The Upstart

Toronto’s boldest innovators on what they’re making and how it works

HOW MUCH YOU SPENT INITIALLY:

“$100,000 for product development, research and marketing, as well as hiring a head of strategy and a medical director.”

YOUR TURNING POINT:

“The pandemic really accelerated everything for us. Suddenly, the rise in pet adoption, combined with everyone being stuck at home, increased the demand for virtual veterinary visits.”

YOUR BIG-TIME BACKERS:

“We got $12.5 million from angel investors and venture capital firms like Whitecap, Brightspark and Hedgewood.”

THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED:

“‘Be persistent.’ Being an entrepreneur is difficult, but every good idea can be successful if you execute and overcome the day-to-day hurdles.”

THE WORST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED:

“‘That idea won’t work.’ Some of the biggest tech success stories probably heard this at some point along the way. You just need to block out the negativity.”

HOW IT WORKS:

“Users create a free account for their pet— whether it’s a cat, a turtle or a horse—then Vetster will connect them with a registered veterinarian for a virtual appointment.”

EUREKA MOMENT:

“Before the pandemic, I was a CEO stuck at the office most days, and I had a hard time getting my 13-year-old cockapoo, Riley, to the vet. Most of the time, someone else would have to take her, which wasn’t working for me. So I started thinking about telemedicine for animals. I wanted to create a service for people who were housebound, travelling or otherwise unable to get immediate health care for their pet.”

TECH JARGON YOU USE TOO MUCH:

“‘Pace.’ It basically describes doing things quickly. The world moves really fast, so I’m always focused on ways to help the company grow.”

COOLEST THING IN YOUR OFFICE:

“A painting of some of the most famous goal celebrations in Canadian hockey history, featuring Henderson, Gretzky and Crosby. I bought it online for $250.”

APP YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:

“MLB.com. When I’m not focused on work or family, I turn my attention to sports, which helps me decompress.”

PAST LIFE:

“In the 2000s, before Airbnb existed, I started the vacation rental marketplace CanadaStays. I eventually sold it to Expedia in 2019.”

TYPICAL WORK-FROMHOME ATTIRE:

“I’m a big baseball fan. I like to wear T-shirts with the Blue Jays or Yankees logo on them.”

IF YOU WEREN’T RUNNING A START-UP:

“I’d love to be the general manager of the Leafs or Blue Jays.”