StartupTalk
The people behind
the companies.
Founder interviews with Craig Major, The Startup Coach.
Hear how founders build, find customers and fund their businesses. The decisions that worked, the mistakes and the lessons worth sharing.
10x Revenue Exit
Discover actionable insights for achieving a 10x Revenue Exit through strategic scaling, profitability, and smart bootstrapping.
Conversations with The Startup Coach
Startup Talk shares the stories of founders, investors and operators in Toronto and across Canada. Craig Major asks about the choices behind starting and growing a company.
Explore the interviews
Find a founder, a company or a challenge you recognise.
Customer Feedback Strategies for Business Growth
Leveraging Customer Feedback Strategies for Business Growth In this insightful episode of Startup Talk, we delve deep into one of the most powerful tools at a business’s disposal: customer feedback. Our esteemed panel of guests—Mark Evans,
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Guerrilla Marketing Tactics for 2025: Expert Strategies for Canadian Startups
In this episode of Startup Talk, we explore the exciting world of Guerrilla Marketing Tactics for 2025 with a focus on Canadian startups. Our esteemed panel of marketing experts, including Mark Evans, Daniel Francavilla, Nyima Sherpa, and T
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When to Get PR for Your Startup
Show Notes: When to Get PR for Your Startup In this episode of the Startup Talk podcast, we dive deep into one of the most frequently asked questions by startup founders: “When is the right time to invest in public relations (PR)?” Our gues
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Grants and Funding for Non-Tech Startups in Canada
Grants and Funding for Non-Tech Startups in Canada, In this comprehensive episode of Startup Talk, we explore the exciting possibilities for funding for non-tech startups in Canada. Often, conversations about funding are dominated by tech-f
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Best Strategies to Build Relationships with Investors
Podcast Show Notes for Best Strategies to Build Relationships with Investors In this engaging episode of Startup Talk, our expert guests dive deep into the critical topic of how to build relationships with investors—a cornerstone for any st
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How Important is Community When Launching?
How Important is Community When Launching a Startup? In this insightful episode of the
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How Can Founders Get a Fair Valuation?
In this episode of the Startup Talk podcast, we tackle one of the most pressing concerns for Canadian founders: how to get a fair valuation for your startup. As the investment landscape constantly shifts, it’s crucial for entrepreneurs to u
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Skills Investors Look For in Startup Founders
In this episode of Startup Talk Podcast, we dive deep into the minds of investors to explore what critical skills they look for in startup founders. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned founder preparing to scale your busin
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Where to Find a Technical Co-Founder in Toronto?
Where to Find a Technical Co-Founder in Toronto: Expert Tips from the Startup Ecosystem In this episode of the Startup Talk Podcast, we delve deep into the burning question for many aspiring entrepreneurs: “Where can I find a technical co-f
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Is SEO Still Important for Startups?
Show Notes for the Episode: “Is SEO Still Important for Startups?” In this episode of the Startup Talk podcast, we dive into a critical question that every startup founder faces today: Is SEO still important for startups in 2024? With the e
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How to Grow from 0 to 1000 Daily Active Users
Show Notes for Podcast Episode on “How to Grow from 0 to 1000 Daily Active Users” In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies for growing your web app from zero to 1000 Daily Active Users (DAU). Whether you are launching a chess skill
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The Most Effective Marketing Strategies for 2025
Startup Talk Podcast: The Most Effective Marketing Strategies for 2025 In this episode, we dive into Marketing Strategies for 2025, focusing on the most cost-effective methods for startups. As technology and consumer behaviors evolve, it’s
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Selling at Networking Events
In this episode of the Startup Talk Podcast, we explore strategies for selling at networking events and how entrepreneurs can make meaningful connections while identifying sales opportunities. The conversation highlights the different appro
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Where to Find Investors in 2025?
Where to Find Investors in 2025 In this episode of the Startup Talk Podcast, we dive into one of the most frequently asked questions by entrepreneurs: “Where to Find Investors in 2025?” The discussion covers a variety of strategies to help
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Navigating the Challenges of Running Out of Funds
Episode Summary:In this insightful episode of the Startup Talk Podcast, we address the common startup challenge of running out of funds after developing a product. A founder shares their experience of having a fully built app in the market,
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Should Canadian Startups Incorporate in the US to Get Funded?
Overview:In this episode, we explore a pressing question for Canadian startups: Is it necessary to incorporate in the U.S. to secure funding? With perspectives drawn from recent conversations with founders who have moved their corporations
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Investing in Canadian Startups, Is it Worth It?
Show Notes for Startup Talk Podcast Episode 162: “Is It Still Worth It to Invest in Startups in Canada?” In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of startup investments in Canada, tackling the tough question: Is it still wo
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What Funding Should I Seek Before Going to Investors?
Show Notes for Episode 161 of the Startup Talk Podcast: “What Funding Should I Seek Before Going to Investors?” In this episode of the Startup Talk Podcast, we explore the essential question every founder must address: What funding should I
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How to get investors in 2025
Startup Talk Podcast – “How to get investors in 2025” In this insightful episode of the Startup Talk Podcast, our panel of experienced founders and investors dive into the evolving landscape of venture capital and what startups need to know
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Quebec Innovation Plan for Startups
The Quebec Innovation Plan is designed to bolster the province’s reputation as a leader in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship
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Are We at Peak AI
Is the AI Bubble Ready to Burst? Insights from Industry Experts on the latest episode of Startup Talk.
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University Roles in Nurturing Entrepreneurs
Discover the pivotal role universities should play in nurturing entrepreneurial talent and supporting students' interest in startups.
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Tech Layoffs: Boon or Bane for Startups? Exploring the Impact
on The Startup Talk Podcast
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Top AI Tools for Productivity and Efficiency in 2024
Discover the Top AI Tools for Productivity revolutionizing productivity in 2024! We delve into the Top AI Tools for Productivity
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Is the Government Doing Enough to Support Startups?
Industry experts Alex, Thyagi, and Jon share their insights regarding government programs
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Disconnecting to Connect
in 2024 with guest Jon Irwin, Thyagi DeLanerolle, and Alex Kapelos-Peters, and the Startup Coach, on Startup Talk
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Will it be Harder in 2024 to Get VC Funding?
Discussion of raising VC funds in 2024 with guest Jon Irwin and Alexandra (Alex) Kapelos-Peters, and the Startup Coach.
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Entrepreneur Banking with Loop on Startup Talk Podcast
Talking access to resources and capital for Canadian startups and small businesses with Loop cofounder Cato Pastoll. Explore Loop’s startup story and how they have helped with over $100 million in capital for businesses.
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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 technol
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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 ins
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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 progr
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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 ventu
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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 co
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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 cultivatio
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Revolutionizing Content Creation: An AI-Powered Workflow with Draft and Goal
In this interview, Nabil Tayeb, the co-founder of Draft and Goal, shares his thoughts on the topic of AI-generated content and its impact on human creativity. He believes that AI-generated content does not replace human creativity, but inst
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Transform Your Speaking Skills on the Startup Talk Podcast
In this episode of Startup Talk, we talk to Will Greenblatt, founder of OutLoud Speakers School and author of “Transform Your Speaking Skills: Gain Confidence, Captivate Audiences and Advance Your Career.” Will shares his journey from child
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Waverly on The Startup Talk Podcast
In this episode of Startup Talk, we’re joined by Philippe Beaudoin, the CEO of Waverly, the innovative deep tech artificial intelligence company building a mobile reader that understands you based on your waves. During the interview, Philip
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CreatorClub on The Startup Talk Podcast
I chat with the co-founders of CreatorClub Anthony Chiaravalloti and Daniel Francavilla, a company that makes content production simple. They share their insights on producing high-volume content at an efficient cost and converting long-for
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OneEleven's Matthew Lombardi on The Startup Talk Podcast
In this episode of the Startup Talk Podcast, we were joined by Matthew Lombardi, Managing Director of OneEleven, a 55,000 square foot facility in the heart of downtown Toronto that provides open concept seating and private offices for growi
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Cansulta on The Startup Talk Podcast
Alexandra Kapelos-Peters, the founder of Cansulta joins the Startup Coach for this Startup Talk Podcast interview. Cansulta is a platform that makes it easy for individuals and businesses to find and book consultations with vetted experts i
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Driftscape on The Startup Talk Podcast
The Startup Coach live as he sits down with Driftscape COO Dan Pronovost to discuss how the Driftscape app allows you to tour, explore, and discover your city & Canada in a whole new way. Explore thousands of spaces, events, and self guided
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Naborino on The Startup Talk Podcast
Dan Flatt, founder and Chief Neighbour of Naborio joins the startup coach to discuss mental health, the loneliness epidemic, building community, and of course starting Navarino, on episode 137 of The Startup Talk Podcast. Naborino Website N
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Hover Drone Delivery on The Startup Talk Podcast
Cameron Rowe founder and CEO of Hover is Live in Studio with The Startup Coach to discuss how they are doing food and cannabis delivery by drone in Toronto, scaling the business model, raising money, and much more. Hover Website Hover on In
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Take It Easy Group on The Startup Talk Podcast
Talking with Tarra Stubbins founder and CEO of Take It Easy Group the Virtual Executive Assistant company about the ways their virtual executive assistants help startups grow, raise funding, focus on what matters most, and keeping good ment
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INVRS on The Startup Talk Podcast
Talking with Jennifer Cameron CEO and CFO on INVRS The All-In-One Collaborative Investment Research Platform about building the platform, doing investment research, driving user growth, Equity Crowdfunding, and so much more. INVRS Web site
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Canadian Startup Visa Program on The Startup Talk Podcast
Taking a deep dive into the hopes and realities of the Canadian Startup Visa Program with Siavash Shekarian of Shekairan Law. With lots of immigration and Startup Visa Q&A at the end. Shekarian Law Website Shekarian Law on Instagram Shekari
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Phoenix Fire Invests in VoxCell BioInnovation on The Startup Talk Podcast
Thealzel Lee of Phoenix Fire Joins the Startup Coach to talk about their fund and their first investment in VoxCell BioInnovation on The Startup Talk Podcast. Phoenix Fire Fund VoxCell BioInnovation Thealzel Lee of Phoenix Fire on LinkedIn
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Ymmij on The Startup Talk Podcast
Jimmy Zachariah co-founder of Ymmij Joins the Startup Coach on this episode of The Startup Talk Podcast to discuss how to get to your true self, leaving a legacy, is the unexamined life worth living, and how Ymmij helps you build paint a tr
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LegalWills.ca on The Startup Talk Podcast
Tim Hewson founder of LegalWills.ca Joins the Startup Coach on this episode of The Startup Talk Podcast to discuss the need and reluctance to do Wills, the changing regulatory environment, and expanding globally, and more. LegalWills.ca web
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GTA Yachts on the Startup Talk Podcast
The cofounders of GTA Yachts Issey Abraha and Jeffrey Nham join the Startup Coach on this episode of The Startup Talk Podcast to discuss the launching a startup during the pandemic, making yachts available to everyone, and expanding to othe
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Big Calm Tiny Homesteads on The Startup Talk Podcast
Steve Hardy co-founder of Big Calm Tiny Homesteads joins the Startup Coach on this episode of The Startup Talk Podcast to discuss the Tiny Home Movement, Permaculture, Pocket neighbourhoods, raising capital and more. Big Calm Website Big Ca
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Matthew Gibson of Syngrafii on The Startup Talk Podcast
The Startup Coach is joined by Matthew Gibson cofounder of Syngrafii. Discussing founding a company with Canadian legend Margaret Atwood and going from an idea of being able to do remote book signings to being the leader in esignature techn
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Building a Better Path to Capital with Equivesto
The Startup Coach is joined by two of the cofounders of Equivesto Ryan Correia and Alex Morsink. Discussing the problems with raising capital, how Equivesto and Equity Crowdfunding is changing the game, Equity Crowdfunding Success stories,
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Funding Options with Swoop Canada on The Startup Talk Podcast
Daire Burke of Swoop Funding Canada joins the Startup Coach to talk about the different types of funding options available to startups in Canada. Find out more about Swoop Funding Canada at: Swoop Canada Instagram Daire Burke on LinkedIn Tw
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Tequila Tromba on The Startup Talk Podcast
Eric Brass founder of Tequila Tromba joins the Startup Coach to talk about launching a tequila brand in Canada, becoming the number 1 independent Premium Tequila Brand, and starting up in Canada. Invest in Equivesto the Equity Crowdfunding
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Chris Carder on The Startup Talk Podcast
Chris Carder the Executive Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Schulich School of Business, York University Special Advisor – Entrepreneurship & Innovation, startup investor, and serial entrepreneur sits down with the Startup Coach
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Elevate Entrepreneurship on The Startup Talk Podcast
Trevor Shorte joins the Startup Coach live to talk about the new Elevate Entrepreneurship program on this episode of the Startup Talk Podcast. Launched for Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), and Women entrepreneurs, Elevate Entrep
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Vibe Hard Kombucha on The Startup Talk Podcast
Trevor and Jesse two of the cofounders of Vibe Hard Kombucha join the Startup Coach to discuss the hard kombucha market, getting into the LCBO, hustling and more all on the this episode of the Startup Talk Podcast. Find out more at: Vibe Ha
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Kitchen Hub Virtual Food Hall on The Startup Talk Podcast
Matt, Adam, and Oren the founders of Kitchen Hub Virtual Food Hall, join the Startup Coach to discuss what is a virtual food hall, how takeout tech is evolving, raising $10Million, and of course the Kevin Smith’s Mooby’s Popup all on this e
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The Role of Content Marketing and Branding in 2022
Looking ahead at 2022, Daniel Francavilla partner and strategist at King Street Media and fractional CMO, joins the Startup Coach in a forward looking discussion on the Role of Content Marketing and Branding in 2022 and what startups should
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Original Startup Talk introduction
Startup Talk
CANADA’S STARTUP & ENTREPRENEUR PODCAST
Startup Talk Toronto’s Startup Podcast is ON AIR! Sharing Toronto’s startup stories. Celebrating the successes and failures in Toronto’s startup ecosystem. We are talking to entrepreneurs, founders, funders, innovators, and leaders in Toronto.
Craig Major is Toronto’s Entrepreneur Mentor, The Startup Coach. With an extensive corporate background including being the youngest Senior Manager at Deloitte & Touche where he was Senior Manager of Architecture and Planning. Program Director for the Wireless Activation Centre at Bell Mobility, Chief Technology Officer at Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Program Director at Davis+Henderson doing software implementation for Canadian banks. and more before founding Canada’s largest Startup community TorontoStarts (formerly Startup Toronto) Toronto’s Entrepreneur & Startup Community in early 2015.
TorontoStarts now supports over 22,000 active entrepreneurs in the GTA and has grown to the largest startup community in Canada. With a reach of over 120,000+ followers across our platforms, The Startup Coach has hosted over 700 startup events, courses, and workshops. Having been so active the Startup Coach has spoken in front of over 70,000 entrepreneurs. Working with startups all day every day Craig has personally coached over 600 startups, judged over 100 pitch competitions, and helped companies raise over $60 million. He helps startups and small businesses grow. On The Startup Talk Podcast The Startup Coach talks to entrepreneurs and industry experts to tell the true stories of starting up in Toronto
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