Calgary, AB, June 2026 – Coming just weeks after KOHO announced a $130 million financing round at a $1.33 billion valuation, our latest Wine Wednesday gave attendees a rare opportunity to hear directly from the leader behind one of Canada's newest unicorns.
The room was filled with investors, fintech founders, ecosystem leaders, and business advisors eager to hear from Daniel Eberhard, Founder and CEO of KOHO, as he shared the lessons behind the company's journey from fintech challenger to unicorn. While KOHO's latest milestone set the stage, the conversation focused less on fundraising headlines and more on the leadership, strategic decisions, and long-term thinking that have shaped the company's growth.
At the heart of KOHO's success is a relentless focus on solving real problems for Canadians. Daniel explained that the company's advantage has never been about simply building financial products, it has been about creating products that people genuinely choose to use, earning customer trust one interaction at a time.
He also spoke candidly about how leadership evolves as a company scales. Learning to trust your own judgment, while balancing external advice with a deep understanding of your customers and vision, is one of the most important skills a founder can develop.
The conversation also explored the importance of building exceptional teams. Daniel reflected on hiring people who align with the company's values and mission, noting that curiosity, shared purpose, and a commitment to continuous improvement often matter more than experience alone.
As digital banking continues to evolve, Daniel offered an honest perspective on the realities of building in one of Canada's most regulated industries. From navigating regulation to earning consumer trust, the discussion reinforced that enduring companies are built through disciplined execution, long-term conviction, and an unwavering focus on delivering value.
Thank you to Daniel Eberhard for an engaging conversation and to everyone who joined us for another sold-out Wine Wednesday.
A special thank you to our event partner, EY, for their continued support in bringing Alberta's founders, investors, and business leaders together for conversations that strengthen our innovation ecosystem.
We look forward to seeing you at the next Wine Wednesday!
Visit KOHO to learn more about their work.
Photos taken by Jill Thompson Photography