Daniel Wigdor from AXL

Daniel Wigdor from AXL

Author: Evan McCann August 8, 2025 Duration: 43:22

Daniel Wigdor is the Co-Founder and CEO of AXL.


AXL is a Canadian venture studio transforming world-class research into high-growth companies that shape the future of applied AI.

Led by seasoned tech entrepreneurs and applied AI experts, AXL’s mission is to ensure Canada’s top breakthroughs are built and scaled at home.

By connecting academia with real market demand and full-stack venture creation, AXL helps Canada move from invention to impact, anchoring talent, intellectual property, and long-term economic value within the country.


Daniel is also a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto. Daniel previously founded and sold Chatham Labs to Facebook and became the founding director of Meta’s Reality Labs in Toronto.


Chapters

00:00 Canada's Innovation Struggles

05:05 The Impact of AI on Innovation

08:20 Bridging the Gap: From Research to Entrepreneurship

12:20 Corporate Perspectives on AI

18:54 The Evolution of AI Applications

22:52 Exploring the Application Space in AI

24:20 Cultural Shifts in Startup Environments

26:19 The Role of Immigrants in Entrepreneurship

26:51 Innovative Approaches to AI in Education

29:58 Leveraging University Networks for Startup Success

31:43 Government Policies and AI Development

34:29 Proposed Changes for AI Policy in Canada

37:24 Investment Structures in Venture Studios

39:21 Navigating Challenges in Startup Founding

40:48 What Makes a Successful Venture Studio?


Evan McCann sits down with the people shaping Canada's business landscape, moving past the polished success stories to get into the real work that happens behind the scenes. The Hard Part with Evan McCann is built on conversations with founders, investors, and leaders who have navigated unique challenges, focusing on the pivotal decisions and often overlooked struggles that define a venture. This podcast explores the specific strategies and personal playbooks that have driven impact, offering a rare look at the operational truths of building something significant. While the spotlight frequently falls on innovators elsewhere, these episodes are dedicated to the Canadian visionaries whose work is redefining global entrepreneurship from here at home. You'll hear candid reflections on risk, resilience, and the moments that tested their conviction, providing not just inspiration but tangible insight into the mechanics of leadership and growth. Each discussion aims to unpack the nuance of achievement, making it an essential listen for anyone curious about the substance behind the headlines in the Canadian business world.
Author: Language: en-ca Episodes: 100

The Hard Part with Evan McCann
Podcast Episodes
Doug Roseborough [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:40
Doug Roseborough spent his career at multiple leading technology companies including 30 plus years at Oracle.Chapters00:00 Intro1:40 Early Days at Oracle02:56 Oracle's Secret Sauce05:16 Transition to the Bay Area08:15 Ro…
Tamer Shahin and Jerry Chen from Hiro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:43
Tamer Shahin and Jerry Chen are the Co-Founders of Hiro.Hiro improves child health by turning physiotherapy into fun, interactive, movement-based games designed for kids of all abilities.Chapters00:00 Intro1:40 Inspirati…
Cameron Conn from Champlain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:26
Cameron Conn is the CEO of Champlain.Cameron previously Co-Founded OneComply (acquired by GeoComply).Chapters00:00 Intro1:40 Cameron's Journey Through Industries07:51 Transitioning to Retail and Learning the Ropes12:14 P…
Robert Saunders from Ownright [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:48
Robert Saunders is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ownright.Ownright simplifies real estate transactions with the perfect combination of expert legal guidance, a client-first approach, and efficient technology. Chapters00:00 I…
Brennan Spellacy from Patch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:53
Brennan Spellacy is the Co-Founder and CEO of Patch.Patch combines technology and carbon markets expertise to help companies build and execute their carbon credit strategies from end to end, channelling capital into crit…
Francois Lafortune from Diagram Ventures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:12
Francois Lafortune is the Co-Founder and CEO of Diagram Ventures.Francois is also a Managing Partner at Sagard and Chairman of the Board at Nesto.Diagram is a venture launchpad building the next generation of global comp…
Rishard Rameez from Zown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:23
Rishard Rameez is the Co-Founder and CEO of Zown.Zown is a buyer-first real estate platform operating in both Canada and the U.S., built to reward and empower people to reach their homeownership dreams faster. Through th…
Michael Serbinis from League [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:25
Michael Serbinis is the Founder and CEO of League.Founded in 2014, League is the leading healthcare consumer experience platform, reaching more than 40 million people around the world and delivering the highest level of…
Nicholas Chepesiuk from Qualifacts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:14
Nicholas Chepesiuk is the VP of Innovation at Qualifacts.Nicholas was the Founder & CEO of OnCall Health, which was acquired by Qualifacts in 2022.Chapters00:00 Podcast Introduction2:00 Foundational Experiences in Early…
Derrick Emsley from tentree and veritree [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:26
Derrick Emsley is the Co-Founder of tentree and veritree.Chapters00:00 Podcast Introduction2:00 The Genesis of Tentree05:04 Lessons Learned in Entrepreneurship07:36 Transitioning to Veritree09:07 Navigating the Climate T…