Dal Innovates Breakfast Speaker Series: Flourishing Young Founders

According to a 2022 study by Junior Achievement USA, 60% of teens are more interested in starting their own business and exploring entrepreneurship than having a traditional job.

Entrepreneurship isn’t easy, and being a young founder presents additional challenges that are often not talked about. On March 31st, join Dal Innovates as we sit down with 4 founders under the age of 30 who have taken their ideas and propelled them to new heights. Each speaker will take you through a specific lesson they have learned along their journey, with a Q&A period at the end.

Food and refreshments will be offered.

Meet the speakers:

Topic 1: Silver Bullet: The Key to Success for Young Founders with Harrison Smith

Harrison Smith is a serial entrepreneur. Having started his first venture in high school, Harrison became passionate about making a positive impact through technology at an early age. His first venture ultimately failed, but experienced success with his next startup, where over $2m in venture capital was raised and the team grown to double digits. Harrison was named to Atlantic Business Magazine’s 30 under 30 for his efforts. Harrison is currently a computer science student at Dalhousie University and passionate about creating technology in the healthcare and education sectors.

Topic 2: How to Build with No-Code with Zach Laberge

Zach is frenter’s 17-year-old founder. Starting frenter at the age of 14 and raising $80k in angel funding, scaling it across Canada, and pivoting after raising a $270k pre-seed at the age of 15 and leaving high school. Since then, frenter has assisted rental companies throughout North America, having raised $1.3 million to date from investors such as Jason Calacanis, 1517 Fund, Connetic Ventures, Gaingels, and many others.

Topic 3: Founder Mentality and Resilience with Giancarlo Sessa and Aedan Fida

Giancarlo is a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient for the work accomplished with his first venture, Blade Air. Giancarlo is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and advisor with a passion for helping founders achieve their goals and create a winning mindset. Giancarlo is an inspiring story of perseverance, vision, and agility. Giancarlo is an alumnus of the Schulich School of Business, where he received his BBA with a specialization in accounting.

Aedan is a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient for the work accomplished with his first venture, Blade Air. Aedan is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and advisor with a passion for growth and strategy planning. Aedan is an inspiring story of perseverance, vision, and agility. Aedan is an alumnus of the Schulich School of Business, where he received his BBA with specializations in finance and entrepreneurship.

Location: Collider Room in the Killam Memorial Library, Room #2600, 6225 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2

NOTE: By attending this event, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed, and give permission to Dal Innovates to use your image in promotional and/or marketing materials. If you’re unable to attend any of our events please take a minute and cancel your ticket. This allows our events team to better prepare for every event.

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