Nicole LeBlanc, Partner at Woven Capital, joins Kathryn Lockhart to share her experiences navigating the global startup ecosystem.

In this discussion, Nicole emphasizes the importance of networking and relationships in securing meetings with potential investors and discussed the current challenges faced by startups, including geopolitical market dynamics, AI, data privacy, infrastructure, sustainability, and regulatory changes. Both Kathryn and Nicole share awesome insights on how to navigate career opportunities through networking and curiosity while raising capital for startups by researching investors, tailoring the pitch, and engaging on a personal level. Their conversation also touched on the evolving landscape of raising capital in Atlantic Canada, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with it.

To learn more about Woven Capital, visit: https://www.woven.vc/

Sean Power, CEO & Co-founder of SOMMS.AI. joins Kathryn Lockhart to chat about the importance of data provenance in the AI space.

Sean is an internationally published author who enjoys speaking on topics related to technology & business. He is currently on the board of Propel where he advises founders of early-stage startups, with a particular focus on media, entertainment & SaaS and AI business models. Sean describes himself as passionate about businesses that revolve around the entertainment space. As a creative himself, he speaks strongly about giving credit to creators.

Sean and Kathryn have a well-rounded chat covering a range of topics from AI governance, building meaningful relationships with founders, venture capital fundraising, team building and unlocking Atlantic Canada's potential with a focus on talent and collaboration.

To learn more about SOMMS AI and their work in the AI provenance space, visit https://somms.ai/

In this episode of Founder Journeys, host Kathyrn Lockhart is joined by Annette Verschuren, Chair and CEO at NRStor Inc.

From growing up on a small town dairy farm in North Sydney, Cape Breton to becoming a global change maker, Annette has had an impressive journey taking risks being unapologetically brazen and prioritizing purpose with profits. She is the Co-Founder of the craft chain Michaels Canada, the former CEO of Home Depot, Canada and Asia, and co-founder of trailblazing clean tech firm NRStor., best-selling author, and now a podcaster. Annette has a clear mission to inspire budding leaders to look within, harness their strengths, and bet on themselves. To learn more about her corporate career journey visit https://annetteverschuren.ca/.

Annette and Kathryn discuss her current company NRStor Inc., her focus on solving a global problem, the importance of equity ownership and sustainability, why we should be investing in immigrants and women, and finding alternative ways to "move up the mountain". Annette pulls back the curtain and talks about the pivotal moments in her corporate career and what she has learned along the way.