A landmark moment for Canada’s startup ecosystem arrived today with the release of the official trailer for the first Canadian startup documentary film, a project capturing the energy, grit, and ambition behind the founders shaping the future of innovation.
“Canada needs more full-time entrepreneurs than ever, and we need to tell these stories on a global scale. We’re beyond thrilled to bring this short film and share these remarkable stories. We have so many incredible founders and innovators who are creating new opportunities. This film is dedicated to bringing out these stories. We’re grateful for the support of the community, founders, and our partners, such as Vetster and Ollon, who have supported this initiative from the very beginning,” said Eric Rafat, founder of FoundersBeta.
The documentary, co-produced by The Founders Press in partnership with the largest founders community in the country, spotlights a diverse group of entrepreneurs building fast-growing companies across multiple industries. More than just a highlight reel, the film dives into the personal journeys, breakthrough moments, and defining experiences that often go unseen within Canada’s most promising ventures.
A Closer Look at the Featured Founders
The trailer introduces viewers to an impressive lineup of founders and leaders including:
- Mark Bania, who shares insight into bootstrapping a mission-driven tech company and successfully exiting.
- Jared Ferrall and Miki Ferrall, a dynamic team bringing innovation, creativity, and relentless execution to building Crafty Ramen.
- Khalil Khamis, a leader who shares the real challenges behind growing a company.
- Patrick W. Belliveau, an entrepreneur creating new opportunities in the AI space with Gambit
- Ryan Burgio, an experienced leader offering candid reflections on growth, leadership, and the realities of the startup journey.
Each founder provides a window into the realities of building in Canada, from overcoming early challenges to securing customer traction, raising capital, and guiding teams through uncertainty. Their stories form the backbone of the film and showcase the resilience, creativity, and community values that define Canadian entrepreneurship.
Founders Reflect on the Documentary’s Impact
For many participants, the film represents more than storytelling; it serves as a call to deepen support for Canadian founders at a time of rapid change.
“We’re honoured to be part of a documentary that celebrates the spirit of Canadian entrepreneurship. Our hope is that it sparks new ideas, new founders, and stronger community support. Canada grows stronger when it invests in its dreamers,” said Ryan Burgio, Managing Partner at Gambit.
Former Contractor Compliance co-founder and CEO Mark Bania said being featured carries personal weight.
“To be asked to be a part of this documentary and contribute to its ultimate goal of bringing exposure to Canadian startups is very humbling. I’m hopeful this film will help motivate the next wave of founders looking for that extra push, and continue to show my gratitude and appreciation for those who’ve been paramount in my personal journey. It takes a village, and this film is all about recognizing that,” Bania said.
For Crafty Ramen CEO Khalil Khamis, the documentary resonates with the company’s mission and its growing global ambitions.
“This documentary is a powerful reminder of why founder stories matter. Building Crafty Ramen has always been about more than food — it’s about community, resilience, and proving that ambitious Canadian brands can grow on the global stage. We’re at an exciting moment of change as we prepare to scale and expand, and this film captures the energy, grit, and optimism behind that journey. We’re proud to be part of a platform like FoundersBeta that continues to champion and elevate Canadian entrepreneurship,” said Khamis.
A Celebration of Canada’s Startup Momentum
The release of this project arrives at a critical moment. Canada’s startup landscape has been accelerating with new ventures emerging across artificial intelligence, financial technology, sustainability, consumer brands, and many other sectors. The documentary captures this momentum and offers viewers a closer look at the innovators driving economic progress and pushing global boundaries.
The film also highlights the importance of storytelling in inspiring the next generation of company builders. By sharing real experiences and lessons learned, the documentary offers both motivation and practical insight for aspiring entrepreneurs.
A Call to Support the Next Wave of Innovation
As anticipation builds for the full release, FoundersBeta is inviting partners, sponsors, and supporters to collaborate on this national initiative. This is a chance to champion Canadian innovation at a meaningful moment while supporting the founders who are creating jobs, growing companies, and strengthening the country’s position on the global stage.
With the trailer now live, excitement is growing across the tech community. The full documentary reveals a powerful look at what it truly takes to build a company in Canada, a story of ambition, determination, and the pursuit of something bigger.
Canada’s startup story is entering a new chapter, and this film is bringing it to life.
