Tech for Good: Engineering a Safer Future for Students with Nelson Lee from Haven Safe

What Tools Do Co-Founders Need for Efficient Equity Management?
In this episode of Pitch Please, Dwayne Forde, co-founder of Mantle, shares his vast experience in engineering and startup ecosystems, leading to the creation of Mantle, an AI-driven platform designed to simplify equity management for founders. 

With a career spanning over two decades, Dwayne has developed full-stack solutions across various sectors and managed extensive cloud infrastructure projects. Mantle stands out by offering founders an efficient way to manage Cap Tables, ESOP Plans, and automate critical workflows, revolutionizing how startups and high-growth companies handle equity management. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the realm of startup management and the innovative solutions Mantle offers. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned startup founder, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories.

About Dwayne Forde  | Dwayne Forde: LinkedIn
With over 20 years in engineering, Dwayne has championed full-stack solutions primarily in startups, covering all major sectors including healthcare, finance, entertainment, social, etc. His expertise extends to managing vast cloud infrastructure projects consumed by most of the Fortune 500. As a seasoned leader, Dwayne has directed teams of 180+ across multiple countries. Known for excelling in uncharted software territories, Dwayne is entrusted with shaping novel patterns in cutting-edge domains. Dwayne has presented his award-winning work at events like TEDx Silicon North and has also been featured in major publications, including The Globe and Mail and The Toronto Star.

About Mantle | Mantle: LinkedIn
Mantle is a next generation platform for modern founders, powered by AI. Founders trust Mantle to manage startups and high growth companies, offering a simple way to manage your Cap Table, ESOP Plans, and includes automated workflows such as a one-click issuance of Option Agreements with corresponding Board Resolutions.

With their AI-powered term sheet modeller, and powerful forward-looking ESOP modelling platform, founders can spend less time in spreadsheets, and more time building their company.

Want to Connect?

• Website: https://withmantle.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayneforde/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwayneforde

Interested in Learning More?
We've just recently completed our public launch and are onboarding companies. We currently have a promotion where we're free for 1 year. Anyone interested can reach out via https://withmantle.com/demo.

In a world where AI is reshaping industries, how is one company changing the game in recruitment?
In this episode of Pitch Please, we're joined by Jonathan Mirecki, co-founder of Searchless, a platform revolutionizing the hiring landscape through conversational AI.

Jonathan takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, from early ventures to the inception of Searchless alongside his brother Eli, a seasoned software engineer. He discusses the inefficiencies in traditional hiring processes and how Searchless aims to streamline recruitment by eliminating reliance on resumes and cover letters, which are increasingly generated by AI tools like ChatGPT. Instead, Searchless focuses on conversational AI to assess candidates' skills and match them with suitable roles, ensuring a more efficient and bias-free hiring process.

This episode delves into the challenges of modern recruitment, the impact of AI on job applications, and how Searchless provides a unique solution by focusing on meaningful conversations rather than paper credentials. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of work, AI's role in recruitment, and the story behind a startup aiming to simplify hiring for companies and candidates alike.

About Jonathan Mirecki  | Jonathan Mirecki | LinkedIn
From a young age, Jonathan has been fascinated by business. He read his first business book at the age of 11, started a lawn care business at age 12, and began working as an accountant for his brother's company as a teen. While in university, he ran his own consulting firm, and then rejoined his brother's company as head of sales and business development. During that time, he built teams across the company, forged partnerships with brands like Ford of Canada, and acted as product manager for two successful products. He fell in love with the process of forming teams, building products, and growing a company. He also learned, after having hired dozens of people, that the recruitment process can be frustrating. A huge amount of time is wasted sorting through resumes and screening candidates, rather than conducting in-depth interviews with the best candidates. Jonathan knew that this would only get worse, given the advent of ChatGPT and the vast number of candidates who would now be using it to write their resumes and cover letters. It then hit him: resumes, job postings, and screening need to be replaced by a more efficient process. A process that cuts through the clutter. That's when he decided to launch Searchless, a recruitment platform that matches job seekers with employers, through conversational AI. His brother Eli, a software engineer who worked at Dropbox and Amazon, is joining him on the mission to automate candidate sourcing and screening, and the job search as a whole.

About Searchless | Searchless: Overview | LinkedIn
Searchless is an AI-based recruitment platform. We connect job seekers with employers, by talking to both parties through conversational AI, and then matching them. For job seekers, this means no more mass applying to jobs. For recruiters and hiring managers, this means being able to stop wasting time sorting through resumes and screening, and completely focus on the highest value activity in recruitment: interviewing top candidates.

Want to Connect?

• Email: jon@searchless.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmirecki/
• Website: searchless.ca

Want to Learn More?
Our paid pilot is now live, starting with software developer roles. If you are hiring software developers, let's have a chat & do a live demo!

How does one inspire and equip the next generation of leaders?
Dive into this electrifying episode of Pitch Please as we sit down with Ziyaan, the visionary behind Leaders of Today. Discover the journey of an organization committed to unlocking the potential of young minds through innovative leadership programs. From grassroots community impact to global initiatives, Leaders of Today is more than just a movement; it's a catalyst for change.

Ziyaan shares insights on nurturing leadership skills, fostering a network of young visionaries, and the challenges and triumphs of building a purpose-driven enterprise. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories that will ignite your passion for making a difference. Tune in to learn how Ziyaan is shaping the Leaders of Today.

About Ziyaan Virji  | (20) Ziyaan Virji | LinkedIn
Ziyaan Virji is an award-winning entrepreneur that has found purpose in creating social impact. At only 15, he founded For The Menstruator., a global organization that aims to create a world of menstrual equity and has empowered over 20,000 people in 10 countries around the world. He has previously worked and served on the boards of a range of organizations in the Climate, Health, Education and Poverty space with his impact reaching over half a million people. He is a recognized speaker with his work being featured at some of the most powerful events and platforms including TED, BBC, DW, Toronto Star, Yahoo News and more. For his contribution towards humanitarian efforts, he has won some of the most prestigious accolades including the Princess Diana Award, Global Teen Leader, Winner of the Dragons’ Den for Change and Future 25 Under 25!  

Ziyaan is currently on a mission to empower other youth leaders through their journeys. He is the founder of the Leaders of Today Community that has 47,000+ people from around the world and includes a newsletter, podcast and more!

About Leaders of Today | (20) Leaders of Today: Overview | LinkedIn
Leaders of Today is one of the fastest-growing communities of young people who are changing the world. The community has over 47,000+ young people and includes a weekly newsletter, podcast and opportunity list.

Want to Connect?

• Newsletter: https://leadersoftoday.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Ready to shape the future?
Join Leaders of Today in empowering the next generation of leaders—dive in now and make a difference! 

Eager to see how innovation can redefine campus safety? Join us as we chat with Nelson Lee, the mastermind behind Haven, the game-changing app designed to enhance safety and security for academic institutions.

From his engineering roots to the personal motivation spurred by a friend's tragic experience, Nelson's journey to developing Haven is a testament to his dedication to social change. Throughout this episode, we explore the app's evolution from a simple safety tool to a comprehensive educational platform that empowers users with knowledge on consent and preventive measures.

Dive into this episode to uncover Nelson Lee's inspiring story, the intricate development of Haven, and the profound impact it's making on campuses across Canada. Whether you're passionate about technology, education, or social change, this story of innovation and impact is not to be missed. Tune in now!

About Nelson Lee  | (20) Nelson Lee | LinkedIn
Nelson Lee has a personal mission to enable positive social change. Early in his engineering career, he decided to tackle the high rate of assaults at post-secondary institutions by developing Haven, a campus security app. Haven is now licensed by a growing base of North American universities, with ongoing development and upgrades to meet a broad range of institutional goals. 

Haven brought Nelson early but important recognition in the form of the Adel S. Sedra Award, the University of Toronto Engineering Leadership Award, and the prestigious University of Toronto 5T3 Engineering Award, worth over $30,000. Nelson’s work attracted this attention because his unique approach to Haven’s design encourages users to become familiar with the app, learn from it, and be prepared. The app can connect directly to campus security, but also offers intermediate steps and support including educational content on consent and domestic violence, plus specific topics customized to each school’s needs. 

Nelson is actively involved in the life of his own alma mater, the University of Toronto, where he volunteers on the Governing Council, overseeing the University’s $3B operating budget.

Prior to launching Haven, Nelson lived in San Francisco and worked in Full Stack Engineering at Hearth, a Series B startup. 

About Haven | (20) Haven: Overview | LinkedIn
Haven is a comprehensive safety platform that fortifies school communities by unifying students, universities, and first responders in real time. Haven is a singular, user-centric tool that integrates safety, education, and community. Embraced by educational institutions across Canada, Haven delivers an array of safety features such as emergency SOS, location sharing, geo-tagging, and customized push notifications.

Want to Connect?

• Website: https://www.havensafe.co/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haven-safe-technology-corporation/
• Email: nelson@havensafe.co

Interested in Contributing?
If you know of any schools or organizations that would like to learn more about how Haven can make their communities safer, please provide us with a warm introduction and CC me at nelson@havensafe.co.

Ever wondered how technology could redefine your romantic relationships? Join us as we delve into Tim Johnson's journey from a diverse professional background to founding Couply, an app designed to deepen connections between partners. With insights from his time at Wattpad and his passion for science fiction writing, Tim shares the evolution of Couply from an idea to a tool used by hundreds of thousands to enhance their relationships.

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the challenges and victories of building a tech startup, the innovative use of AI in personalizing couple experiences, and Tim's vision for the future of Couply. It's a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice for those interested in technology's role in personal development and relationship building.

About Tim Johnson  | (20) Tim Johnson | LinkedIn
Tim Johnson is the CEO and Cofounder of Couply, the app for Couples. He won Collision Pitch event, North America's largest pitch event to launch Couply. Previously, Tim was Director of Brand Partnerships at Wattpad which was acquired by Naver for $753M in 2021. He is also an author and has written 3x sci fi books, hitting #1 on Amazon.

About Couply | (20) Couply: Overview | LinkedIn
Couply helps 400,000 couples build an incredible relationship that lasts forever, through relationship questions, couples quizzes and then leveraging AI to generate custom date ideas and relationship advice all based on your partner’s personality.

Want to Connect?

• Website: https://couply.page.link/podcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejjohnson/

Want to Try it Out?
Download the app now and get started!

Ever wondered what it takes to disrupt a market? In this episode, we talk to Ben from Caboodl — the tech-enabled home service business that's simplifying home management.

From his background in engineering and accounting to his experience in operations at Louis Vuitton and consulting at BMO, we delve into the origins of Ben's entrepreneurial spirit, influenced by his upbringing surrounded by entrepreneurs and his vision to disrupt the home maintenance industry.

Ben shares valuable insights on the significance of preventive home maintenance and the complexities of managing a home. By automating critical maintenance tasks and providing homeowners with a digital user manual customized for their homes, Caboodl takes the difficulty and stress out of managing your single largest investment.

Discover the story of Ben Bisset and Caboodl as we talk about the opportunities and challenges in the market, the impact of technology, and the benefits of their integrated subscription service.

If you're looking to learn about what it takes to make an impact in your industry, this episode is for you. Listen now!
 
About Ben Bisset  | (20) Ben Bisset | LinkedIn
Ben Bisset CPA, CA is the Founder and CEO of Caboodl - The Fix for Home Maintenance. His journey to bootstrapping a home services business has had many changes of direction including stints in engineering, accounting, luxury goods & fashion, finance, and strategy. Ben's realization of a need for a comprehensive home services business grew as he became a landlord and dealt with issues in his own home.

Growing up in Sudbury, Ontario he developed a passion for the outdoors, downhill skiing, mountain biking, hockey, and cooking. These days, you'll find him in the Leslieville neighbourhood of Toronto where he and his wife spend most days chasing their three young kids and wishing they got more sleep.

About Caboodl | (20) Caboodl: Overview | LinkedIn
Caboodl takes the difficulty and stress out of managing your single largest investment - your home. By creating a digital profile of your home and all its systems, appliances, and structures, they provide homeowners with everything needed to care for their home, in one place. It's the user manual you always wished came with your home. Caboodl also automates all your recurring maintenance and pairs you with a dedicated home manager that helps whenever issues arise or you're contemplating a renovation project.

Want to Connect?

• Website: https://caboodl.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbisset-caboodl/
• Email: hello@caboodl.ca
• Instagram: @caboodl
• Twitter: @caboodlhomes

Interested in Partnering with Us?
Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Insurance Brokers - Caboodl partners with high performers in these industries to provide a valuable and unique experience to your clients. Our services keep you top of mind for years after your transaction and provide your clients with a go-to resource for all maintenance questions about your home. Email us or book time here

Investors - Accredited investors can participate in Caboodl's first round of fundraising. For more details email us or book an introductory call here

Ever wondered what it takes to revolutionize the legal tech industry? We delve into Daniel's entrepreneurial journey, from his early days in accounting to his pivot into tech sales, and his experiences at prominent legal tech companies, ultimately leading to the founding of Lawbrokr. Daniel shares insights on the challenges and successes of being a first-time founder and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of celebrating milestones along the journey. Listeners can gain a deeper understanding of the legal tech industry and the significance of streamlined intake processes for law firms. As Daniel's story unfolds, the episode provides a wealth of inspiration and practical wisdom for startup enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs.

About Daniel Steinberg  | (20) Daniel Steinberg | LinkedIn
Leveraging his background in Professional Services (Ex-EY), Marketing Technology (Ex-Influitive), and Legal Technology (Ex-Clio), Daniel Steinberg is the Co-Founder, and CEO of Lawbrokr™, a pre-qualification platform that helps lawyers humanize the way clients interact with their law firm. 

About Lawbrokr | (20) Lawbrokr: Overview | LinkedIn
Lawbrokr is pre-screening software that helps law firms qualify new leads. Lawbrokr’s platform provides each firm with a unique link that can be placed on a firm’s website and anywhere else that people search for law firms. The link connects legal consumers to a set of simple but effective qualifying questions. In just a few clicks, the consumer gains an understanding of the services offered, and the firm receives visibility into case details. This allows the firm to invest its time into qualified prospects rather than those that aren't a fit. 

Want to Connect?

• Website: https://www.lawbrokr.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawbrokr/
• Email: daniel@lawbrokr.com

Interested in Learning More?
We're always searching for new law firms, partners, and investors!

Curious about health innovation in the sleep and supplement industry? Join us as we delve into Justine's story and how a journey from a chiropractic career to technology sales led to the creation of an e-commerce startup, and their all-natural sleep supplement designed for fitness enthusiasts, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Justine reveals the challenges of developing a unique, melatonin-free formula and the process of bringing a natural, effective supplement to a competitive market. Thirdzy stands out by offering a scientifically backed solution to enhance the quality of rest, proving crucial for optimal performance and recovery. This episode is a must-listen for those intrigued by health innovation and the stories behind successful wellness startups. Tune in now!
 
About Justine Luchini  | (20) Justine Luchini | LinkedIn
Dr. Justine is the co-founder and CEO of Thirdzy. She studied Health Science at Western University and has a Doctorate in Chiropractic. Her professional journey has taken her around the world and across multiple fields. She has worked with thousands of people on improving their health, well-being, and performance and picked-up skills that have helped her found and grow her current startup.

About Thirdzy | (20) Thirdzy: Overview | LinkedIn
Thirdzy is an e-commerce start-up based in Canada that makes an all natural supplement designed to improve sleep quality and nightly recovery from tough workouts and demanding days. Thirdzy’s non-drowsy, melatonin-free formula is the basis of an easy sleep routine for busy, high performers looking to maximize their rest. 

Want to Connect?

• Website: www.thirdzy.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thirdzy/
• Instagram: @thirdzyHQ, @drjustineluchini

Curious About Enhancing Your Fitness and Athletics?
Discover how Thirdzy can revolutionize your rest and athletic performance today!

Curious about how AI and technology can make a trip to the pharmacy way better? In this episode we talk to Eunice, the creator of Asepha, and discuss how their smart AI helps pharmacies do their job better. From making appointments a breeze to helping doctors and patients connect easier, Asepha's smart tools are making waves in health care.

We discuss how their AI tech helps pharmacies work smarter. In our talk, Eunice takes us through her fascinating journey, including her time in Next36 where she searched high and low for the perfect co-founder to join her on this adventure. We dive into the nitty-gritty of how Asepha uses algorithms to better predict what patients need and how it keeps medicine stock just right.

Eunice's stories are real eye-openers, and she tells us how their AI isn't just about ticking boxes – it's changing health care for real people.

About Eunice Wu  | (20) Eunice Wu | LinkedIn
Eunice is a co-founder and CEO of Asepha. She has a Doctor of Pharmacy background and 8 years of experience working on various startups. Her team driven by a vision to create a more efficient and patient-centric healthcare system.

About Asepha | (20) Asepha: Posts | LinkedIn
Asepha is AI infrastructure built for streamlining pharmacy workflows. Asepha makes it easy for pharmacists to integrate AI-driven solutions into daily tasks. Generate patient education sheets, calculate dosages, complete DTP analysis and find answers to most challenging questions within seconds.

Want to Connect?

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asepha/
• Email: eunice@asepha.ai

Want to Get Involved?
Asepha is looking for new customers and pharmacy thought leaders to join our Pharmacy Innovation Community

What does it take to transcend the typical tech career and make your mark as an entrepreneur? Tune into this episode of Pitch Please for your dose of inspiration. Follow the story of TJ, who refused to be pigeonholed as just 'the tech guy' at Microsoft and transformed himself into a powerhouse entrepreneur.

Discover how TJ launched an innovative program to teach kids entrepreneurship, providing invaluable leadership skills to the next generation. Alongside this, explore how his entrepreneurial ventures extended to supporting his wife's spa business, embodying the perfect partnership that challenges and changes perceptions.

Get a front-row seat to TJ's philosophy of treating every role as an entrepreneur, which proves that innovation isn't restricted by job titles or corporate environments. This episode also delves into the critical skills and lessons gleaned from his father's extensive experience in retail—insights that any budding entrepreneur can apply to their journey.

Join us as we unpack the wealth of knowledge and determination that pushed TJ towards success, and how his relationship with both small businesses and multimillion-dollar corporations has cultivated a versatile and robust business acumen. This episode is a blend of personal evolution, strategic insights, and the unstoppable drive to reach entrepreneurial excellence—topped with practical experiences from the world of WrkPal.

About TJ Walia  | (14) TJ Walia | LinkedIn
TJ Walia, the visionary founder and CEO of ZenTek and WrkPal, is redefining the landscape of workplace productivity and management. At ZenTek, he leverages his extensive experience as a seasoned Microsoft executive to push the boundaries of technology, integrating AI with mindfulness to transform corporate environments. With WrkPal, TJ is pioneering a new era in workforce management, offering a solution that promotes real-time efficiency and fairness across diverse industries. His passion for continuous learning and innovation is at the core of both companies, shaping the future of how businesses operate and thrive

About WrkPal | (14) WrkPal: Overview | LinkedIn
WrkPal is a cutting-edge SaaS platform revolutionizing workforce management across various industries. Our solution empowers businesses to streamline staff scheduling, instantly fill shift gaps, and ensure operational efficiency. With WrkPal, organizations can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and foster fair and inclusive workplaces, all while delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Want to Connect?

• Email: CEO@WrkPal.com
• LinkedIn: www.aka.ms/tj

Interested in Helping?
WrkPal is currently fundraising and would love any introductions to possible customers!