📰 Brand highlights, alumni momentum & major leadership moves

🔔 Your campaign updates feed

💪VEGAIN gains recognition with industry awards and UFC endorsement

VEGAIN’s SURGE™ Clear Protein named a double finalist at the 2025 BC Food & Beverage Awards for Product of the Year and Innovation of the Year. VEGAIN was featured on The Joe Rogan Experience, where UFC superstar Cory Sandhagen called it his go-to plant-based protein and revealed himself as a VEGAIN investor.

Invest in VEGAIN | $465K Raised | 93% of target

👟Hettas major features + Meet the Founder

Hettas was featured on Global News’ Consumer Matters segment. Also highlighted in major seasonal gift guides, including Hello Canada, Chatelaine’s Magazine, and BMO. Hettas is hosting two live “Meet the Founder” sessions on Tuesday, November 25th.

Invest in Hettas | $109K Raised | 44% of target

🛒KaleMart24 opens new location 

KaleMart24 is opening a new location at Montréal’s Centre Eaton! The store will be operated by new franchisees Jacinthe and Mohammed. KaleMart24’s offers curated selection of fresh meals, snacks, premium beverages, and grab-and-go essentials.

Invest in KaleMart24 | $180K Raised | 72% of target

🔔 Alumni updates

🍾Drink Glimmer Wine has been featured in BCBusiness! With the support of its community, Glimmer is proud to help lead the premium non-alcoholic movement in B.C. 

🍷Proxie announced that AVEC DRINKS will be revived under the Proxie brand, with a new product line in the works featuring beloved, familiar flavours.

⚡️VoltSafe announced that its Co-Founders, Trevor Burgess and Sanad Aridah, will be in La Jolla, CA for TMA BlueTech™ Month.

🤔 What’s on our minds

🏢 Big Changes Coming for Top CEOs

Over the next few years, many top CEOs are set to step down. Leaders like Walmart’s Doug McMillon, Disney’s Bob Iger, and Apple’s Tim Cook are planning to step down or retire. 

According to Russell Reynolds, 2024 saw a record 202 CEO departures. The departures were driven by a mix of activist investor pressure, technological changes (especially AI), and boards wanting faster results. Change in leadership often brings opportunities for new strategies, restructuring operations, and pushing into digital growth which all affects a company’s performance and stock prices.

🚀 Why Investors Should Watch Leadership Changes

CEO transitions aren’t without risks. Uncertainty can spook investors, disrupt employee morale, and delay long-term initiatives. For companies with significant Canadian operations or suppliers, such shifts abroad can ripple into local markets, influencing stock performance and investor sentiment.

CEO transitions can have a big impact on the companies you invest in, so staying informed is key:

• Know who’s running the company: Understanding a new CEO’s background, experience, and leadership style can help investors anticipate potential shifts.

• Monitor market reactions: Being aware of transitions can help you make more informed decisions about buying, holding, or selling shares.

• Understand strategic shifts: Incoming CEOs may focus on new initiatives that can affect long-term performance and the company’s competitiveness.

📌 Final Thoughts

CEO turnover has been happening faster than ever in recent years. Canadian investors should watch global leadership changes closely, especially in companies with direct exposure to Canada’s retail, tech, or consumer markets. While volatility is likely, carefully tracking these transitions can help identify companies poised for strategic renewal and long-term growth.

🎙️ Hear from our latest founder feature

Valley of Mother of God Gin: Canadian Luxury Gin with Malcolm Roberts and Shelly Perry, Co-Founders

Q: What inspired you to start a distillery?

A: We wanted to create something distinctly Canadian, a gin that captures the beauty, complexity, and refinement of this country. I’ve worked in global beverage marketing, and Shelley’s background is in food science, so we had the perfect mix of creativity and chemistry. It was a passion project that grew into something much bigger once we realized how unique our formula really was.

Q: What makes your gin stand out in such a crowded spirits market?

A: Our botanicals are what set us apart. We use locally sourced ingredients that highlight the Canadian landscape, things like birch bark, wild juniper, and grains of paradise. Every element is intentional. We also think about gin as more than just a spirit. There’s a level of precision and restraint that makes our gin elegant, not overpowering.

Q: You’ve seen strong traction and recognition so far. What’s been most exciting about the response?

A: The feedback from both consumers and the industry has been incredible. Within our first year at the LCBO, we moved from a direct delivery program to a general listing, which almost never happens for a new distiller. And we’re now featured in some of the best bars and restaurants in the country.

🎧 Want to listen to the full episode?

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