He's six weeks into the job, and Communitech's new CEO, Sheldon McCormick, has some thoughts.

On this episode of Tech About Town, we've got Sheldon in the studio with hosts Alex Kinsella and Rosie Del Campo to talk about what startups need, what the community needs, and what the 27-year-old organization needs to do differently to help tech companies start, grow and succeed.

Tune in and get to know our new CEO and what's on the horizon for the Waterloo Region tech ecosystem.

This episode is brought to you by Communitech and Elevate IP.

3:21 – Sheldon talks about his first impressions, learning the ropes, and balancing founder instincts with listening.

6:02 – How Communitech’s legacy influenced Sheldon’s decision to take the role.

8:08 – What founders are saying. Sheldon reflects on conversations with founders about economic uncertainty, AI, and Communitech’s role.

12:38 – Discussion on how AI is impacting founders—and where Communitech can help.

14:27 – Why Sheldon took the job. Sheldon talks about bringing founder empathy to the role and becoming a trusted partner.

18:10 – Rebuilding community. Sheldon and Alex talk about COVID’s impact and how Communitech can help reconnect the ecosystem.

19:47 – Why Waterloo? Sheldon shares how his family—and a few of his wife's bridesmaids—brought him to the region.

21:43 – Local favourites rapid fire. Arabella, Public, JLB, Lucero, and date night go-tos.

24:04 – What needs to change? They discuss legacy programs and how Communitech needs to evolve beyond just being “a place.”

29:43 – Acting like a startup. Why Communitech needs to move faster, stay current, and focus on what founders actually need.

32:09 – Back to basics and the power of proximity. Sheldon talks about returning to more in-person interaction and using community as a competitive advantage.

34:42 – Elevate IP Minute. Alexis Conrad shares a cautionary tale of IP lost at 30,000 feet.