Convergence launches an advisors-in-residence program to connect entrepreneurs with its network of industry experts

Convergence, which creates award-winning digital products for public and private sector clients, has launched its advisors-in-residence (AIR) program to connect entrepreneurs with veteran thought leaders, mentors, and advisors. 

Convergence CEO and co-founder Matthew Housser, shared: "For the past 10 years, we’ve focused on technical innovation and design for clients that had the resources to support bringing their ideas to life. But what about all those ideas that fail to get off the ground? We've seen countless, at least a hundred, startups come through our doors and then fail to kick off their projects with us because of a lack of funding, business development know-how or support. 

Housser added: “A lot of these entrepreneurs were brilliant folks with great ideas that never got a chance to take off. Our program aims to be a resource to help entrepreneurs start or scale their companies. We're fortunate to have met many of Vancouver's leading industry figures over the years; facilitating advisor-entrepreneur relationships became kind of a win-win-win arrangement for all parties involved."

The advisors include Thealzel Lee, the founder of seed-stage fund eFund and general partner at angel-stage fund Archangel Network of Funds. 

"I've benefited from the advice and guidance of many people over the years as I built and grew my ventures,” said Lee in response to why she decided to get involved with the program. “Now I’m fortunate to be able to ‘pay it forward’ to the startup ecosystem as an advisor and director on the boards of growing companies."

Entrepreneurs who’ve founded a company at any stage can apply to the program by submitting an online application. Afterward, Convergence will consult with an applicant’s chosen advisor or undertake some due diligence to select an advisor that best suits their venture. 

Dhiraj Hariramani, founder of education startup Learnit, said participating in the program helped his company meet new demands.

"Our services were quickly growing, and it was evident that getting the right mentorship was pivotal in ensuring the right steps were taken during this phase,” added Hariramani. “As our team navigated challenges such as maintaining service quality at scale, it was vital to receive valuable advice from the mentors. We were fortunate to get connected to multiple advisors from different backgrounds who shared unique perspectives that helped us shape our growth strategy.”