Canada has the talent, the capital, and the research to dominate the next technological wave. Artificial intelligence is redefining the rules of the game at an unprecedented speed, and it brings a clear observation to light: we are not yet fully leveraging this potential.
With 20 years at the helm of Inovia Capital, deeply rooted in the Canadian technology ecosystem with over US$2.5 billion in assets under management, Chris Arsenault delivers a straightforward diagnosis: our main obstacle is not a lack of resources, but a lack of velocity. And velocity is, above all, a matter of mindset.
Through concrete data and examples drawn from Inovia's portfolio, this conference highlights actionable solutions on which Canada must act now to adopt an innovation mindset and bring forth Canadian companies ready to compete on a global scale.
The address will be followed by an interview with Marie-Josée Lamothe, President, Tandem International

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Biography

Chris Arsenault

Chris Arsenault is a driving force in the maturing Canadian tech ecosystem with over 25 years of operating and investing experience. He has played a vital role in supporting numerous successful companies. He has a remarkable track record in identifying high-potential people and ventures, maximizing deal value, and guiding management teams through growth and successful exits.
Chris co-founded Inovia Capital in 2007, shaping its culture and vision. His entrepreneurial instincts led to the creation of the Inovia platform and the fi rm's growth funds, propelling its success. With an unwavering commitment to the Canadian tech landscape, Chris has supportedbeen instrumental in supporting key global companies such as Appdirect, Lightspeed Commerce, Luxury Retreats, Poka and Super.
Currently serving on the boards of AppDirect, Life House, Plenty, Super.com and Talent.com, Chris provides valuable guidance and strategic insights. His leadership has contributed to notable exits, including the IPO of Lightspeed Commerce and Sonder, along with the successful acquisitions of Chronogolf (Lightspeed), Luxury Retreats (Airbnb), Well.ca (McKesson), Poka (IFS), Localmind (Airbnb), Smooch (Zendesk), Refl ex Photonics (Smiths Interconnect), Routehappy (ATPCo), Airborne Entertainment (Cybird), and SIT (Ubizen), generating substantial shareholder value.
Chris is also actively involved in community initiatives and serves on the board of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation, the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation Campaign Cabinet, and Groupe Dynamite (TSX:GRGD). As a proud Charter Member of The C100, an esteemed Silicon Valley organization, Chris continues to foster collaboration and innovation across borders.
With his wealth of experience, entrepreneurial mindset, and deep industry relationships, Chris Arsenault has solidifi ed his position as a key pillar in the Canadian tech landscape. His dedication to
identifying high potential companies, maximizing their value, and supporting their growth has made a lasting impact on the ecosystem.
Biography 2026