Invested in our New Reality

In the final episode of the season, we sit down with Sem Ponnambalam, Co-Founder and CEO of xahive, an Ottawa-based cybersecurity company helping organizations prepare for the next generation of digital threats. Drawing on her background in international policy, trade, and national security, Sem explains post-quantum cryptography in plain language, explores why cybersecurity is a leadership and culture challenge (not just a technical one), and shares why Ottawa’s unique ecosystem makes it a critical hub for cyber defence innovation in Canada and beyond.

In episode 7, we sit down with Samuel Witherspoon, co-founder and CEO of Anvil Intelligence, an Ottawa-based defence and national security company that’s transforming how analysts and commanders make decisions. Drawing on his background as an engineer, lawyer, and clerk at Canada’s National Security Court, Sam shares how Anvil’s technology increases analytical capacity for the Canadian Armed Forces, why Ottawa is Canada’s defence innovation hub, and the lessons of persistence, trust, and human-centred leadership that have guided the company for over a decade.

In this episode, we sit down with Hugo Hodgett, founder and CEO of H2 Analytics Inc., an Ottawa-based defence and intelligence company that’s transforming how elite military teams train. A veteran of Army Intelligence and Special Operations, Hugo shares how his mission command leadership style has shaped H2 Analytics’ culture, why the company is betting big on AI and realistic training exercises, and the importance of being rooted in Canada’s Capital Region.

In Episode 5, we’re joined by Mike Nelson, founder and CEO of TACTIQL. A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces who served overseas, Mike turned his focus to defence tech innovation after leaving the military. He explains how his company is helping standardise and integrate disparate sensor and intelligence systems, why Ottawa is the heart of Canada’s defence innovation ecosystem, and how mission focus and perseverance still guide him, whether in uniform or in entrepreneurship. Tune in to hear how Mike and TACTIQL are bringing commercial scale tech to the national defence domain.

In this episode, we’re joined by Eliot Pence, founder of Dominion Dynamics and General Partner at Tofino Capital. Eliot shares his journey to leading the charge in Canada’s frontier defence innovation, building sovereign capability for the Arctic and beyond. He discusses the lessons learned from global defence technology, the importance of speed and action over asking for permission, and why Ottawa is the right place and time for Canada to become a hub for 21st-century defence innovation. Tune in to hear how Eliot and Dominion Dynamics are redefining what it means to protect and lead in a complex, tech-driven world.

In this episode, James Nguyen, CEO and co-founder of Quantropi Inc., shares the journey of building a cybersecurity company at the forefront of quantum innovation. He discusses how his experience and vision have shaped Quantropi’s mission to protect data communications from emerging threats like quantum computing and AI. James explains what makes Quantropi unique, how the company leverages quantum science to create secure networks, and why Canada, with Ottawa at the heart of its technology and innovation ecosystem, has a critical role to play in shaping the future of secure, trustworthy digital infrastructure.

In Episode 2, Glenn Cowan, founder and managing director of ONE9, shares the journey of building a defence-focused venture ecosystem in Canada from Ottawa. A former special operations officer, investor, and adventurer, Glenn discusses how his military experience has shaped his approach to leadership, innovation, and building businesses that support national security. He explains what makes ONE9 unique, how the company bridges the gap between early-stage defence technology and end users, and why Canada, with Ottawa at the heart of its national security and innovation community, now has a critical opportunity to strengthen its defence-innovation landscape.

From Ottawa’s Kanata North tech park, RANOVUS is building the backbone of global AI infrastructure, and proving that world-changing innovation can start right here in Canada. In episode one of IONR Season 15: Defence Innovation, CEO Hamid Arabzadeh shares lessons from scaling deep tech, partnering across sectors, and why he believes the world is finally catching up to the kind of system thinking Canadians do best.

Tune into Season 15 of Invested in Our New Reality: Defence Innovation, hosted by Reba Molotsi, Business Development Strategist for Defence and Security with Invest Ottawa, to hear directly from the innovators, founders, and leaders shaping Canada’s future. This season explores how collaborative innovation in the Ottawa-Gatineau region is strengthening sovereignty and contributing to our readiness here and abroad.

Mathieu Grondin is here for a good time and (hopefully) a long time. On the Season 14 finale of Invested in Our New Reality, host Sam Laprade welcomes Ottawa’s first-ever Nightlife Commissioner to discuss his role and vision and his hopes for a revitalized downtown. Listen as they discuss what it means to be entertained for the new generation of young people, the value of arts and culture in a thriving city, and why Ottawa is the city where fun is found and not forgotten. It is an exceptional episode and the fitting end to an outstanding season exploring the potential and future of this city’s much-loved downtown district.

Sometimes all you need are the right tools for the job. On this episode of Invested in Our New Reality, host Sam Laprade interviews Victor Wang, the Co-Founder and COO of Lutendi Systems, an Ottawa-based business that developed a rent reporting system designed to help housing providers and renters achieve their financial goals. Talk about a win-win! The company recently won the first-ever Invest Ottawa Immigrant Founder Launchpad Pitch Final, and the team is enjoying the buzz – and funding – from their big win. Wang joins the podcast to discuss the company and its expansion plans, and he touches on why he thinks downtown Ottawa needs more mixed-use developments to bring people, retail, and energy to the area.

New reality, new business plan! On this episode of Invested in Our New Reality, Eric McRae joins the podcast to discuss how he steered his downtown co-working business through the COVID-19 pandemic. Eric, the Founder and CEO of MBO Co-working, describes launching his business in the Byward Market in 2015 and then, just five years later, facing a national work-from-home order and rapidly changing market demands. Listen as he and host Sam Laprade talk about how he prioritized community building to ensure his company stayed the course and how he has expanded to include business coaching to his portfolio with the goal of helping local start-ups... well, get started.

It’s time to “Ask Erin!” Erin, why is downtown Ottawa the right home for Advanced Symbolics Inc.? On Season 14 of Invested in Our New Reality, we are interviewing Ottawa business leaders with companies based downtown and stakeholders driving revitalization efforts. On this episode, our guest is Erin Kelly, the CEO of Advanced Symbolics Inc., the creators of @askpolly, a predictive AI tool. The company has offices in the busy ByWard Market and Erin joins host Sam Laprade to discuss AI, their successful and growing company, and her thoughts on the good, the bad, and the untapped potential of the downtown district.

A boutique non-alcoholic bottle shop in the heart of downtown? Cheers to that! Season 14 of Invested in Our New Reality is well underway and, now halfway through the season, listeners have heard from key stakeholders and business owners generously sharing their thoughts on the future of downtown. In this episode, host Sam Laprade interviews Benson Mutalemwa, Founder & CEO of Knyota Non-Alcoholic Drinks, located at 104 Bank Street. In this lively and passionate chat, they discuss what it means to be a small business owner with a storefront in Downtown Ottawa and the growing marketplace for well-crafted non-alcoholic drinks available from a knowledgeable local vendor.

Sueling Ching is a woman with a plan, and if anyone can pull it off, she can! Don’t miss this informative and interesting episode of Invested in Our New Reality with guest Sueling Ching, the President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade (OBT). She joins host Sam Laprade to discuss the Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda, developed by the OBT and the Canadian Urban Institute, along with several other key stakeholders, to reimagine and rejuvenate Downtown Ottawa. Listen as Sueling makes a strong case for the plan and its objectives and shares why creating a future-ready and dynamic urban core will benefit all residents of the National Capital Region.

Let’s talk business, and by that, we mean the business of being in business in Ottawa. On the latest episode of Invested in Our New Reality, host Sam Laprade interviews Matthew Holland, the CEO of Field Effect, a world-class cybersecurity provider based out of Ottawa with clients around the world. Matthew is a business leader, family man, and foodie, and he enjoys living and working in the National Capital Region. Listen as he outlines his many reasons to love this city, including its downtown, discusses Field Effect, and shares the benefits of launching a business in Ottawa — plus a few restaurant recommendations thrown in for good measure.

We’re back with Season 14 of Invested in Our New Reality! In this season — titled Downtown: Evolved — host Sam Laprade will explore the dynamic transformation of Ottawa's downtown core. To kick things off in style, she welcomed guest Stephen Beckta, the acclaimed chef and owner of three popular Ottawa restaurants: Beckta, Play Food & Wine, and Gezellig. Listen as these two friends dish on everything and anything: from why Stephen left New York City and Paris behind to launch his business here (hint: it’s a love story), to persisting through the pandemic, to today’s fine dining market and why he thinks restaurants are only one part of what makes downtown Ottawa a great destination.

Join host Sam Laprade for the 14th season of Invested in Our New Reality, Invest Ottawa’s podcast designed for business leaders and entrepreneurs. This season, titled “Downtown: Evolved,” explores the dynamic transformation of Ottawa's downtown core. As the city adapts to the changes of the past few years, Sam engages in conversations with the leaders who call downtown Ottawa their home base and with the stakeholders driving revitalization efforts. From innovation hubs to attractions, this series delves into the exciting developments shaping Ottawa as a vibrant destination for living, working, and playing. Tune in for insightful discussions on how Ottawa is evolving into a city that continues to thrive and grow as a national capital. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of Ottawa’s downtown, this season offers a front-row seat to conversations that matter.

For bitHeads Inc, collaboration isn’t just a buzz word; it’s their business plan. On this episode of Invested in Our New Reality, host Sam Laprade interviews Martin Savard, Director of Sales & Business Development at bitHeads Inc., an Ottawa-based tech company known for building custom software solutions to support other businesses’ growth and innovation. A true Ottawa enthusiast, Savard shares his thoughts on what makes this city great, how to nurture talent, why cooperation and idea-sharing matters in tech and why balance–in life and work–is a company-wide priority.

Cleaner air by cleaning? Of course, Ottawa has a company for that! On this episode of Invested in Our New Reality, host Sam Laprade interviews Vida Gabriel the Co-Founder of TerraFixing, an Ottawa-based business on a mission to reach net zero. To get there, they developed the cutting-edge technology necessary to capture, concentrate, and permanently store CO2 in cold climates. An accomplished engineer, Gabriel shares her insights on the cleantech space and climate change, engineering and women in STEM, Ottawa, and the joy of studying, working, and excelling in her field, in both official languages.