On the TechTO stage ×2
Building entrepreneurs
Watch on YouTube ↗Technical recruiting for non-technical founders
Watch on YouTube ↗First seen on the TechTO stage in 2020. Every talk is searchable — ask the archive about Rachel ↗
In their words
This idea of employer branding — you want to be really clear about who you are and what you're not, because who you're not is almost just as important as who you are, so that you attract the right people. That also repels the wrong people, which is a good thing.
Entrepreneur First has 10,000-plus applicants a year, and almost no one sends a follow-up note about why they're excited about the company. It's wild. Do small things like that that make you stand out.
If you look at the crisis that came out of 2008, there were phenomenal companies that came out of it — the Shopifys, the Ubers of the world. Where we've had crises, we've had great innovation come out of it.
Around the web ×2
Quick answers
What is Rachel Zimmer known for?
Co-founding and running Simple Ventures, a Toronto venture studio she started with Wealthsimple's Mike Katchen, who chairs it. Before that she launched Entrepreneur First's North American operations, and co-founded 5Crowd, a B2B marketplace she bootstrapped and exited in under three years.
What does Rachel Zimmer look for when hiring?
Competencies over years of experience. At the April 2021 TechTO she said the hard part is being clear on what you actually want, and that a drive to achieve — 'this crazy hunger to win against all odds' — is what she screens for across both technical and commercial candidates.
What was Entrepreneur First Canada?
A talent investor that paid people to quit their jobs — a $3,500 monthly stipend — brought them together in cohorts to find a co-founder and an idea, then invested. Zimmer, as General Manager, launched it in Canada with a first cohort of 50 starting in September 2020.
How many times has Rachel Zimmer spoken at TechTO?
Twice, both as General Manager of Entrepreneur First: a fireside on building entrepreneurs at TechTO Talent in August 2020, and one on technical recruiting for non-technical founders in April 2021.