In September 2024, we kicked off our first 48Hrs gathering with our largest cohort of Fellows, setting the stage for a year of growth, learning, and connection.
Feedback from the Fellows after the first 48Hrs event showed us how deeply this community resonated with them.
“It’s easy to underestimate the power of being surrounded by people who inspire you to push beyond your limits. Entrepreneurship can often feel isolating, but connecting with others who face similar challenges is a game-changer.” - Kayli Dale, CEO, Friendlier
Building a company is one of the most ambitious and, at times, loneliest journeys. At 48Hrs, we intentionally foster a space where founders can connect with others who share their struggles and triumphs, enabling them to draw strength from each other. These connections go beyond networking—they are about shared purpose and building lasting bonds.
Kicking Off the 2024 Fellows Program with Impact
At this initial gathering, our Fellows met not only each other but also a group of C100 mentors, members, and successful alumni. This first 48Hrs offered invaluable opportunities for Fellows to open up, ask questions, and be genuinely heard, setting the tone for what lies ahead.
The event started with Fellows-only time and a fireside chat with Mike Wessinger, co-founder and executive chairman of PointClickCare.
“The first evening included a fireside chat session and small groups to discuss what made us become founders. I knew I'd be building relationships with the co-fellows, but what I did not expect was the depth of it. I often hear: "It's a lonely place at the top (referring to being a founder)". I can tell you that I was not feeling alone at that moment.” - Annie Cyr, CEO, Tengiva
Informative Sessions with Experienced Leaders
48Hrs isn’t just about sharing challenges—it’s also about learning from leaders who have navigated the path to success.
A session on Storytelling by Edmundo Ortega guided the Fellows in restructuring their company pitches from logical statements into compelling narratives that will resonate emotionally with audiences, be it customers, investors, boards, media, etc.
The Leadership Panel, featuring Julie Currie, Tate Hackert, and Evan Macmillan, discussed how the best leaders grow and evolve with their businesses rather than reinvent themselves entirely.
Elissa Barrett, Henry Shi, and Lara Cumberland led a session that included insights into how to hire the right people at each critical stage of your business. Many leaders hire talent that may be too senior for what’s needed now; our panellists cautioned to hire for what you need.
“I’ll be honest—sometimes you attend programs and leave feeling unsure about what you gained from the time spent. But this was truly unlike any program I’ve ever experienced!” - Kaylee Lieffers, CEO, Blanka
Fundraising is central to any early-stage founder’s journey. The fundraising panel, led by Alex Kolicich, Joanna Lee Shevelenko, and Zeya Yang, provided Fellows with highly actionable and candid insights. Fellows appreciated the off-the-record nature of the discussion, which encouraged transparency and practical advice. The panellists focused on key fundraising strategies and navigating the nuances of relationship-building in the venture ecosystem.
“It was inspiring to connect with many talented Canadian Founders, each bringing their unique story and passion. It's not every day that we get to dive deep into our challenges and learn so much from one another. A heartfelt thank you to the amazing speakers and business leaders who shared their wisdom and experiences.” - Sachin Bhalla, CMO, GoVeyance
In addition to the panels, breakout sessions included relevant and meaningful discussions with the Fellows. Each table grouped Fellows in similar industries with invited C100 members with expert experience to help guide them through their most pressing issues.
“Building a category-defining company takes more than just heart and grit—it takes a village to help you elevate to the next level, and the C100 community embodies that perfectly.” - Joel Nicholson, CEO, Youthfully
Looking Ahead: Building Momentum for January’s 48Hrs
As we wrapped up the first 48Hrs, the Fellows, mentors, and C100 team felt the momentum. We’ve seen the power of this program to transform not only the trajectory of individual founders but also to strengthen the Canadian tech ecosystem as a whole.
The energy from September’s event carries forward into the second 48Hrs, set for January 2025, where Fellows will reconnect, tackle new challenges, and continue learning from each other and our community of experts.
