Entrepreneurship often starts with a spark—a moment of innovation or resilience. For Matt Wilson, founder and managing director of Allied Venture Partners, this spark ignited at just 11 years old. From shoveling driveways in Canadian winters to growing one of Canada’s largest angel investor networks, Matt’s story is as much about determination as it is about vision. In this episode of the Ignite Podcast, Matt shared his journey, investment philosophies, and the evolving landscape of Canadian tech. If you missed the conversation, here’s a detailed look at the highlights.
A Childhood Business that Shaped a Career
Matt’s entrepreneurial path began with a simple but effective idea: shoveling driveways. At 11, he not only managed his schedule to clear snow but also introduced exclusivity contracts to secure long-term customers. Over time, he expanded his operations by hiring peers and even secured a small loan from his father to invest in a snowblower, which taught him early lessons in financing and negotiation. These foundational experiences instilled a lifelong passion for business and innovation.
From Corporate Hustle to Founder’s Mindset
After high school, Matt’s career took a corporate turn. Working for global brands like Nestle and Coca-Cola, he honed skills in sales and marketing. Whether it was selling ice cream during harsh Canadian winters or ensuring grocery stores’ shelves were stocked with Coca-Cola products, Matt’s focus was always on solving customer problems. These roles emphasized the importance of listening to customers and building trust, lessons that later informed his entrepreneurial ventures and investment strategies.
The Birth of Allied Venture Partners
In 2020, Matt launched Allied Venture Partners to address a critical gap in Canada’s startup ecosystem: connecting local founders with external sources of venture capital. What began as a modest network has grown into a platform of nearly 2,000 investors from around the world. Allied specializes in bridging Canadian startups with investors who understand the potential of early-stage tech companies.
Matt explained that Canada’s tech landscape has often been overshadowed by its oil and gas industry, particularly in hubs like Calgary. However, as Canadian startups gain traction and international attention, Allied plays a pivotal role in providing diverse deal flow, strategic connections, and mentorship. The platform’s value is amplified by Canada’s favorable investment climate, where U.S. investors can benefit from currency advantages and cultural alignment.
People Over Metrics: A Unique Investment Philosophy
A key takeaway from Matt’s approach is his prioritization of people and culture over early-stage metrics. While metrics like ARR and customer growth are important, Matt emphasizes the resilience, adaptability, and vision of founding teams. “The product is going to change multiple times,” he shared, “but the right team will find a way to succeed.” He actively looks for founders who demonstrate grit, problem-solving skills, and an ability to inspire confidence in investors and stakeholders alike.
Scaling and Supporting Startups
Matt’s vision for Allied Venture Partners goes beyond capital. He’s built a diverse network of investors with expertise in technology, sales, marketing, and operations, creating a robust support system for founders. Through updates and active engagement, Allied’s LPs often provide introductions, advice, and operational support, giving startups an edge in execution and scaling.
Lessons in Investing
One of Matt’s recurring themes is the balance between consensus and conviction. Syndicates, he notes, often rely on consensus to close deals, which can overlook non-traditional opportunities. Matt advocates for a more proactive and independent approach, recognizing that the most promising startups often challenge conventional thinking.
He also discussed the importance of high-volume investing for early-stage portfolios. With over 100 angel investments under his belt, Matt believes that building a diverse portfolio increases the odds of finding breakout successes. He’s candid about the challenges of picking winners and highlights the importance of pattern recognition and benchmarking.
The Future of Canadian Tech and Venture Capital
Matt is optimistic about Canada’s tech ecosystem. He envisions a future where successful tech exits create a new generation of angel investors, fueling further innovation. While Canada will likely remain a springboard to larger markets like the U.S., Matt is committed to positioning Allied Venture Partners at the center of this transformation.
Takeaways for Aspiring Investors and Founders
Matt’s journey underscores several lessons for both founders and investors. For founders, public speaking and the ability to sell your vision are invaluable skills. For investors, starting with syndicates or becoming an LP can provide critical exposure to deal flow and investment strategies.
Whether you’re an aspiring angel investor or a founder seeking funding, Matt’s story offers a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and community-building. Allied Venture Partners exemplifies how a clear vision and collaborative approach can transform an ecosystem and create lasting impact.
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Chapters:
Welcome and Matt Wilson’s Background (00:01 - 01:30)
Early Entrepreneurship: Starting a Business at 11 (01:31 - 03:45)
Corporate Lessons from Nestle and Coca-Cola (03:46 - 08:00)
Launching Allied Venture Partners (08:01 - 12:20)
Bridging Canadian Startups with Global Investors (12:21 - 18:15)
Investing in People Over Metrics (18:16 - 24:00)
Supporting Founders Beyond Capital (24:01 - 29:30)
Balancing High-Volume Investing and Diligence (29:31 - 36:00)
Lessons from Formal Education and VC Training (36:01 - 41:20)
Challenges in Scaling Allied Venture Partners (41:21 - 47:50)
The Future of Canadian Tech Ecosystems (47:51 - 53:00)
Rapid-Fire Questions and Founder's Key Skills (53:01 - 1:00:00)
Closing Thoughts and Wrap-Up (1:00:01 - 1:01:22)
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