Welcome to "Idea to Investment," the podcast that looks into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and investment. Join us as we embark on a journey with innovators and investors, uncovering the captivating stories that unfold from the inception of an idea to securing vital investments. This podcast goes beyond the surface, offering an intimate look into the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that shape a business. We aim to amplify the voices of entrepreneurs, showcasing their resilience and ingenuity, while also gaining insights from the investors who believed in their vision.
Welcome to "Idea to Investment," the podcast that looks into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and investment. Join us as we embark on a journey with innovators and investors, uncovering the captivating stories that unfold from the inception of an idea to securing vital investments.
In this episode, we sit down with Liwordson Vijayabalan, Founder of Shack Homes and winner of Polaris Pitch Competition & Innovation Showcase 2026, alongside investor and judge, Zamir Khan. Together, they unpack the story behind the pitch: what made it stand out, where it could have fallen short, and what investors are really listening for in the room.
From building an AI-powered real estate platform to delivering a pitch that cuts through, this conversation offers a rare, dual perspective on what it takes to win.
To know more about Shack Homes, visit their website here. (https://about.shackhomes.com)
To know more about RHA Ventures, visit their website here. (https://rha.ventures)
Liking our podcast so far?
Know more about your biggest cheerleaders in this innovation ecosystem and how we can bolster growth for your venture here on our website - https://www.techalliance.ca/ (https://www.techalliance.ca/)
Looking for business advisors to help you start your business on your own terms? Book an introductory call at no cost with our seasoned business advisors here - https://www.techalliance.ca/book-a-call/ (https://www.techalliance.ca/book-a-call/)
Keep yourself updated on the latest news, upcoming events and initiatives through our newsletter. Subscribe now - https://www.techalliance.ca/techalliance-newsletter/ (https://www.techalliance.ca/techalliance-newsletter/)
11 Dec 2025
Episode #30 - Blumind
Welcome to "Idea to Investment," the podcast that looks into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and investment. Join us as we embark on a journey with innovators and investors, uncovering the captivating stories that unfold from the inception of an idea to securing vital investments.
In this episode, we sit with Niraj Mathur, Co-Founder & CEO of Blumind, and Albert Chen, Partner at Two Small Fish Ventures.
We dig into what it really takes to build and invest in deep tech. Albert shares how Two Small Fish Ventures evaluates founders and ideas, plus what stands out across the 1,000+ pitches he sees each year. Niraj brings the founder perspective, from engaging customers early to translating complex technical work into a story investors understand. Together, they break down the shifts happening in Canada’s deep-tech landscape and the opportunities emerging for founders.
To know more about Blumind, visit their website here. (https://blumind.ai/company/)
Connect with Niraj Mathur here. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/niraj-mathur/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base%3BBc6XHdLFRWGvFumCnmHf1A%3D%3D)
To know more about Two Small Fish Ventures, visit their website here. (https://twosmallfish.vc)
Connect with Albert Chen here. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-chen-4599055/)
Liking our podcast so far?
Know more about your biggest cheerleaders in this innovation ecosystem and how we can bolster growth for your venture here on our website - https://www.techalliance.ca/ (https://www.techalliance.ca/)
Looking for business advisors to help you start your business on your own terms? Book an introductory call at no cost with our seasoned business advisors here - https://www.techalliance.ca/book-a-call/ (https://www.techalliance.ca/book-a-call/)
Keep yourself updated on the latest news, upcoming events and initiatives through our newsletter. Subscribe now - https://www.techalliance.ca/techalliance-newsletter/ (https://www.techalliance.ca/techalliance-newsletter/)
5 Nov 2025
Episode #29 - Janet Bannister
Welcome to "Idea to Investment," the podcast that looks into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and investment. Join us as we embark on a journey with innovators and investors, uncovering the captivating stories that unfold from the inception of an idea to securing vital investments.
In this episode, we sit with Janet Bannister, Founder and Managing Partner at Staircase Ventures, an investment group that leads seed-stage rounds into Canada’s highest potential tech companies.
In this power-packed episode, Janet shares what stands out to her among 1500 pitches that she sees every year, how underhyped areas might be great avenues for exploring the next big thing, how media needs to change storytelling to drive change towards an equitable investment approach, and why founders need to partner, and not impress, investors to get the most out of them.
To know more about Staircase Ventures, visit their website here. (https://staircaseventures.com)
To know more about Janet Bannister, visit his LinkedIn here. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetbannister/)
👏 This podcast has been made possible through the generous support of TD Ferrera Wealth Advisory Group (https://advisors.td.com/jonathan.ferrara/).
Liking our podcast so far?
Know more about your biggest cheerleaders in this innovation ecosystem and how we can bolster growth for your venture here on our website - https://www.techalliance.ca/ (https://www.techalliance.ca/)
Looking for business advisors to help you start your business on your own terms? Book an introductory call at no cost with our seasoned business advisors here - https://www.techalliance.ca/book-a-call/ (https://www.techalliance.ca/book-a-call/)
Keep yourself updated on the latest news, upcoming events and initiatives through our newsletter. Subscribe now - https://www.techalliance.ca/techalliance-newsletter/ (https://www.techalliance.ca/techalliance-newsletter/)
Who has been a guest on Idea to Investment
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Pieter Dorsman
Jake Karls
Mike Fata
Jeff Lupker
Jason Kowalcyzk
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
54,805
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
64
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
0
Contact Idea to Investment
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Books guests
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unknown host the show. Published by TechAlliance.
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