Mayuran Yogarajah
Tech EditorMayuran heads up IX Labs, the venture capital arm of Index Exchange. Launched in 2019, IX Labs invests in early stage startups that use technology to solve everyday problems. As Index’s first distinguished engineer, Mayuran is responsible for driving the creation of emerging technologies and innovative business lines, while exploring and broadening the long-term vision of our company. Mayuran is part of the founding team at Index Exchange and its predecessor, Casale Media, and has played an integral role in the development of Index’s tech output while also leading the growth and evolution of the software, people, and teams that are now the foundation of the exchange.
As Index’s second employee and longest-standing engineer, Mayuran was previously SVP of engineering and was responsible for driving the overall technical direction for Index Exchange, as well as ensuring the company’s growing engineering teams remain lean and agile. Since his time with the company, Mayuran expanded Index’s engineering team from its inception to an organization of over 170. Mayuran attended the University of Toronto.
Frank Huang
AdvisorFrank Huang is a product leader with an extensive background in engineering. A critical optimist, Frank serves as Technical Evangelist at Index Exchange. As a core member of Engineering for over 10 years, Frank created new divisions, designed and deployed facilities across Canada, and scaled an engineering team from seven to 100+ to keep up with the company’s hyper-growth. Currently, he is on a mission to evangelize Index to the world.
Frank started his career with his family business in computer and technology product distribution. Wanting to gain international exposure, Frank did a stint in China to work for the largest Chinese telecommunication company, Huawei, as their Brand Manager for the European and North American market. After returning to Canada, Frank became a freelance software developer who worked with large companies like CBC, to startups like ThinkMinds.
Outside of work, Frank is a life learner who enjoys fine foods, weightlifting, and spending time with his wife and baby boy. Frank holds a degree in Bachelor of Science – Computer Science, from the University of Toronto.
Eric Rafat
Managing DirectorEric Rafa is the Managing Director at FoundersPress. He is also the founder of FoundersBeta.com, which is an online community for startups to connect with talent and resources to build startups with tractions. He’s a top tennis player, loves to play chess, hike, and explore side projects. Eric has previously spoken at Harvard University, University of Toronto, and Waterloo on building ventures.
Nima Olumi
Contributing AuthorNima Olumi is a writer and CEO. He covers topics such as software, business, and economics. In his free time he mentors inner city youth at Squash Busters.
Kushi Kaur
Contributing AuthorKushi Kaur is the founder at MangoVisa.com. She’s creating a level playing field for immigrants worldwide by digitizing immigration through meaningful and powerful solutions one step at a time. Kushi is active in the startup and tech community advising companies with branding, marketing, UX, and launch. She has won several notable awards including:
Top 20 Tech Companies to Watch for in 2021
VentureLab’s TechUndivided Cohort
Awarded Enterprising Female Founder Award March 2020
Philanthropitch 1st Prize Winner
Gained non-diluted Investment
Communitech’s Top 24 female-led tech companies across Canada: Fierce Founders 2019
Amplifund Recipient
Nikhil Vimal
AdvisorNikhil Vimal has been building cutting-edge products & customer experience for 8+ years, working with the likes of the NFL, Accenture, and other Fortune 500 companies. He is also a Startup Advisor and Angel Investor. His work/writing has been feature on Business Insider, VentureBeat, LinkedIn News, and more.
Samantha Lloyd
Fintech AuthorSamantha Lloyd is a marketing consultant and advisor for Toronto startups. She has a decade of experience building organic growth, brand, and digital marketing for startups and technology companies. Samantha hosts the Float or Founder podcast. In her free time, you can find Sam SCUBA diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and jet skiing.
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