InterGen and Accelerate Fund invite you to an exclusive fireside chat breakfast exploring the investor and founder journeys behind DriveWyze, an Alberta-based logistics SaaS company that successfully scaled from startup to exit.
Fred Ko and Brian Heath will share their experience building and growing DriveWyze, while Shawn Abbott, Partner at Inovia Capital and an early investor in the company, will offer insights into investment selection, risk management, and deal structuring from an investor’s perspective. Moderated by InterGen’s Program Director, Khalid Hansraj, this conversation will dive into the key decisions and challenges that shaped DriveWyze’s trajectory, from securing early funding to navigating scale and acquisition.
This is a rare opportunity for accredited investors to hear firsthand what it takes to back a high-growth startup and optimize returns. Whether you’re a seasoned angel investor or exploring early-stage tech investments, this discussion will provide valuable insights into the strategies that drive successful outcomes.
This event is by invitation only for accredited investors. To request an invitation, please email khalid@intergenconnect.com
Date: March 26th, 2025.
Location: Energy Transition Center
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 AM
Accredited Investor Criteria
In Alberta, an accredited investor is someone who meets certain financial criteria, allowing them to invest in opportunities that aren’t available to the general public. This includes individuals who have at least $1 million in financial assets (like cash, stocks, or bonds), earn at least $200,000 per year (or $300,000 with a spouse) for the past two years, or have $5 million in total assets. Businesses and organizations can also qualify if they have at least $5 million in assets or if all their owners are accredited investors. These investors are considered financially experienced and capable of handling higher-risk investments without the protections of a prospectus.
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Meet the Speakers:
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Brian Heath and Fred Ko are accomplished entrepreneurs and together co-founded Drivewyze, a successful company that was started 22 years ago. Their strategic leadership and innovative approach helped Drivewyze become a leader in the transportation industry. Brian was CEO and President and Fred was in the role of EVP Operations.
Over the course of two decades, Brian and Fred nurtured a strong company culture, focusing on quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. Their dedication and expertise attracted both talented employees and loyal clients, driving the company to impressive growth and profitability.
In August 2024, Drivewyze was sold, marking the end of an era and the beginning of new opportunities. They continue to be a sought-after advisors, mentors, and investors, leveraging their vast experience to support the next generation of entrepreneurs. Both Brian and Fred are passionate about giving back to the business community and is always looking for new ways to make a positive impact in both the business and social spheres.
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Shawn Abbott co-founded Inovia Capital in 2007 after two decades as a founder, inventor, angel investor, and global executive. Passionate about coaching entrepreneurs, he plays a key role in governance across Inovia’s portfolio and community.
He serves on the boards of Certn, Top Hat, and Bench and is a champion for strong governance, contributing to the ICD/CVCA Private Capital Governance Program and authoring The Great Board Commitment. Past board roles include Drivewyze, Tugboat Logic, WorkFusion, and Solium (TSX:SUM), which was acquired by Morgan Stanley for over C$1B in 2019.
A leader in the startup ecosystem, Shawn was the founding Chair of A100, helped establish AccelerateAB and AccelerateFunds, and chaired the Venture Capital Association of Alberta and Banff Venture Forum. He also mentors founders through CETAC-WEST and Venture Mentoring Services.
Before Inovia, Shawn was a pioneer in internet security, serving as CTO and later President of Rainbow Technologies, leading global operations and M&A transactions culminating in a half-billion-dollar exit. He founded and sold the AND Group, which powered early digital commerce, and holds patents for the USB key, online banking, and biometric security.
DriveWyze Inc. is a leader in transportation technology, providing innovative solutions for commercial vehicle fleets, truck drivers, and transportation infrastructure owners. Their cutting-edge services, including DriveWyze PreClear weigh station bypass and DriveWyze Safety+ in-cab notifications, enhance efficiency and road safety.
Sponsored by:
InterGen’s investor and leadership development program is funded by
Alberta Innovates , Alberta Enterprise Corporation and PrairiesCan.