis Industry: A Chat with Djot's CEO

    In this exciting interview with Elad Barak, CEO and co-founder of Djot, a Toronto-based startup that is revolutionizing the cannabis industry with its precise dosing technology. Elad will discuss Djot’s proprietary Dispenser and Pod technology and how it allows users to enhance any beverage with the tap of a finger, creating a personalized and convenient cannabis experience without smoking or inhalation. Elad brings a wealth of experience in business development, fundraising, and general management, having raised more than $30 million from institutional and retail investors.

     

    Automated Transcript of Djot on the Startup Talk Podcast

    Announcer  00:02

    Direct from the sixth world renowned Canada’s largest city, with Canada’s biggest thinkers, visionaries and hustlers. This is startup talk featuring the founders, funders, innovators and community leaders who’ve led Canada’s startup ecosystem right here in Toronto. You’ll hear the challenges, the failures, the successes, Toronto StartUp podcast gives you the full story direct from the entrepreneurs and influencers who’ve made a difference. Now, the host of startup talk, the founder of Toronto starts this startup coach.

     

    The Startup Coach  00:37

    Welcome back to startup talk. I’m your host, startup coach, founder of Toronto Star. It’s one of the largest startup communities in Canada. With me today is Elad Barak, CEO and co founder of Djot, welcome Elad.

     

    Elad Barak  00:48

    Hey, thanks. Thanks for having me.

     

    The Startup Coach  00:50

    Can you tell us about your background and how it led to you co founding DDOT?

     

    Elad Barak  00:55

    I’m actually doing this podcast back from from where I grew up, which is in Israel, came for a quick visit. But I as I mentioned, grew up in Israel did the military service was an officer in the military. After that I got an opportunity to work abroad for Israeli embassy. So I worked for a year and a half in Mexico and another year in Ukraine. Back to Israel. I got my undergrad and Master’s in system engineering and worked for five years in the Israeli aerospace industry mainly with spacecrafts, a bit jet planes. At that stage, they felt things were too big for me. And that company is the biggest company we have in Israel. And I moved to a very small startup that builds robots for the US military here in Israel. And that really kind of started up my passion with startups. I then went to Toronto to get my MBA at U of T. And after that kind of led my career through smaller scale companies, and one of the cleantech then in the cannabis industry. And then that stage I decided to start my own company, John, which is what we’re talking about today. So that’s kind of my path and 60 seconds. So jot, jot, yes, the silence. What inspired the creation of jobs, I was working in the cannabis industry, for a company that was trying to do beverages. And after a year, that kind of didn’t work anymore. I wasn’t too hireable, probably. And we separated our paths. And I wanted to do also a cannabis beverage company, I thought things were done wrong. So a friend joined me and we started this company. And we want to do a cannabis beverage. And we tried to think what beverage should we do what dose and as we were working on it, our NBA hat kind of came to place. And we felt we’re not solving the right challenge for consumers. Consumers want the cannabis beverage, but they’re not asking us to choose the beverage or the dose. So we thought maybe a solution is to give them small vials where they can make their own beverages. And we thought, okay, that’s smarter, but it was still missing something. And that something was the dosing, as we’re all different. And there’s a lot of regulations that don’t allow you to sell more than 10 milligr...

    • 42 min
    AI-Powered Product Image Magic: How Max Sinclair's Ecomtent is changing photoshoots and the E-commerce Landscape

    AI-Powered Product Image Magic: How Max Sinclair's Ecomtent is changing photoshoots and the E-commerce Landscape

    In this episode of Startup Talk, we delve into the world of AI-powered content creation with Max Sinclair, the co-founder and CEO of Ecomtent.ai. Drawing from his extensive background at Amazon, Max shares how he and his co-founder were inspired to revolutionize e-commerce by harnessing the potential of AI-generated content. Max’s journey unfolds as he discusses the inception of Ecomtent in 2022, fueled by a belief that AI could shape the future of online marketplaces. Discover how Max’s experience at Amazon shaped Ecomtent‘s approach to customer obsession and innovation. Max provides insights into the intriguing world of generative AI and how Ecomtent’s self-service tool is empowering businesses to effortlessly create captivating product images. He unveils success stories of customers who have witnessed remarkable transformations in their content strategies. Delve into the challenges Ecomtent faced during development, their approach to pricing, and their mission to democratize quality content creation for e-commerce sellers of all sizes. Max also candidly shares his perspective on the AI debate, highlighting the need for caution while considering regulatory measures. Join us in exploring the evolving e-commerce industry, the power of creativity, and the future of AI in product content with Max Sinclair on this episode of Startup Talk.

    Links:



    * Ecomtent Website

    * Max Sinclair on LinkedIn





    The Pain Removers Maximum Strength CBD Pain Relief Balm is the ultimate solution for fast, long-lasting pain relief. With its powerful blend of natural ingredients, this balm is designed to provide relief that lasts 4-6 hours. Try The Pain Removers Pain Relief Balm a product we love and use regularly!

    Join us monthly for Startup Investor Drinks

    Register for Startup and Entrepreneur Events here

    TorontoStarts Entrepreneur and Startup Community

    Angel Investor List

    Venture Capital List

    Join us on Reddit

    TorontoStarts YouTube Channel

    Starting A Business in Ontario: A Resources Guide For Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Scaleups

    The Startup List



     

    Automated Transcript of Ecomtent on the Startup Talk Podcast

    The Startup Coach  00:01

    Welcome back to startup talk. I’m your host and startup coach, founder of Toronto Star. It’s one of the largest startup communities in Canada. And with me today is Max and Claire, co-founder and CEO of Ecomtent. Welcome, Max.

     

    Max Sinclair  00:12

    Thank you. Nice to be here.

     

    The Startup Coach  00:14

    Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to start ecomtent?

     

    Max Sinclair  00:19

    • 22 min
    From MVP to Venture Navigating the Startup Journey with Antler Canada on the Startup Talk Podcast

    From MVP to Venture Navigating the Startup Journey with Antler Canada on the Startup Talk Podcast

    In this captivating episode of Startup Talk, we delve into the world of startups and venture building with Bernie Li, general partner of Antler Canada. Join our host as he sits down with Bernie to uncover the secrets behind the Antler program’s success in nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs.

    Discover the essentials of identifying the right time to join a startup accelerator, the qualities Antler looks for in founders, and the unique strategies they employ to help entrepreneurs transform their ideas into thriving businesses.

    Bernie shares invaluable insights into the selection process, the ideal stage for applicants, and the type of commitment they seek from founders. Gain a deeper understanding of Antler’s supportive community, which fosters an environment for peer learning and collaboration.

    Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time founder, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration to navigate the startup landscape. Tune in now to get a behind-the-scenes look at Antler Canada and the path to entrepreneurial success.

    Links:



    * Antler Website

    * Antler Canada on Twitter





    The Pain Removers Maximum Strength CBD Pain Relief Balm is the ultimate solution for fast, long-lasting pain relief. With its powerful blend of natural ingredients, this balm is designed to provide relief that lasts 4-6 hours. Try The Pain Removers Pain Relief Balm a product we love and use regularly!

    Join us monthly for Startup Investor Drinks

    Register for Startup and Entrepreneur Events here

    TorontoStarts Entrepreneur and Startup Community

    Angel Investor List

    Venture Capital List

    Join us on Reddit

    TorontoStarts YouTube Channel

    Starting A Business in Ontario: A Resources Guide For Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Scaleups

    The Startup List



     

    • 49 min
    Cracking the Job Market Code: How CoverQuick's AI Lands Dream Jobs Faster

    Cracking the Job Market Code: How CoverQuick's AI Lands Dream Jobs Faster

    Join us on this exciting episode of Startup Talk as we delve into the world of innovative job applications with the co-founders of CoverQuick, Divine and Tosin. Discover how two ambitious entrepreneurs transitioned from a sock-selling venture to revolutionizing job hunting through the power of AI. With personal insights, engaging anecdotes, and a passion for solving real-world problems, Divine and Tosin share the journey of CoverQuick’s development, its AI-powered approach to crafting tailored resumes and cover letters, and the inspiring success stories of job seekers who landed their dream roles using this cutting-edge platform. Get ready to unlock the secrets to standing out in a competitive job market and learn about the future plans and partnerships that make CoverQuick a game-changer in the world of job applications.

    Links:



    * CoverQuick Web site

    * CoverQuick Instagram

    * CoverQuick YouTube

    * CoverQuick Twitter

    * Cover Quick Discord





    The Pain Removers Maximum Strength CBD Pain Relief Balm is the ultimate solution for fast, long-lasting pain relief. With its powerful blend of natural ingredients, this balm is designed to provide relief that lasts 4-6 hours. Try The Pain Removers Pain Relief Balm a product we love and use regularly!

    Join us monthly for Startup Investor Drinks

    Register for Startup and Entrepreneur Events here

    TorontoStarts Entrepreneur and Startup Community

    Angel Investor List

    Venture Capital List

    Join us on Reddit

    TorontoStarts YouTube Channel

    Starting A Business in Ontario: A Resources Guide For Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Scaleups

    The Startup List



    Automated Transcript of CoverQuick on The Startup Talk Podcast

    SPEAKERS

    CoverQuick, Craig Major

    Craig Major 

    Welcome back to startup talk. I’m your host, startup coach, founder of Toronto starts one of the largest startup communities in Canada. And with me today are the co founders of CoverQuick welcome, Divine. And Tosin.

    CoverQuick 

    Thank you very much.

    Craig Major 

    Can you tell us a bit about your backgrounds and how you got into the world of startups?

    CoverQuick 

    Yeah, I think I’m currently a bio grad from the roots Alberta in Edmonton. And I kind of got the startup world kind of accidentally, I kind of went to a startup events in my city and gone to the entrepreneurs, they’re talking about different coaches there. And it’s a really cool world, like being able to start your own business and being able to do something that you’re passionate about solve a problem that you’re really passionate a...

    • 35 min
    PORCH Helping 1 Million Immigrant Entrepreneurs Succeed

    PORCH Helping 1 Million Immigrant Entrepreneurs Succeed

    In this episode of the Startup Talk Podcast, the Startup Coach sits down with  Neil Weitzman, an entrepreneur who is passionate about helping immigrant entrepreneurs succeed in Canada. Neil is the CEO and Co-Founder of PORCH, an exclusive community for immigrant entrepreneurs and professionals, and the Founder of revenue•x, a Fractional CRO service that helps CEOs build and execute a robust Go-to-Market strategy for revenue acceleration.

    Neil’s passion for helping immigrant entrepreneurs succeed in Canada is evident in both his work with PORCH and revenue•x. Through PORCH, Neil is building a community that provides valuable resources and connections to entrepreneurs who might otherwise struggle to get their businesses off the ground. And through revenue•x, he is helping CEOs build and execute effective Go-to-Market strategies that drive revenue growth. We hope that this interview will inspire our listeners and provided them with some valuable insights and advice for their own entrepreneurial journeys.

    Links:



    * PORCH Community on LinkedIn

    * PORCH Community URL

    * PORCH on Instagram

    * PORCH on YouTube

    * PORCH on TikTok 

    * PORCH on Facebook

    * Neil Weitzman on LinkedIn





    The Pain Removers Maximum Strength CBD Pain Relief Balm is the ultimate solution for fast, long-lasting pain relief. With its powerful blend of natural ingredients, this balm is designed to provide relief that lasts 4-6 hours. Try The Pain Removers Pain Relief Balm a product we love and use regularly!

    Join us monthly for Startup Investor Drinks

    Register for Startup and Entrepreneur Events here

    TorontoStarts Entrepreneur and Startup Community

    Angel Investor List

    Venture Capital List

    Join us on Reddit

    TorontoStarts YouTube Channel

    Starting A Business in Ontario: A Resources Guide For Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Scaleups

    The Startup List

    • 47 min
    Unleashing the Power of AI in Cannabis Cultivation with GrowDoc

    Unleashing the Power of AI in Cannabis Cultivation with GrowDoc

    Unleashing the Power of AI in Cannabis Cultivation with GrowDoc.  In this episode of the Startup Talk Podcast we’re speaking with Daniel Lirette, founder and CEO of GrowDoc, a cannabis tech startup that uses artificial intelligence to revolutionize the way commercial cannabis growers approach cultivation problems. In this interview, Daniel shares his insights on the cannabis industry, the challenges he’s faced as an entrepreneur, and the future of GrowDoc.

    Key Takeaways:



    GrowDocAI is a powerful platform that offers real-time data and insights into plant health, growth patterns, and potential issues.

    With access to the latest and most accurate information available, growers can make informed decisions and maximize their success.

    GrowDocAI is a valuable tool for commercial cannabis growers of all sizes who are looking to achieve their cultivation goals, eliminate diagnosing guesswork and maximize their success.

    GrowDoc is a cannabis problem identification app that uses artificial intelligence to identify plant diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies.

    GrowDoc is backed by scientific research and partnerships with top cannabis research institutions.

    The cannabis industry is constantly evolving, and GrowDoc is at the forefront of innovation with its machine learning AI technology.

    GrowDocAI ensures user privacy and security of their data.

    Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the cannabis industry should focus on education and awareness, as well as staying ahead of the competition through innovation.



    Links:



    * GrowDoc Website

    * GrowDoc on Twitter

    * GrowDoc on Instagram

    * GrowDoc on YouTube

    * GrowDoc on LinkedIn

    * GrowDoc on Facebook

    * GrowDoc on Reddit





    The Pain Removers Maximum Strength CBD Pain Relief Balm is the ultimate solution for fast, long-lasting pain relief. With its powerful blend of natural ingredients, this balm is designed to provide relief that lasts 4-6 hours. Try The Pain Removers Pain Relief Balm a product we love and use regularly!

    Join us monthly for Startup Investor Drinks

    Register for Startup and Entrepreneur Events here

    TorontoStarts Entrepreneur and Startup Community

    Angel Investor List

    Venture Capital List

    Join us on Reddit

    TorontoStarts YouTube Channel

    Starting A Business in Ontario: A Resources Guide For Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Scaleups

    The Startup List



     

    • 22 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
11 Ratings

11 Ratings

boss_babe ,

Cons & kernels

I have read online the Episode 14, disappointed it wasn’t on here (or I can’t find it). Lots of great information supporting Start UPS. I look forward to listening to the other episodes.

Start up 2020
Liquid Sunshine

Craig Major ,

Thank you

Thank you for all the support!

Emily OBrien ,

A Fresh and Excellent New Podcast!

Finally glad to hear a Podcast that is not only refreshing and informative, but also am SO excited at the fact that I can listen to something interesting in the car now!

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