On the TechTO stage ×1
First seen on the TechTO stage in 2026. Every talk is searchable — ask the archive about Olga ↗
In their words
By impact we mean companies that are improving people's lives or the environment. In the case of healthcare, it usually means reaching the most underserved.
They're not doing this because they want to impress someone, or because they thought entrepreneur was a nice title to have. They're doing it because there is something that really bothers them.
Usually the problem that they're obsessed about is a massive one. It's usually global. And that means a pretty interesting market when you're going to invest.
Quick answers
What is the Thrive Lab?
BDC Capital's investment vehicle for early-stage, women-led businesses whose impact is tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Cruz leads it from Toronto; it was Healthkind's first institutional investor, backing its C$1.26M seed in two tranches across 2024.
Does impact excuse weak fundamentals?
No. She told TechTO plainly that "it's not that because there is impact you get a free pass on the fundamentals of the business" — the impact thesis is that obsessed founders tackling global problems tend to be more resilient, attract more committed teams, and understand their customers better.
What did she do before BDC?
She led the impact management practice at Good & Well, integrating impact considerations from deal sourcing through exit, and before that worked at Grand Challenges Canada, where she led and co-led health investments.