Pitch Please Pitch Please

Ever thought your everyday spending could help pay your rent? Meet Karla, the innovative platform connecting local businesses and renters, easing the burden of high living costs.

In this episode of Pitch Please, we talk with Robin Gray, the visionary behind Karla Rewards. Robin shares his journey from his challenging upbringing in Montreal to founding a tech startup aimed at reducing living expenses for Canadians. We dive into how Karla's unique rewards system helps members earn cashback on daily purchases, which can then be applied to rent payments.

Robin also discusses Karla's focus on community, financial literacy through Karla AI, and their ambitious goal of transforming shopping experiences while supporting local businesses. Learn how Karla is creating a connected ecosystem that benefits both residents and businesses alike.

Listen now to discover how Karla is making housing more affordable and supporting local communities in Canada!

About Robin

Robin Gray, an African-Canadian entrepreneur from Montréal, Quebec, founded Karla Rewards in 2023. After a successful four-year stint at Microsoft, specializing in Azure Cloud and Data + AI services, Robin took the jump into entrepreneurship and went full force into tackling affordable housing within local communities plagued with high living costs.

Robin grew up relatively poor. His parents were both immigrants from Europe and Africa, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges of immigration, but generally, the high cost of living in Canada. He aims to create Canada's first super-platform, focused on affordable housing and supporting local businesses. Through Karla, he envisions a connected ecosystem where businesses and residents are interconnected through a single platform, The Karla Network, with an ambitious goal to make housing more affordable, fairer, and more rewarding through its unique rewards program, Lifestyle Rewards.

About Karla Technologies

Karla Technologies helps Canadians reduce living expenses, particularly rent when its members make online and local purchases through the Karla Alliance Network. Additionally, timely rent payments with Karla contribute to building a strong credit profile. Karla addresses the network effect challenge of loyalty by focusing on hyper-localization, targeting dense communities, and fostering neighborhood connections.

Key Announcements: 

1. Karla has commenced development on Karla AI, a Robo Advisor to help its members with financial literacy

2. Karla has reached 1,000 members and 100 stores on its platform

3. Karla has entered into a partnership with IDEA Mississauga to transform shopping experiences for 16,000 local businesses (including SquareOne) and help reduce rent for Mississauga's vast 800K+ residential community! 

Want to Connect?

Email: robin@co-karla.com

Website: www.karlarewards.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/karlarewards/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlarewards

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karla.ai

Robin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-gray8/

Want to Get Involved?

The Karla Alliance is growing—we welcome any interested parties to reach out directly to Robin Gray, Founder of Karla Technologies at robin@co-karla.com

Discovering Better Air Quality Solutions for a Healthier Future 🌿

Welcome back to Pitch Please! Today, I caught up with Jenessa Olson from ecologicca to discuss their innovative approach to indoor air quality and its profound impact on health.

We dive into how ecologicca's cutting-edge technology addresses air quality challenges, transforming how we manage and improve the air we breathe indoors. Jenessa shares her journey from chronic illness to founding a company that uses advanced air sanitization to eliminate pollutants and pathogens, ensuring healthier environments.

Learn how ecologicca’s systems go beyond traditional air purification, using hydroxyl technology to create fresher, cleaner indoor air.

About Jenessa Olson

Jenessa is a two-time founder and is the founder and CEO of ecologicca, an IoT company that is connecting your health and your environment. The company was initially born out of Jenessa's own personal health struggles. Despite being at the peak of her health and fitness journey, she would fall ill with inexplicable flus and it was finally determined that she was reacting to poor indoor air quality. Her travels showed her that this was a global problem, and thus began her mission to improve health through the environment. She has a background in software and logistics, was a former professional runner for Team Canada, has a Master's in Business from Ivey Business School and is passionate about social and environmental responsibility.

About ecologicca

ecologicca is an IoT startup, linking your health and your environment with our proprietary ecosystem. ecologicca's ecosystem consists of three parts: our hardware products, proprietary software system, and certification program. With our system, businesses can meet regulations such as ASHRAE 241 and 100, realize greater building efficiency, and improve environmental and human health - starting with the air we breathe indoors. 

Want to Connect?

Website: https://ecologicca.com/

ecologicca's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecologicca/

Jenessa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenessa-olson/

Interested in Learning More?

We are actively raising our Seed round and are looking for introductions to funds, family offices and angels in the IoT, hardware, proptech, cleantech spaces who are actively deploying. We are also looking to connect with any WELL accredited professionals who are looking for ways to help their customers meet regulations, improve their WELL scores, and quantify the impact of air quality on their health.

Welcome back to another episode of Pitch Please where we're diving into the world of real estate tech innovation with Imam Khalid, the dynamic young founder of SellStatic. This episode unpacks the groundbreaking approach SellStatic is bringing to the real estate market, making high-tech sales tools accessible to every realtor.

SellStatic isn't just another software platform; it's a service designed to cut down the time realtors spend on marketing and client management, allowing them to focus on what they do best: selling homes. With its AI-driven functionalities, SellStatic automates complex tasks like ad campaigns and client interaction, simplifying day-to-day operations and boosting productivity.

Today, Imam shares not only the technical prowess of SellStatic but also his entrepreneurial journey—from fixing phones in high school to leading a startup poised to transform real estate sales. Join us as we explore how SellStatic is optimizing the real estate sales process and what this means for realtors nationwide.

Discover how a blend of youthful zeal, tech expertise, and a keen understanding of sales dynamics are driving Imam and SellStatic towards reshaping the real estate industry. Tune in now to gain insights into leveraging technology for business success and the future of real estate marketing and sales.

About Imam Khalid

At just 21 years old, Imam is the visionary founder behind SellStatic, a leading real estate tech startup. From changing phone screens during school recesses to founding a tech company, Imam has demonstrated an entrepreneurial mindset from a young age. Currently in his fourth year at York University, he is pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Business, blending cutting-edge tech insights with strategic business expertise. His career began in leadership sales roles within some of Canada's top startups, providing him with invaluable insights into the essentials of startup success. This experience not only refined his skills in persuasive communication but also fueled his passion for revolutionizing traditional sales strategies. Imam’s relentless pursuit of knowledge, combined with his commitment to networking and continuous improvement, are key to overcoming the challenges of the startup landscape and guiding SellStatic toward new heights of success.

About SellStatic

SellStatic is revolutionizing real estate sales with AI-driven solutions that streamline marketing and sales processes for realtors. Our platform automates tedious tasks, enabling realtors to launch targeted ad campaigns in just five clicks. By integrating with existing CRMs, SellStatic offers real-time market insights, pricing strategies, and efficient lead management, reducing the need for multiple software. Our aim is to empower realtors with technology that simplifies selling, making it more efficient and effective. Join us in transforming the real estate industry with SellStatic.

Want to Connect?

Email: imam@sellstatic.com

Socials (Instagram, Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok): @Sellstatic

Website: www.sellstatic.com

Want to Get Involved?

We are currently seeking active realtors eager to expand and scale their operations to join our SellStatic Innovators Program! Additionally, we are on the lookout for dynamic young leaders throughout Canada to join our team. Embrace this opportunity to innovate and lead in the real estate tech industry with SellStatic!

Welcome back to Pitch Please! Today we're delving into the smart future of lawn care with OtO, the compact companion revolutionizing the gardening world. In this exciting discussion, Ali Sabti, the mechanical engineer turned innovator behind OtO, unveils how this device is not just about sprinkling water but about crafting a smarter, more sustainable garden environment.



This episode covers Ali's journey from coding in grade school to creating a groundbreaking outdoor device that combines irrigation with all-natural treatments for your garden. Learn how OtO uses precision technology to not only manage water use but also to intelligently apply eco-friendly solutions like mosquito repellent and pet-safe deodorizers right where they are needed.



Join us as Ali explains the evolution of OtO from an idea sparked by the inconvenience of traditional lawn maintenance to a product celebrated at CES 2022 and named one of TIME's Best Inventions. With OtO, every homeowner can enjoy a lush, healthy, and easy-to-maintain yard without the hassles of outdated systems.



Tune in now to discover how OtO is helping shape a greener, more efficient world right in your backyard.



About Ali Sabti 

It all started when Ali Sabti found himself the proud owner of a house with a yard—finally! a green space to call his own. But as he soaked up the sun in his mini oasis, it dawned on him that keeping his lawn picture-perfect was turning into a task his busy schedule just couldn't accommodate.



His little patch of green didn't quite warrant hiring professional landscapers. Yet, a full-blown sprinkler system seemed excessive, and a single sprinkler wouldn't do the trick. That's when inspiration struck, and the seeds of OtO began to sprout.



Drawing on his mechanical engineering background, Ali brought OtO to life. It's more than just a sprinkler; it's a precision-driven powerhouse, effortlessly caring for yards, lawns, and gardens with a finesse that redefines outdoor maintenance.



Fast forward to Spring 2020. After countless hours and countless prototypes, the OtO team proudly unveiled their revolutionary invention to the world.



About OtO

OtO delivers smart, sustainable lawn care through a user-friendly platform that automates watering, fertilizing, and pest control. Our intelligent sprinkler system is designed to provide complete and even coverage, adapting to real-time weather conditions to prevent waste and ensure optimal lawn health. With OtO, achieving a perfect yard is effortless and eco-friendly, backed by an app that makes scheduling and maintenance a breeze. 

 

Want to Connect?

Website: https://otolawn.com/ 

Email: Lia Dramen, Marketing Manager - lia.dramen@otolawn.com  

Ali’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabti/  

Ali’s Instagram: @sabtinator 

Ali’s TikTok: @sabtinator 

OtO's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/36018945/admin/feed/posts/ 

OtO's Instagram: @otolawn 

OtO's TikTok: @otolawn 



Want to Get Involved? 

Reach out to OtO today!

How can technology reshape architectural design practices?

In this episode of Pitch Please, we welcome Natalia Bakaeva, co-founder and CEO of ARKI, a pioneering prop-tech startup. Natalia shares ARKI’s journey over the past year, from expanding its AI-driven platform to enhancing how architects access and utilize historical design data.

ARKI, known for its innovative AI solutions, addresses the architectural industry’s challenge of "Dead Data" by transforming how architects interact with their past projects. Natalia discusses the significant strides ARKI has made in integrating AI to categorize, label, and organize architectural assets, making them easily accessible and effectively turning dormant data into a dynamic, searchable wisdom hub.

Join us as we delve into the impact of ARKI's technology on reducing project timelines, cutting costs, and promoting sustainable design practices. Listen now to see how ARKI is not just changing the landscape of architectural design but also empowering professionals to focus on creativity and innovation.



About Natalia Bakaeva

Natalia is a co-founder and CEO of a prop-tech startup with a rich background in architecture and a forward-looking approach to technology in design. With over 15 years of domain experience, Natalia has seamlessly transitioned from traditional architecture to the tech-driven design landscape, showcasing her ability to adapt and innovate. She leads the integration of AI into architectural practices, transforming how project data is utilized. Her innovation employs AI to streamline access to past design assets, categorizing and organizing them into a searchable wisdom hub. Driven by a passion for architectural integrity and technological advancement, Natalia continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the intersection of architecture and technology, making substantial contributions to the field and setting new standards for the industry.



About ARKI

ARKI addresses the architectural industry's pervasive "Dead Data" issue, where architects spend significant time and resources searching for and recreating existing digital assets due to inaccessible project databases/servers. By introducing an AI-powered platform that categorizes, labels, and organizes selected past projects into a searchable hub, ARKI streamlines the design process. It empowers architects to retrieve architectural assets efficiently, accelerating project timelines, reducing costs, and promoting sustainable design practices by optimally using resources and materials. This solution elevates productivity and enhances creativity and innovation within the architectural, engineering, and construction sectors by freeing professionals to focus on groundbreaking designs rather than tedious tasks.



Want to Connect?

Web: https://www.getarki.com/

Wisdom Hub: https://search.getarki.com/

Email: natalia@getarki.com

IG: @arki.digital



Want to Get Involved?

We are looking for early adopters in the architecture and engineering industry who want to build with us and get an advantage of getting the product first!

Also, join our newsletter: Link

What's new in supporting families with tech?Welcome back to Pitch Please, where we catch up with Julia from Treehouse a year after our first conversation. Treehouse, aimed at revolutionizing maternal healthcare, provides a virtual platform for healthcare providers and families, ensuring better health outcomes.
In this episode, Julia discusses Treehouse's growth, from expanding to the US market to enhancing their platform with new features. We explore the importance of direct feedback in refining the user experience and how Treehouse has maintained a stellar client retention rate through its innovative solutions.
Tune in as we delve into the practical aspects of growing a healthcare platform, the challenges faced, and the strategies that have driven Treehouse's success over the past year. Listen now for an insightful update on Treehouse's journey in improving maternal care.
About Julia Slanina  | Julia Slanina: LinkedInLed by entrepreneur Julia Slanina, medical student turned tech entrepreneur with a passion for improving community healthcare for aspiring, expectant, and new families across Canada. Julia is a Coralus Activator, sits on numerous boards and advisory councils, including Femtech Canada, KidsUpFront, and has been featured in Forbes and The Logic.

About Treehouse | Treehouse: LinkedInTreehouse offers a comprehensive virtual platform to transform the way maternal care is managed and delivered, improving health outcomes. Unlike other solutions, our unique hub enhances the overall care experience for clients. 
Want to Connect?
Website: growwithtreehouse.caEmail: julia.slanina@growwithtreehouse.caWant to know More?Our journey through 2023 has been nothing short of exhilarating. 🚀 Our team has been diligently immersed in advancing our mission, particularly in the areas of fertility, pre/post-natal, and early childhood care. 

Throughout the year, we have celebrated major milestones:👇
Payment processing client-facing with provider payout using Stripe for seamless online transactions. 💳The introduction of self-scheduling and secure e-forms with a bidirectional interface.Significant enhancements to our client portal's mobile functionality. 📱Closed a 3-year enterprise account with an Indigenous organization in Saskatchewan, expanding our revenue streams and supporting maternal and youth nurse-led care.Welcoming our first US 🇺🇸 clients, from Florida and Tennessee, catalyzed by engagements through our podcast. 🎧