SaaS North Faces the Truth

Bankruptcy, imperfections, and immigration policy are not usually the focal points of discussions at tech conferences. However, given the challenges faced by the industry over the past year, the upcoming SAAS NORTH conference is poised to address these topics candidly. Scheduled for November 13-14, 2024, at Ottawa’s Shaw Centre, this event will feature the BetaKit Keynote Stage, which serves as a platform for vital discussions and insights into the SaaS landscape.

BetaKit is proud to support SAAS NORTH, a pivotal event for scaling SaaS founders and startups, which has become a cornerstone of the Canadian tech ecosystem since its inception in 2016. This year, the BetaKit Keynote Stage will feature prominent speakers such as Marie Chevrier Schwartz, Andrew McLeod, and Martin Basiri, who will share their experiences navigating the challenges of the industry. These speakers will explore their personal journeys, discussing unexpected hurdles, mistakes, and the personal growth that comes from leading high-growth companies during both successful and challenging times.

Marie Chevrier Schwartz, the former CEO and founder of Sampler, will take the stage to discuss her deeply personal experience with bankruptcy. After raising over $13 million for her product sampling platform, Sampler filed for bankruptcy this summer, prompting Chevrier Schwartz to confront her identity and future beyond the company. In a conversation with BetaKit Editor-in-Chief Douglas Soltys, she will reflect on the lessons learned from her experience, particularly the dangers of placing too much emphasis on venture capital fundraising. Chevrier Schwartz aims to shift the narrative around success in the startup world, advocating for a focus on sustainable client relationships rather than solely on fundraising. This session promises to be a raw and real exploration of leadership vulnerabilities and the importance of reframing success. While she mourns the loss of her company, Chevrier Schwartz is also looking forward; she has recently joined TechTO as “CEO in residence,” signaling her transition to a new chapter in her career.

Andrew McLeod, the CEO of Certn, a background check tool based in Victoria, will share humorous anecdotes from his company’s rapid international expansion journey. McLeod will discuss the origins of Certn and the various missteps encountered along the way. His session will center on embracing imperfections, learning from mistakes, and highlighting the importance of agility and resilience when scaling a company globally. With a blend of humor and insight, McLeod’s talk promises to show how challenges can transform into growth opportunities.

Martin Basiri, co-founder of Applyboard, will reflect on his journey as an immigrant entrepreneur and how his experiences influenced the founding of a company that aids international students in applying to Canadian institutions. Following a recent announcement of a $100 million CAD funding raise, Basiri has shifted his focus to a new venture, Passage, which aims to assist employers in attracting talent to Canada, especially in light of evolving immigration policies. His discussion will compare his experiences of finding product-market fit at different stages of his career, illustrating the challenges and strategies involved in transitioning from a startup founder with limited resources to leading a unicorn company.

SAAS NORTH 2024 offers attendees a unique opportunity to gain insights from some of Canada’s most successful tech leaders. The BetaKit Keynote Stage will highlight the realities of the tech industry, encouraging open discussions about the challenges inherent in entrepreneurship. The sessions are designed to be thought-provoking and relatable, combining inspiration, humor, and practical lessons that attendees can take back to their own ventures.

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, the stories shared at SAAS NORTH will resonate with fellow founders and foster a sense of community among those navigating similar challenges. Whether addressing the impacts of bankruptcy, the imperfections associated with scaling a business, or the complexities of immigration policy, this year's conference is set to serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience required in the tech world. Attendees can anticipate an enlightening experience that promises to engage, inspire, and challenge conventional narratives within the SaaS industry.