The AI-first startup playbook

As AI shifts from an additive feature into a fundamental layer of software, both emerging startups and established software ventures face a pivotal moment. The playbook for product architecture, business development and internal culture is shifting. This panel goes beyond the hype to explore the practical realities of building tech ventures in the AI era—from retrofitting legacy SaaS platforms to defining the human-machine division of labour. What we will cover: Who should attend: Founders, product leaders and strategists looking to build, scale, or optimize their startup’s AI strategy from both an internal operations and external product perspective. Agenda 12:00 p.m. - Doors open12:15 a.m. - Opening remarks12:20 a.m. - Fireside discussion12:50 a.m. - Audience Q&A1:00 p.m. - Networking1:30 p.m. - END Featuring:Jonathon Bloomfield, Founder, Edventive (moderator) Jonathon Bloomfield is a teacher-turned-entrepreneur who runs two ventures: Edventive, where he works on teacher productivity and teaches system-wide AI literacy, and Upskailed, his AI upskilling and consulting practice for businesses and not-for-profits. Outside of his companies, Jonathon serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Toronto's Black Founders Network and mentors underrepresented youth in STEM and entrepreneurship. Rehber Lookman, MaRS Advisor Rehber has earned a blended experience across Technology, Operations and Venture Capital across the North American, and Europen markets.Rehber’s previous experience includes positions at London based Kreos Capital where he served as Investment Manager, and Investment Manager with Canadian Northwater Capital Venture Fund, where he supported lead discovery, investment screening, underwriting and portfolio management activities focused on early stage disruptive technologies in the ICT, energy and industrial sectors.