Experienced business executive instrumental in the development and commercialization of numerous early-stage companies.
As an Executive-in-Residence (EiR) with the BC Venture Acceleration Program at Wavefront, David Christie helps technology startups grow fast and thrive. So it may be surprising that one of his primary pieces of advice is “fail fast”.
David advises companies like Lifebooster Inc. and Lionsgate Technologies. He also instructs the Market Validation Program and develops “Go-to-Market” plans for his clients. “These market validation concepts are simple on paper but difficult to implement. Our motto is ‘Fail fast or get cash flow positive fast.’ This means testing your idea with the market quickly and effectively, pivoting and correcting your mistakes until you hit gold or fail fast trying.
David encourages founders to know their market inside-out. He draws on one of his most successful tactics to successfully implement a new business strategy - counting garbage trucks.
When David took over as General Manager of Laidlaw Waste Systems, the company’s $30 million yearly revenue, 200 truck operation was barely breaking even. In less than two years, David and his team took their division from 0% to 16% return and established it as a top service provider across North America. How did they do this?
David also recognizes that the success of entrepreneurs has a very personal side to it.
His career advice includes:
To find out more about David Christie and learn about the Wavefront EiR program visit the Venture Acceleration Program website.