Canada is home to world-class entrepreneurs and companies that are redefining the way we think and do business. In our ever-evolving panorama of innovation, the possibilities to build truly gamechanging enterprises and make an impact are endless.
In our first GLORY Ones to Watch guide, we’ve assembled a group of leaders who are poised for a big 2024 ahead. Collectively, they are architects of change who are actively shaping and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible across business, technology, and culture.
This roster includes both startups and seasoned players, all sharing a common thread of driving their respective communities and categories forward. In a world where change is constant, these are the names that stand out for their audacious endeavors and their impact on the future.
Lezlie Karls
CEO, Mid-Day Squares
Step into the weird, wild, and wonderful world of Mid-Day Squares, a Canadian trailblazer poised for a groundbreaking 2024. Lezlie Karls leads the charge alongside co-founders Jake Karls (her brother) and Nick Saltarelli (her husband) with a vision that transcends traditional snacking. Billed on their website as, “Everything a chocolate bar isn’t, everything a functional bar wishes it was,” Mid-Day Squares was born from a quest for healthier, tasty snack options that could seamlessly blend nutrition and indulgence. Harnessing the power of brand storytelling and social media, the brand has challenged traditional conventions around what it means to build a business today. Karls’ commitment to innovation shines through, propelling Mid-Day Squares as a frontrunner in its category and promising a year of unparalleled growth. It’s all a part of their plans for global domination. Who’s ready for a taste revolution?
Mallory Greene
CEO, Eirene Cremations
Mallory Greene is the visionary founder reshaping the deathtech landscape with Eirene Cremations. Eirene disrupts traditional funeral practices, providing a digital-first approach to end-of-life services through the lens of empathy. Greene’s mission is to offer transparency, accessibility, and eco-conscious alternatives, challenging the norms of the funeral industry and dispeling the notion that families must follow expected rituals and norms during the mourning process. Eirene Cremations emerges as a trailblazer, carving a path where innovation meets compassion. With plans to further cultivate their Canadian business and expand into the US market, 2024 is poised to be a big year for the Toronto-based startup.
READ: How Tech is Breathing New Life Into the Business of Death
Daniel Eberhard
CEO, KOHO
Enter the financial frontier with KOHO, a Canadian fintech trailblazer that has been on a mission to democratize personal finance since being founded in 2014. Led by founder and CEO Daniel Eberhard, KOHO aims to empower and give agency to its over one million users by offering a mix of products that underscore financial freedom. Earlier this year, Koho announced its next move towards securing a banking license in Canada. Amplifying this move is the hiring of Peter Aceto (formerly the CEO of Tangerine Bank) to the company’s leadership team in their efforts to become a next generation bank in Canada.
Leonard Brody
Co-founder, Caravan
From Dwayne Johnson to Kim Kardashian, celebrity brands are certainly nothing new to the business landscape. According to Bloomberg, at least 50 celebrities have launched their own brands in the past three years—and that’s in the beauty space, alone. McKinsey & Company also reports that celebrity endorsements have the potential to increase sales by up to 20 percent. It begs the question: Are we entering a new golden age of celebrity entrepreneurs? A driving force behind the cultivation of the sector is Leonard Brody. As Executive Chairman and co-founder of Caravan (a joint venture with Creative Artists Agency), he oversees the building of new enterprises for some of today’s most well-known celebrities and political figures. The year ahead shows no shortage of companies led by public figures (read: Beyonce’s anticipated haircare brand launch, Cécred) and if the numbers indicate anything, companies like Caravan are positioned for some big opportunities ahead.
Listen to Brody dive deeper into the subject matter on the Mission Critical podcast.
Lily Yange and Beverly Fala
Co-founders, Sir+Lex Agency
Founded by Lily Yange and Beverly Fala, Sir+Lex Agency was founded to tap into the growing business of influencer marketing. Harnessing Yange’s direct experience as an influencer, herself, and Fala’s background in corporate expertise, the dynamic duo have taken a unique approach to their business by focusing specifically on male content creators. According to Collabstr’s 2023 Influencer Marketing Report, 77% of influencers actively monetizing their content are female, while only 23% are male. While there are subtle differences by platform, the key takeaway here is that there is ample opportunity for growth and market share—something that Yange and Fala have recognized as a key competitive strength.
Matthew McLaughlin
Founder, The Bow
Canada has long been a leader when it comes to the fight for queer equality but take a look at today’s queer representation in media and you’ll find a disproportionate void in programming. Matthew McLaughlin created his burgeoning media and technology enterprise, The Bow, with the singular goal of creating stories for queer people by queer people. His efforts to diversify programming not only add to Canada’s rich tapestry of media production but can also help advertisers tap into a lucrative market. According to LGBT Capital, a corporate advisory and asset management firm, the purchasing power of queer and trans Canadians was about US$90-billion at the end of 2019. Given that younger generations are increasingly identifying as 2SLGBTQ+, this market is positioned for growth. With star-power backing (award-winning performer and actor Billy Porter is an advisor), The Bow will continue to fundraise and seek sponsorship agreements and partnerships in 2024.
Sari Abdo
Founder, Hungerhub
Sari Abdo, the visionary founder behind Hungerhub, is spearheading a radical transformation of the catering industry, dismantling the monotony of one-size-fits-all approaches. Recognizing a lack of innovation within the catering industry, Hungerhub harnesses the power of technology to empower local restaurants to become caterers for Canada’s corporate world. On the other side, customers can access a more diversified field of options to satisfy their lunchtime cravings. The impact reverberates beyond taste buds, as Hungerhub steers catering funds away from conglomerates, infusing over 10 million dollars into local eateries annually. Beyond satisfying appetites, their tech-driven model reshapes workplace culture, making food an integral element in fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment. This year, they’re looking to almost double their roster of partner restaurants from 350 to 500.
