The AI-first startup playbook
As AI shifts from an additive feature into a fundamental layer of software, both emerging startups and established software ventures face a pivotal moment. The playbook for product architecture, business development and internal culture is shifting. This panel goes beyond the hype to explore the practical realities of building tech ventures in the AI era—from retrofitting legacy SaaS platforms to defining the human-machine division of labour.
What we will cover:
How business development and go-to-market strategies have changed in the AI era. We will discuss what founders are doing differently today versus three years ago—and what has actually become harder.
Insights on determining internal AI policies. Panelists will share their guiding principles for employee use, training, and using AI.
How to strategically frame market problems and make the critical decision of when to use AI, how much to use it, and exactly what tasks should be delegated to humans versus automated by models.
The realities of data access, internal governance, keeping pace with relentless LLM developments, model validation, token optimization and more.
Who should attend: Founders, product leaders and strategists looking to build, scale, or optimize their startup’s AI strategy from both an internal operations and external product perspective.
Agenda
12:00 p.m. - Doors open
12:15 a.m. - Opening remarks
12:20 a.m. - Fireside discussion
12:50 a.m. - Audience Q&A
1:00 p.m. - Networking
1:30 p.m. - END
Featuring:
Jonathon Bloomfield, Founder, Edventive (moderator)
Jonathon Bloomfield is a teacher-turned-entrepreneur who runs two ventures: Edventive, where he works on teacher productivity and teaches system-wide AI literacy, and Upskailed, his AI upskilling and consulting practice for businesses and not-for-profits.
Outside of his companies, Jonathon serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Toronto's Black Founders Network and mentors underrepresented youth in STEM and entrepreneurship.
Rehber Lookman, MaRS Advisor
Rehber has earned a blended experience across Technology, Operations and Venture Capital across the North American, and Europen markets.
Rehber’s previous experience includes positions at London based Kreos Capital where he served as Investment Manager, and Investment Manager with Canadian Northwater Capital Venture Fund, where he supported lead discovery, investment screening, underwriting and portfolio management activities focused on early stage disruptive technologies in the ICT, energy and industrial sectors.