Launch Academy HQ

On a business trip to the MENA region, our CEO, Ray Walia, FCPA, FCMA, spent a few days at Web Summit Qatar, where he engaged with global tech leaders, explored emerging trends, and served as the MC for Pitch — a startup competition that showcases the world's most promising early-stage startups in a live, on-stage pitch battle. We can’t wait for Vancouver to host Web Summit in May! #WebSummitQatar #WebSummit #conference #tech #PitchCompetition

Which markers of product-market fit are now dated, and what should entrepreneurs focus on instead? We caught up with Meena Sandhu, Launch mentor and seasoned SaaS revenue executive with 20+ years of experience, to break down the real indicators of product-market fit and why getting it right before scaling is crucial. #mentor #tips #LaunchCommunity #productmarketfit #scaling

How is AI shaping valuations, driving demand, and boosting the competitive value of tech M&A? What was the key to Clio - Cloud-Based Legal Technology’s historic $1.25B financing, and how do you build strong relationships with investors? What do M&A buyers prioritize, and what is their investment approach? And most importantly — how do you craft a compelling narrative around your company if you plan to sell one day? The Launch team dropped in to explore these questions and uncover emerging trends at TechExit.io Vancouver. Great insights from Judi Hess (former CEO at Copperleaf), Anush Sachdeva (General Manager, Emerging Ventures at RBCx), Jack Newton (CEO & Founder at Clio - Cloud-Based Legal Technology), Mark Longo (Vancouver Managing Partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP), Narbe Alexandrian (Founder & CEO at Define Capital), Sarah Miller Wright (MBA, ICD.D) (Former President at Certn), and Jordan Huang (Director, Investment Banking at Scotiabank) — and there’s still more to come! Thank you, Cube Business Media Inc., for bringing together so many industry leaders! David Tyldesley, Rosanna Tan, and the entire team 👏 #TechExit #mergers #acquisitions #exitstrategy #communitypartners

It was so inspiring to see so many talented women innovators pitching their products to the public at The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Semi-Final Event, organized by our community partners, The Forum, yesterday 🚀 The growing presence of women in entrepreneurship is evident — last year, 43% of our new members at Launch were female founders. A shoutout to Julie Letizia, Nanette Sene, Caitlyn Vanderhaeghe, Latchmi Raghunanan, Ph.D., Stephanie Lipp for their amazing pitches! And a special congratulations to the finalists Shari van de Pol, Ibukun Elebute, and Lianna Genovese for making it to the final round 🏆 Thank you for a great night, Kirsten Koppang Telford, Julie Bogle, Jacqueline Jennings, Melissa Allen, and everyone else who made it happen 👏 We hope programs like the Odlum Brown Forum Pitch continue to empower and support more women to take the leap, build their ideas, and bring innovations to life. #PathToPitch #Community

Does stability always mean safety? In a world where AI is reshaping work and transforming industries, how do you secure your future, wealth, and freedom? On the latest episode of Traction Podcast, Scott D. Clary, Founder & Host of Success Story Podcast, breaks down: 🔥 Why personal branding is the best career insurance in the AI era 🔥 The 4 levels of wealth creation & how to escape the "job trap" 🔥 How AI is shifting work and why an agency mindset is crucial 🔥 How to build scalable, repeatable success and achieve longevity in business Click the link in the comments to listen to the full episode.

After years of attending conferences worldwide and co-founding and co-producing the Traction Conference, our CEO, Ray Walia, FCPA, FCMA, has mastered the art of making the most of any event. Are you planning to attend any upcoming tech conferences, like Web Summit in Vancouver this May? Then be sure to check out Ray's latest tip! #Tips #Networking #Conference

Why do people trust influencers more than ads? In this episode of the NextWave podcast by Traction, Joseph Thompson, Co-Founder and COO at KITS.COM (TSX:KITS), uncovers how trust and authenticity have reshaped brand engagement. Joseph discusses why micro-influencers drive better results, how brands can give up control and what it takes to connect with modern customers. Click the link in the comments to listen to the full episode.

What should founders do before spending money on promoting their product? Here’s a tip from Collin Stewart of Predictable Revenue™ Inc., a longtime friend and alumnus of Launch Academy HQ, who recently hosted a Customer Development Ladder workshop for our community. #tips #community #product

Feeling proud every time we hear about our alumni launching amazing new projects! Congrats to Jaycee Day for creating movingtovancouver.ca, the ultimate guide to moving to Vancouver. It’s packed with valuable information, including: ▪️ How to get an IEC Visa ▪️ Finding a job ▪️ Cost of living insights ▪️ How to get a SIN ▪️ A guide to the top 10 neighborhoods And so much more. Check it out to get inspired! #alumni

What does it take to build a $180 million business from scratch in 6 years? In this episode of The NextWave Podcast by Traction, Joseph Thompson, Co-Founder and COO of KITS.COM (TSX:KITS), sits down with Launch CEO Ray Walia, FCPA, FCMA to discuss how KITS.COM became one of the fastest-growing optical companies globally. He explains why traditional branding strategies no longer work, how influencer marketing has reshaped customer engagement and why social commerce is now a dominant force. Want to learn more? Check out the episode linked in the comments. #BrandBuilding #DigitalMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI