When Cloud Spend Becomes a Liability: Infrastructure Insights for Startup Growth
Overview
Cloud has long been the fastest path for startups to build and scale. But as data-intensive workloads grow and cloud pricing models evolve, many founders are discovering that cloud spend can quickly shift from enabler to liability, impacting burn rate, margins, and long-term flexibility.
Hosted at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus in partnership with Telehouse Canada, this fireside discussion explores the new economics of cloud. Together, we’ll unpack how rising costs, usage-based pricing, AI-driven workloads, and growing expectations around data sovereignty are reshaping infrastructure decisions for early-stage startups
Drawing on Telehouse Canada’s experience at the intersection of cloud platforms, AI workloads, and data centre infrastructure, this session reframes infrastructure not just as a technical choice—but as a strategic business and trust decision.
Who Should Attend
Early-stage startup founders
Student entrepreneurs building cloud-based or AI-enabled products
Members of the university incubator or accelerator community
Founders responsible for technology, cost, or infrastructure decisions
No deep cloud or AI expertise required.
Key Takeaways
You’ll leave with:
A clear understanding of why cloud spend, especially with AI-driven applications, can become a liability
Insight into how cloud economics impact burn rate, margins, and scalability
A founder-friendly breakdown of data centre taxonomy (hyperscale, colocation, enterprise) and why it matters
Clarity on cloud-only vs. hybrid infrastructure trade-offs
An understanding of how data residency and sovereignty considerations are shaping infrastructure strategy in Canada
Better questions to ask early so you can avoid costly infrastructure missteps
The session includes a live panel and Q&A, giving founders space to discuss their own cloud, AI, and infrastructure challenges
Speakers
Guest Speakers
Andy Fenton: Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Telehouse Canada
Alexander Ngai: Director of Product and Strategy, Telehouse Canada
Moderated by
Gwen Yasinski: Senior Business Development Executive, Telehouse Canada
Event Details
Date: March 25, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, 108 College St., 7th Floor Winter Garden
Light lunch and refreshments provided.
Register
Cloud decisions made early can shape your margins, flexibility, and growth for years to come.
If you’re building with cloud or AI, and want to ensure your infrastructure supports your scale rather than constrains it, secure your spot today.
Limited spots available.
Register now.