Kris Shah and Susana Vaz among TIE Toronto Spirit Awards Winners

The 𝗧𝗶𝗘 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 was a night of extraordinary inspiration, celebrating resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence. Hosted at the stunning 𝗥𝗕𝗖 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲, the event was a sold-out success, with the hall at full capacity and only standing room available. The energy and excitement in the room were palpable as attendees raved about the invaluable learning and inspiration they gained throughout the evening.

The highlight of the evening was the powerful Fireside Chat with John Ruffolo, who shared his incredible journey of resilience. From surviving a near-fatal cycling accident to founding a $500 million private equity fund, John’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability. Hosted by Michael Chase, who skillfully guided the conversation, the talk was absolutely riveting and kept the audience deeply engaged.

The second Fireside Chat with Frank Baylis and Kris Shah, moderated by Upasana Sharma, highlighted their journey of transforming bold university ideas into a $1.75 billion acquisition by Boston Scientific. The conversation was not only insightful but also entertaining, showcasing the power of strong partnerships and their commitment to giving back to the community.

Susana Vaz a celebrated leader in Toronto’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, was recognized for her outstanding contributions. Her keynote highlighted the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in fostering sustainable economic growth.

A heartfelt thank you to Upasana Sharma, 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗶𝗘 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼, and the incredible leadership team, including Mahendra Naik, Vijay Thomas, Jey Narayanan Sokkappan, for their dedication and vision in putting together such an astounding TiE Spirit Awards. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the volunteers, whose tireless efforts and attention to detail ensured the event’s seamless execution.

The evening concluded with a spectacular performance by Dr. Draw and Scott Jackson, adding a celebratory touch to this extraordinary event. Special thanks to our sponsors, 𝗥𝗕𝗖 and 𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗖𝗜 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸, whose support made this incredible evening possible. The TiE Toronto Spirit Awards truly embodied the essence of community, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.