This week on Start Podcast, host Margaux Miller speaks with Duncan Jessiman and Polly Craik, co-founders of Vexxit – an online marketplace that uses machine learning to match people who need professional services with experts to meet their specific needs.
Duncan first founded of Exchange Income Corp, a TSX-listed public company reaching a $1B market cap. Polly founded FineLine Solutions, a firm focused on supporting not-for-profit organizations with donor retention, which after 30 years was acquired by a Nasdaq-traded company. Having worked with many professionals, these two powerhouses jumped back in to found Vexxit with the belief that there is a better way for people to vet and access trusted advice.
In this episode, Duncan and Polly discuss finding your role as a leader, finding technology partners to bring your idea to life, and what it is like to start multi-generational businesses in the Canadian Prairies.
If you want to learn about starting a business from two guests who have completed the full cycle from idea to acquisition and are doing it again, then this episode is for you.
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In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- 0:26 to 6:53 The Story of Vexxit – Idea & Evolution
- 6:54 to 10:20 Past Experience Supporting New Tech Start-Up
- 10:21 to 12:45 Remote Based Teams
- 12:46 to 14:32 Finding Your Role as a Leader / Founder
- 14:33 to 16:09 Hiring for Remote Based Teams
- 16:10 to 18:38 Preparing and Evolving Before Launch
- 18:39 to 21:33 Manitoba Support System and Finding Technology Partners
- 21:34 to 24:56 Using Vexxit’s Matching Platform
- 24:57 to 26:30 Cybersecurity and Compliance
- 26:35 to 28:20 Diversity in AI and Machine Learning
- 29:40 to 30:38 Practical Advice from Duncan
- 30:39 to 32:56 SPEED ROUND
- 33:22 to 37:17 What It’s Like as a Woman and Parent in Business
- 39:08 to 45:00 Starting a Business in the Canadian Prairies
- 45:05 to 47:28 What’s Next for Vexxit & Resources from Duncan and Polly
Follow Vexxit – And Let Them Know What You Learned From This Episode:
- vexxit.com
- Facebook @Vexxit
- Instagram @Vexxit_
- LinkedIn @Vexxit
Follow Start Podcast – And Share What You Learned From This Episode:
- Facebook: @StartCanadaPodcast
- Instagram: @StartCanadaPodcast
- LinkedIn: @StartCanadaPodcast
- YouTube: @StartCanadaPodcast
- Twitter: @MargauxAMiller
Find Your Start – Episode Resources:
- Manitoba Tech Ecosystem Map
- Business Book: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber – great tips for finding your place IN the business
- Marketing Podcasts by Jay Baer
- Marketing Book: YOUtility by Jay Baer
- Simon Sinek
Shoutouts in this Episode:
- Manitoba Technology Accelerator
- EO Winnipeg – Accelerator
- Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
- Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
- Alberta Chamber of Commerce