When Endeavor Canada set up shop in Calgary, it was more than just an expansion of a global network—it was an opportunity for the city’s brightest minds to take on the world. At the helm of this ambitious mission is Kristjan Sigurdson, a Calgarian with roots in both the city and the world of entrepreneurship. Thanks to his previous career experiences including the launch of Calgary’s Creative Destruction Lab and the commercialization of new technologies, Sigurdson understands how the economy can benefit from investing in innovation.
The organization, Canadian headquarters in Calgary and part of Endeavor's expansive global network, is here to launch Canadian companies into the global arena, bridging local ambition with international potential.
Endeavor Retreat in Istanbul
Calgarian leading a global vision
“Canadian companies face unique challenges when trying to scale globally,” Sigurdson explains. “They need to expand, to take their competitive edge onto a worldwide stage. That’s where Endeavor’s support steps in to address these challenges.”
Endeavor's mission is to foster a supportive business environment for scale-up organizations, earning between $10 million and $100 million annually, that are primed for international growth but need a bit of guidance to push through. By opening doors to Endeavor’s global network, these companies gain access to seasoned mentors, investors, and resources to overcome the most complex obstacles in their growth journeys.
Calgary, known for its energy-driven economy, is fast becoming a tech hub and a magnet for innovation, making it an ideal headquarters for Endeavor Canada. The city’s rich mix of talent, emerging tech ecosystem, and push for economic diversification aligns perfectly with Endeavor’s mission.
“Calgary is at a turning point in its economic journey,” Sigurdson reflects. “It’s the ideal environment for Endeavor to help local businesses grow into global powerhouses.”
OCIF’s key role in Endeavor’s success
The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) has been a vital partner for Endeavor’s early success, providing the support and visibility needed to attract standout entrepreneurs in Alberta. OCIF provided up to $1 million to support the launch of Endeavor’s operations in Calgary along with Western Economic Diversification Canada, now PrairiesCan, for the same amount. This partnership has enabled Endeavor to tap into a strong pipeline of innovative minds eager to make an impact.
“OCIF’s support has been crucial,” Sigurdson shares. “It gave us the momentum we needed to support entrepreneurs like Symed’s Hanif Joshaghani and Tiffany Kaminsky, whose company is now enriching Calgary’s economy.”
Hanif Joshaghani at Outliers Retreat in San Francisco
Growing through global expertise and local support
Endeavor’s strategy isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. With a presence in over 40 countries and spanning a variety of industries, the organization remains laser-focused on supporting entrepreneurs with high growth potential, strong market demand, and visionary leadership. Sigurdson emphasizes that Endeavor’s work is grounded in a commitment to the community - a value he calls “essential to Endeavor’s culture.”
Mentorship through Endeavor is intentionally curated. Matches are made based on each entrepreneur’s unique needs, drawing on a vast pool of global leaders. Beyond mentorship, Endeavor hosts retreats and events where entrepreneurs can learn from each other, gaining peer insights and building a community of mutual support.
“Endeavor is about more than just connecting entrepreneurs to resources,” says Sigurdson. “It’s about creating a community where entrepreneurs with uncommon ambition support each other through the ups and downs of scaling.”
A vision for Canada’s entrepreneurial future
As Endeavor Canada grows, Sigurdson envisions a network of entrepreneurs who, in turn, inspire the next wave of high-impact leaders. The organization aims to expand its support network, welcoming new entrepreneurs each year and strengthening its role in Canada’s economic landscape.
“There’s so much potential in Canada for high-efficiency, high-productivity companies,” Sigurdson says. “Our aim is to help them grow while building a supportive ecosystem that continues to give back to the community.”
Though launched amid a pandemic, Endeavor Canada’s future shines bright, bolstered by a mission that’s about more than just business. It’s about establishing a legacy of entrepreneurs who give back, who champion Calgary and Canada on the global stage, and who, above all, are reshaping the Canadian economy for generations to come. With the ongoing support of OCIF and the Calgary community, Endeavor Canada is poised to foster a new era of high-impact Canadian entrepreneurship, locally and globally.