Toronto-based startup Cansulta is on a mission to shake up the consulting industry—and it’s doing so by bridging a crucial gap in access to expert advice. Founded by Alexandra Kapelos-Peters, Cansulta was born out of a need she witnessed repeatedly: entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and small businesses left to navigate critical decisions alone, often due to budget limitations, geographic barriers, or simply not knowing where to turn.
“Cansulta was inspired by a gap I saw over and over again: talented entrepreneurs and organizations struggling without access to the kind of expert advice that larger companies take for granted,” says Kapelos-Peters. “Our platform makes support from vetted consultants and experts accessible, flexible, and affordable—because every organization deserves the chance to succeed with the right help.”
Now, Cansulta is taking that mission a step further with the official launch of Cansulta Gurus, an AI-powered solution that provides instant, expert-level support through chat—designed to be simple, friendly, and strategic from the first message.
“We’ve been quietly testing and using Cansulta Gurus internally for months, and we’re excited to now share it with the world,” says Kapelos-Peters.
“People love how approachable it is—there’s no need to be tech-savvy or even know exactly what to ask. Just start a chat with a Guru and you’ll get valuable, strategic support in seconds.”
Rethinking Consulting in the AI Era
Unlike many AI tools trending toward complexity, Gurus was built with simplicity and utility at its core. Users can ask questions, upload documents, add context, and receive intelligent, actionable guidance tailored to their situation. If needed, they can easily escalate to a live expert for hands-on help.
“Even short chats with a Guru can offer enormous value,” Kapelos-Peters explains. “And for those who want to go deeper, Gurus are designed to scale with you.”
Cansulta Gurus represents a growing trend in the professional services industry: the shift toward just-in-time consulting and flexible, on-demand expertise. AI, in this model, doesn’t replace experts—it augments them.
“The future of consulting is hybrid: smart, AI-powered tools supported by real human insight,” says Kapelos-Peters. “That’s where Cansulta lives—and where Gurus leads the way.”
Making Consulting Accessible to All
This vision is especially meaningful for small businesses and nonprofits that can’t afford traditional consulting models.
“AI is helping level the playing field for under-resourced organizations. But what we’ve seen is that AI alone isn’t enough. The real magic happens when you combine powerful technology with real-world expertise.”
According to Kapelos-Peters, some of the biggest mistakes founders make stem from trying to go it alone. “One of the most common mistakes we see is delaying getting help—thinking it’ll be too expensive or that they should already know the answers. That delay can cost valuable time and momentum.”
Her advice to founders? Start small and start smart. “Don’t try to do it all yourself. You don’t need to be an expert in everything—just know where to find the right help when you need it.”
Looking ahead, Cansulta is doubling down on both sides of its ecosystem: expanding the Guru library with new specialties based on user demand, and developing tools to support the consultants themselves.
“Consultants—especially independents and small firms—are often underserved, too. We’re building resources to help them thrive in the digital age. Our goal is to become the go-to global hub for both experts and the organizations that need them.”
With Cansulta Gurus now live, the company is focused on building its global community and driving a future where consulting is collaborative, flexible, and truly accessible to all.
“Whether through AI or human connection, we’re here to help good people do great work,” Kapelos-Peters adds. “That’s the heart of Cansulta.”
