Jesse Rodgers

Founder

2024

The Barn is helping early-stage founders get started in a way that will increase their chances of success. We organize groups, and events, support other groups, and offer programming.

Growth Coach

2023

Co-Founder

2020

Eigenspace is an investment company that values people and their future. Our investment strategy is focused on building long-term connections and partnerships with the individuals and organizations we work with. We believe that investing in people is the key to unlocking their potential and achieving success. Our investment approach combines financial support, time, and network access. We understand that access to capital is important, but it's only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to building a successful venture. That's why we also provide our partners with the time and resources they need to succeed. We work closely with them to help them develop their skills, refine their business strategies, and achieve their goals. Currently, we are investing in building connections between University of Waterloo students and alumni who are builders. We believe that by bringing these two groups together, we can create a powerful network of entrepreneurs, innovators, and problem-solvers. We are excited to see the ideas and projects that will emerge from this collaboration, and we're committed to supporting these individuals as they work to bring their visions to life. At Eigenspace, we're not just investing in businesses – we're investing in people. We believe that by working together, we can create a brighter future for everyone.

Independent Consultant

2020

In my role, I collaborate with different levels of government, non-profit organizations, and other groups to support the development of startup ecosystems. By providing meticulously researched reports and presentations, I help those in the industry gain a deeper understanding of the venture landscape. I pride myself on my ability to work closely with these different entities to ensure that my research is complete and accurate. As a result, my reports and presentations are highly regarded by those in the industry and are often used as key references in decision-making processes.

Adjunct Faculty

2016 - 2020

CEO

2016 - 2020

Building upon the fantastic work of others, we established a 60,000 sq. ft. Innovation Hub in Halifax. The hub houses nearly 50 resident companies, a small VC fund, and much more. Thanks to the Volta Cohort fund's investment of $25,000 into companies, we have seen a few exits in just a few years. Companies such as Milk Movement and Real Data have gone on to raise significant capital. In total, the companies have raised $55 million so far, and that number is increasing.

VP Business Development

2015 - 2016

(Acquired by Shopify) At Boltmade we do: Software product design, development and architecture, Product development Product Management, Sales, Marketing, Biz dev Lean startup, Customer development, Business models and go-to-market planning and execution, Manage agile software development teams and culture Consumer Internet, Mobile, Enterprise Software and Software as a Service products

Adjunct Lecturer

2014 - 2016

Developed a course based on the Creative Destruction Lab at Rotman for Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto.

Founding Director, Creative Destruction Lab

2012 - 2015

The Creative Destruction Lab is among the world's top programs for entrepreneurs tackling difficult challenges and seeking to connect with individuals who possess a deep understanding of what it takes to build a company from an idea. Our initial objective was to establish a dynamic learning environment for university-affiliated entrepreneurs by providing a program that generates $1 billion of equity value in 10 years, as measured by financing and liquidity events associated with our family of Lab ventures. Within just a few years, the program far exceeded that goal. It now operates in multiple locations across Europe and North America, working with hundreds of founders each year and engaging thousands of individuals in the effort to help build world-changing companies.

Co-founder (acquired by NetSuite)

2009 - 2013

From the first sketches to getting funded out of Boston and everything in-between, it was a lot of fun with really good people. TribeHR is a SaaS company that builds awesome HR software for small and medium sized businesses located in Waterloo, Ontario.