Event category: BetaKit Keynote Stage

Events

November 14, 2024

09:20 AM - 09:50 AM EDT

BetaKit Keynote Stage 2024-11-14 30 MINS

The State of SaaS in Canada: Trends, Challenges, and Growth

In this 'View from the Top' session, Douglas Soltys of Betakit sits down with Inovia's co-founder Chris Arsenault for an in-depth exploration of the SaaS funding landscape in Canada. Part presentation, part fireside chat, key trends will be discussed regarding the state of funding for growth, and the various financing options when approaching an exit strategy. We'll hear how Canadian SaaS companies are innovating to stay competitive, and how they can build optionality into their model. Whether you're a SaaS founder, investor, or tech enthusiast, this session offers valuable insights into the state of SaaS in Canada and what it means for your company.

Moderator

DOUGLAS SOLTYS

Editor in Chief

BetaKit

CHRIS ARSENAULT

Partner

Inovia Capital

ROBERT KENEDI

Founder & Host

Decelerator

08:40 AM - 09:20 AM EDT

BetaKit Keynote Stage 2024-11-14 40 MINS

Global Growth and Goofs: CERTN’s Journey of Expansion and Lessons Learned in the “Oops” Moments

Hear firsthand accounts of the mishaps and humorous missteps as we delve into CERTN's international expansion journey. Discover the valuable lessons these experiences have taught Co-Founder and CEO Andrew McLeod about navigating global markets, growth, expansion, and company transition, all with resilience and wit.

ANDREW MCLEOD

Co-Founder & CEO

Certn

08:30 AM - 08:40 AM EDT

BetaKit Keynote Stage 2024-11-14 10 MINS

Opening Remarks

We’re kicking of an exciting day 2 with our Host Manuela Barcenas. Hear the overview of the exciting 2-day conference, line up of speakers, and what prizes are to be won!

MANUELA BÁRCENAS

Head of Marketing

Fellow.app

November 13, 2024

04:35 PM - 05:05 PM EDT

BetaKit Keynote Stage 2024-11-13 30 MINS

SURVEY SAYS – It’s Founders Feud!

Step into the hottest game show at SAAS NORTH where top SaaS companies face off in a fun and competitive game inspired by Family Feud. Watch as teams compete for charity to guess the most popular answers to industry-related questions, showcasing their knowledge, wit, and agility in the fast-paced world of SaaS.

Moderator

DEREK VOLLEBREGT

Customer Success Leader

TBA

04:05 PM - 04:35 PM EDT

BetaKit Keynote Stage 2024-11-13 30 MINS

From Record-Breaking Seed Round to Unicorn: Finding Product-Market Fit as a Visionary Founder

For most founders, finding product-market fit is the #1 problem. Martin Basari achieved it with Applyboard as a first-time founder with no funding. Now he's working on it as a unicorn founder with more money than any other Canadian seed-stage company. Hear his journey from inception of ApplyBoard to his new company Passage as he compares and contrasts his two founder experiences.

Moderator

PABLO SRUGO

Partner

Mistral

MARTIN BASIRI

Founder & CEO

Passage

04:00 PM - 04:05 PM EDT

BetaKit Keynote Stage 2024-11-13 5 MINS

SheBoot Winner Announcement

SheBoot is a national non-profit and investment-ready bootcamp for women tech and tech-enabled founders that prepares them to pitch their business and secure investment.

JULIA ELVIDGE

Chair & Co-Founder

SheBoot

JENNIFER FRANCIS

Co-Founder

SheBoot

SONYA SHOREY

Co-Founder

SheBoot

01:45 PM - 02:15 PM EDT

BetaKit Keynote Stage 2024-11-13 30 MINS

Unleashing the Power of Gen AI: Driving Collaboration and Decision-Making

Join Stephany Lapierre (Founder & CEO, TealBook) for a fireside chat as we explore how Generative AI (Gen AI) is revolutionizing the way organizations collaborate and make decisions. We will delve into specific use cases where AI is breaking down silos between departments, such as IT and procurement, by creating a unified data foundation. By leveraging AI's capabilities, organizations can quickly generate actionable insights and facilitate seamless information sharing. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to harness the power of Gen AI to drive operational efficiency, improve decision quality, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Moderator

DANIELLE SMITH

Director, Tech & Innovation Banking

National Bank

STEPHANY LAPIERRE

Founder & CEO

Tealbook

12:40 PM - 01:15 PM EDT

BetaKit Keynote Stage 2024-11-13 35 MINS

PITCHFEST Round 1

It’s baaaaaaack! Brace yourself for the ultimate showdown as Pitchfest takes to the stage and spotlights some incredible companies who will pitch to our panel of investors. Who will make it through to compete for the grand prize?

Moderator

PATRICK WHITE

Co-Founder & Managing Director

L-Spark

MANDY POTTER

Co-Founder & Managing Partner

Misfit Ventures

ERIC AGYEMANG

Founder & Managing Partner

Maple Bridge Ventures

JAMES POVITZ

Principal

NAventures

09:45 AM - 10:15 AM EDT

BetaKit Keynote Stage 2024-11-13 30 MINS

Hustle Hard, Sell Smart

Understand the hustle and what it means to sell effectively by hiring (and firing) well, leveraging the right tools, and a gut check on how fierce your sales function really is. Hear the raw and real journey of one saavy SaaS startup founder, from the inception of their idea to its impact, as they share challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons, along with the sales strategies driving their success.

RENAE FAROUGH

Co-Founder & CEO

Kicker