To kick off our first Wine Wednesday of the year, we are excited to shift gears and chat with the visionary founders behind ZayZoon, a local fintech startup and an InterGen Capital portfolio company. Known for its earned wage access (EWA) platform, ZayZoon is disrupting the status quo of payroll, effectively transforming businesses by increasing both employee satisfaction and productivity.
Join us for an evening of inspiration as we showcase the remarkable journey of a true Calgary success story, a company that has thrived with the steadfast support of Alberta investors and a dynamic local tech ecosystem. From its ideation days with just a few employees to tremendous traction and more than 120 team members, Sandi Gilbert will sit down with Tate Hackert and Darcy Tuer as they share their story.
Alberta's investors, known for their foresight and willingness to back ambitious ventures, were hailed as catalysts for the company's growth. Their strategic investments not only provided the necessary capital but also served as a vote of confidence, propelling the company's expansion. A perfect example of collaboration within Alberta's vibrant tech ecosystem, this is sure to be a fantastic story of how a Calgary-based company can grow. It will be a positive reminder of the incredible local talent we have and what happens when a community comes together.
Calling all entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and anyone interested in learning more about the transformative potential of Alberta's tech ecosystem. If you're a venture trying to figure out how to get to the next level, this will be a great gathering to meet other entrepreneurs and potential investors that can help get you there.
April 24│5:00 PM MST
Thomsons Social Hub, Hyatt Regency Calgary
RegisterSpeakers:
Darcy Tuer is ZayZoon's Co-Founder and CEO, who grew up in Calgary and Edmonton and started his first tech company in 2000. “I'm passionate about Calgary's technology ecosystem.” Also the Co-founder and previous President of Spira Data Corp. for 11 years, he founded his first software company, Halo Networks, in 2000.
Darcy was convinced he was meant to be a part of ZayZoon when Tate Hackert, ZayZoon's Co-Founder and President, pitched the company and its vision to him. The idea of bringing financial wellness to the masses and creating significant positive social impact was something he could not ignore. “We believed that if we had one person that needed us, that we could keep away from a predatory loan, we knew that there would be millions of people that we could help in the same way."
Tate Hackert has a unique background unlike many founders of technology companies. With deep roots on the West Coast of Canada, Tate once spent 43 days on a commercial fishing boat.
It was as a young adult that Tate found his passion in what would become an entire industry, FinTech. Between the ages of 16 and 23, Tate used Craigslist as a way to lend out more than $250,000 of his own capital to those in need. Through this journey, Tate discovered an entire industry built around a consumer's need for short term liquidity, and unfortunately, it was an industry that preyed on its customers.
As a pioneer in Earned Wage Access, Tate founded ZayZoon as a way to combat payday loans while still giving people relief between paychecks. ZayZoon’s product allows employees to instantly access their earnings ahead of their regular scheduled payday, without debt or egregious fees.
Sponsors:
ATB provides expert advice, services and products. Our banking solutions are designed with the tech sector in mind, and customized to your operations. We have a dedicated and specialized team that understands the challenges and opportunities that come with running a tech business. Together, we can navigate them with ease. Visit us at ATB.com/tech
Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) is Canada’s Law Firm. For 200 years, BLG has provided high-value advice and advocacy to address clients’ unique business needs. We go beyond legal to anticipate, consult and advise in a rapidly changing digital world. With 800 lawyers, intellectual property agents and other professionals, BLG delivers practical legal advice for domestic and international clients across more practices and industries than any Canadian firm. Visit their website at https://www.blg.com/en