Founders
Leadership, validation and growth: the practical work of building a company.
Coworking in the Cloud
Coworking shouldn’t be limited to former factories and warehouses. Shared resources should also be leveraged in the cloud, particularly for early-stage startups with limited access to funds.
August 31, 2016Concierge Startups Tap Cognitive Technology
Magic+ and Operator, personal assistant and personal shopper messenger services, use IBM Watson as an integral part of their stack.
August 15, 2016VIDEO: Business Design Through an Open Method
One of the most significant contributions by the Bluemix Garage Method is to help startups connect with IBM’s enterprise customers.
August 13, 2016Cultural Fluency in Tech Startups
The skills that individuals bring to tech startups add up to nothing if the personalities don't jibe with startup culture.
August 2, 2016Startup Culture Means More than Free Snacks
Forget the free snacks, games room and in-house masseuse. What attracts top talent to tech startups is an environment that will allow for unconventional approaches to problem solving.
August 2, 2016VIDEO: Share Your Startup’s IP with a Resource, Not a Rival
Partnerships between enterprise and startups can help tech ecosystems grow. One place where this kind of cooperation happens is IBM’s Bluemix Garage.
July 18, 2016How to Skill Your Startup
TechPORTFOLIO spoke to Sonia Strimban, manager, Venture Operations at Mars Discovery District about the ideal evolution of startups within the accelerator community and the issues startups run into when it comes to finding employees with the right skills.
June 6, 2016VIDEO: Expertise and Mentorship Help Startups Exit the ‘Valley of Death’
Bridges are being built over what IBM Canada's Pat Horgan refers to as the "Valley of Death" for startups trying to scale up. Initiatives like IBM’s Bluemix Garage – which provides technology support, shares growth experience, and offers mentorship – aims to foster scale up success in the long-run.
June 1, 2016Choosing the Wrong Accelerator Can Get You Nowhere Fast
Accelerators can put startups on a fast track towards growth-stage success, but founders shouldn’t be tempted to apply to a program simply on the basis of acceptance chances. Geography, funding, office space, and mentorship availability are all important, and there are still other factors to keep in mind.
May 18, 2016F&B Startup Hungry for Growth, Eyes Big City
7shifts, a mobile- and web-based restaurant scheduling company based in Saskatoon, has recently established a two-person sales team in Toronto — the company’s latest move in an effort to compete with industry leader, Austin-based HotSchedules.
March 31, 2016Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Founders section for?
People starting or running a company: founders, early employees and operators who want practical guidance on building a business.
What topics does it cover?
Validating an idea, avoiding common early mistakes, leadership, hiring and culture, and growth marketing.
Are there tools for founders?
Yes. The Runway & Burn Calculator and Cap Table Builder are designed for founders planning cash and ownership.
Can I contribute a guide?
We consider contributed pieces from experienced founders and operators. Email info@techportfolio.net with an outline.
Are older founder stories still relevant?
Many are. Stories published before 2026 are labelled with their year so you can judge how current they are.