AccelerateAB is pleased to announce, along with sponsor BDC, the 2017 Closing Keynote speaker: Bruce Croxon.

Bruce Croxon made his mark as a digital pioneer by co-founding Lavalife in 1988. After its spectacular rise and with the support of his partners, he led the sale of the company for a stunning $180 million. Mr. Croxon has twenty plus years of experience helping young companies grow (including three years investing on CBC’s Dragon’s Den), and has a wide range of deal exposure and practical advice. He is also an investor in early-stage companies, as well as the co-founder of Round 13 Capital, and co-host of The Disruptors on BNN and CTV.

“I love speaking with entrepreneurs because I empathize with the journey they embark on every day. It's a mindset and it involves sacrifice, discipline and hard work,” says Croxon. “It’s not for everyone but with commitment it can be ever so rewarding. I look forward to sharing some stories that will hopefully inspire and encourage.”

AccelerateAB creates collisions between local startups, key mentors, investors and partners across the province. Mr. Croxon’s closing keynote speech will focus on the guiding principles needed for entrepreneurial success in an uber disruptive age. For Cynthia van Sundert, Executive Director of The A100 and the organizing group behind AccelerateAB, Mr. Croxon is an ideal speaker for the event, which is tailored specifically for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators in Alberta.

“Bruce Croxon is a digital innovator whose experience as an entrepreneur, advisor, and investor will provide immensely valuable advice for our tech ecosystem here in Alberta,” says van Sundert. “His continued belief in and support of Canadian startups is inspiring and I believe his keynote will be a great way to cap off a day of collaboration, connection, and learning at this year’s conference.”

The AccelerateAB Roundtables will take place on April 18th, 2017 at Murrieta’s in downtown Calgary. The main conference takes place the next day - April 19th, 2017 - at the BMO Centre, Stampede Park. Tickets go on sale on January 16th, 2017 and will be available for purchase on the AccelerateAB website.

For more information about AccelerateAB, please visit www.AccelerateAB.com.

About AccelerateAB:

AccelerateAB is the province’s annual flagship technology event that brings together key leaders, investors, influencers and supporters of Alberta’s fast-growing startup community, with the goal of leveraging the success of the next generation of technology entrepreneurs across the province. Backed by some of the most high-profile and successful leaders in the industry and spearheaded by The A100, AccelerateAB is one of the best connected events in the province.
www.AccelerateAB.com | @AccelerateAB

Schedule: Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Stampede Park BMO Centre

  • 9:30am – Conference Registration
  • 9:00am – Opening Remarks
  • 9:15 – Opening Keynote: Alexander Manu
  • 9:45 – Breakout Sessions
  • 10:15 – Networking Break
  • 10:45 – Breakout Sessions
  • 11:15 – Pitches
  • 12:15 – Lunch
  • 1:15 – Afternoon Keynote
  • 1:45 – Pitches
  • 2:45 - Networking Break
  • 3:15 – Breakout Sessions
  • 4:15 – Closing Keynote: Bruce Croxon (presented by BDC)
  • 5:00 – Community Reception