In episode 270, Kelly Kennedy welcomes Laura Gabor — co-founder and COO of Ecologicca, founder of What in the Tech, angel investor, and one of The Peak’s Emerging Leaders in Tech for 2024. Laura shares her journey from her immigrant roots to becoming a leader in the Canadian tech ecosystem, highlighting the pivotal experiences that shaped her as an entrepreneur and investor. From early lessons in resilience to her first angel investments, she offers a candid perspective on the challenges of building companies, raising capital, and staying true to your vision.

Throughout the conversation, Laura unpacks the realities of fundraising: the misconceptions about being “too early,” the dangers of vague feedback, and the sheer persistence it takes to survive 200+ investor conversations before landing a “yes.” She also speaks openly about gender inequities in tech, the importance of inclusive leadership, and the need for stronger accountability in pay and funding. Her unfiltered insights serve as both a warning and a guide for founders — blending honesty, encouragement, and practical strategies for navigating the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

1. Fundraising often takes 200+ conversations before one “yes” — persistence is everything.

2. Feedback like “you’re too early” can kill great companies — be mindful of the weight your words carry.

3. Founders must learn to filter advice; not all advice is good advice, and context matters.

4. Women continue to face inequities in both pay and funding — leaders must be accountable for change.

5. Angel investors need proper education too — bad investing knowledge harms founders and ecosystems.

6. Building a strong support system or “village” is critical to thriving as an entrepreneur.

7. Career paths don’t need to follow a straight line — resilience and adaptability open new doors.

8. Transparency and clarity are essential when raising capital — vagueness erodes trust.

9. Founders should trust their gut as much as the data — instinct is part of good leadership.

10. Legacy isn’t just about business success; it’s about creating impact, equity, and opportunities for others.

Support Laura’s work with Ecologicca & What in the Tech by engaging with the content, sharing it with your network, and amplifying the stories of women and underrepresented voices in tech.

Learn more about Ecologicca: https://www.ecologicca.com/

Learn more about What in the Tech?: https://www.whatinthetech.co/

If you’re ready to go further on your business development journey, join us inside The Catalyst Club. It’s where founders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders come together to share wins, tackle challenges, and grow alongside a supportive community that understands the grind. Inside, you’ll find live sessions, expert insights, and a network built to help you move the needle in your business and your life. You don’t have to do this alone — your community is waiting.

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