​JOIN US: Schulich Startups VIP Session Featuring Nilam Ganenthiran (BBA '04), Founder & CEO of Beacon Software, former President of Instacart, and Partner at D1 Capital.

​We are excited to continue our Schulich Startups VIP Series with an exclusive session featuring Nilam Ganenthiran, a Schulich alumnus and one of the most successful Canadian operators and investors in the global tech ecosystem.

​Fresh off his November announcement of a massive $250M Series B for Beacon Software, Nilam returns to Schulich to share the blueprint for building a global powerhouse. From being the 12th employee at Instacart to serving as its President through its most explosive growth, and later as a Partner at D1 Capital, Nilam has been at the center of the largest scale-up stories in modern tech.

​What is a Schulich VIP Session (sponsored by Desjardins)?

​Our VIP sessions provide an intimate and thought-provoking conversation with some of the most influential figures in Canada’s innovation and investment ecosystem. This session will offer attendees a rare look at Canada’s current challenges around talent, capital, and IP retention — and an honest conversation about what needs to change.

​About Nilam Ganenthiran & Beacon Software

​Nilam Ganenthiran is the Founder and CEO of Beacon Software, a high-growth venture that recently raised its Series B to redefine how software powers essential industries.

​Nilam’s career is a blueprint for the modern entrepreneur. He joined Instacart in its infancy as the 12th employee, rising to become President and helping steer the company through its most explosive periods of global growth. Following his success at Instacart, he transitioned to the investment side as a Partner at D1 Capital, one of the world's leading investment firms, before returning to his founder roots to build Beacon.

​A proud Schulich School of Business alumnus, Nilam brings a dual perspective as both a world-class operator and a sophisticated investor. He understands exactly what it takes to scale a company from a dozen employees to a global household name—and why the next generation of great companies should be built right here.

​Event Highlights

• ​🔹 The Operator’s Journey: Hear the inside story of scaling Instacart from a small team to a multi-billion dollar giant.

• ​🔹 Transitioning Roles: Insights into the shift from being a high-level operator to a venture partner, and finally, a serial founder.

• ​🔹 Building the Future: Why Nilam chose to start Beacon Software and how his experience at D1 Capital influences his strategy today.

• ​🔹 Candid Conversation: A deep dive into the evolution of the Canadian tech ecosystem and what’s required to keep our best talent and companies at home.

​Event Details

​📅 Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026

​⏰ Doors Open: 5:30 PM EST

​🎤 Keynote & Q&A: 6:00 – 7:45 PM EST

​🤝 Networking Reception: 7:45 – 9:00 PM EST

​📍 Location: Schulich School of Business (Keele Campus)

​Registration

​​Due to the exclusive nature of this event, registration is essential. Please ensure your attendance if you register. If you are unable to attend, kindly cancel your registration at least 48 hours in advance so we can accommodate others.

​​This event is powered by Desjardins.

​​The Schulich Startups VIP Series is generously sponsored by: Zeifmans LLP, R&D Legal, North Horizon Holdings and City of Toronto