At Shopify’s Toronto office, Elevate announced some of the speakers that would headline its week-long technology festival in Toronto.
Former VP of the US and co-founder of Generation Investment Al Gore is among the initial lineup announced today at Shopify’s Toronto office. Other speakers include Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder and CEO at Bumble; Michelle Zatlyn, co-founder and COO at Cloudflare; Yung Wu, CEO of the MaRS Discovery District; and Karan Wadhera, managing partner at Casa Verde Capital.
“Elevate is thrilled to bring global leaders like Al Gore to Toronto,” said Razor Suleman, co-founder and CEO of Elevate. “Our mission to elevate the Canadian innovation ecosystem is really resonating with people who see Canada as a global leader not only in tech, but in fostering a diverse and inclusive society.”
Elevate anticipates 10,000 guests, 300 speakers, and 250 venues for this year’s city-wide festival. Themes will include data privacy and digital inclusiveness, as well as emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and FinTech.
“I’m excited to be included in this year’s festival,” said Wolfe Herd. “As someone passionate about encouraging young entrepreneurs and women in tech, I love what Elevate is building and the values behind it.”
Elevate is also now using its event to showcase other major tech gatherings across Canada. Elevate is partnering with the National Angel Capital Organization to bring the World Angel Investment Summit into the festival. It also announced it is working with Startup Open House alongside the NewCo Festival to connect over 4,000 students, job-seekers, and young professionals to companies and startups across Toronto.
“This is an exciting time for public service and the tech sector to come together and collaborate to drive innovation forward,” said Hillary Hartley, Chief Digital Officer and Deputy Minister Responsible for Digital Government. “At the Ontario Digital Service, we know that we can’t do it alone. We must start with users and deliver, together.”
This year’s TechFest is taking place between September 25 to 27.