Entrepreneurs are not born from a singular mold. They don’t emerge solely from business schools, nor are they always lifelong visionaries with meticulously mapped-out plans. Often, they come from all walks of life—engineers, artists, scientists, and dreamers—united by their desire to create something meaningful. Calgary’s startup ecosystem is proving this truth every day, fostering a new wave of founders who are pushing boundaries and solving global challenges.
One such founder is Alex Todorovic, one of Thin Air Labs’ youngest entrepreneurs and the co-founder of Arbor, a cutting-edge digital platform helping companies calculate the carbon footprint of their supply chains with remarkable precision. Todorovic’s journey—like many others—is a testament to how opportunity, mentorship, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem can turn an idea into an impactful business.
Calgary tech ecosystem empowers students
Todorovic’s story began while working at the University of Calgary, where his passion for computer science and problem-solving led him to organize Tech Fest, an event aimed at connecting local software companies with students. This early initiative hinted at his entrepreneurial drive, but it was during the pandemic that he took his first real step. Along with his co-founders, Todorovic participated in a Canada-wide sustainability-focused hackathon organized by Microsoft. Their solution—an early version of what would become Arbor—won the competition and set the stage for their entrepreneurial journey.
Navigating the early days of entrepreneurship came with its fair share of learning curves. “We had no idea how to start a business,” Todorovic states. “We didn’t know what incorporating looked like, how to open a company bank account, or even how to pitch our idea.”
Like many first-time founders, Todorovic relied heavily on mentorship and guidance from those who had walked the path before them.
The power of ecosystem support
That’s where organizations like Thin Air Labs and the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) come into play.
Unlike traditional investors, Thin Air Labs isn’t just about providing capital—it’s about fostering growth in its simplest form. As one of their youngest founders, Todorovic has benefited from Thin Air Labs’ early investment and hands-on mentorship, which has been instrumental in helping companies like Arbor scale effectively.
“James and the team at Thin Air Labs were there from the very beginning,” Todorovic recalls. “They weren’t just investors; they were partners in our growth, guiding us through every high and low.”
OCIF plays a crucial role in enabling this kind of support by funding Thin Air Labs, a fund manager dedicated to investing in high-potential startups and founders. By strategically allocating resources to venture capital firms like Thin Air Labs, OCIF amplifies Calgary’s ability to attract and nurture entrepreneurial talent.
Through OCIF’s objectives, the city is working to cultivate a sustainable environment for startups, ensuring that small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) don’t just survive but thrive. By focusing on key sectors, OCIF aims to create momentum for innovation and investment, positioning Calgary as a hub for bright minds and big ideas.
Lessons in building a business
Arbor’s success is a product of both vision and adaptability. One of the most important lessons Todorovic learned was that the best products aren’t necessarily the most polished from the outset; they’re the ones that address a real, urgent need.
“We initially thought we needed a fully built-out product before we could start selling. But in reality, it was more effective to start talking to potential customers from day one, understanding their pain points, and shaping our solution around their needs,” said Todorovic.
That approach paid off. Today, Arbor’s platform is used by major global companies, including Crocs, which leverages their data to make supply chain decisions with multi-million-dollar implications. Yet, Todorovic still maintains his ethos and takes pride in the real-world impact he is making—helping companies reduce their carbon footprints and contribute to a more sustainable future.
The future of entrepreneurship in Calgary
Calgary’s entrepreneurial landscape has evolved significantly in the past few years. Where once it may have felt like a “big fish, small pond” scenario, the city is now attracting international attention for its innovation and ambition. Organizations like Thin Air Labs and OCIF are playing a crucial role in that transformation, ensuring that startups aren’t just confined to local success but are equipped to compete on a global stage.
“There’s still room for growth, but the momentum is there. More founders are stepping up, learning from global markets, and bringing that knowledge back to Calgary. The support system is stronger than ever,” said Todorovic.
For aspiring entrepreneurs in the city, his advice is simple but profound: “Sell the idea first. Understand your customer before you build anything. The right idea, backed by the right ecosystem, can take you further than you ever imagined.”
Calgary is no longer just an emerging player in the startup world—it’s a proving ground for ambitious founders from all backgrounds. And if organizations like OCIF and Thin Air Labs continue to champion entrepreneurs like Alex, the city’s innovation economy will only grow stronger.