Feeling alone when solving 'big problems?' It doesn't need to be that way.
It's difficult to source inspiration, feedback and practical methods when you're a leader - trust me, I get it.
We read books, listen to podcasts and watch masterclasses - but being in the room with other leaders regularly is truly incomparable.
The problem is, we're terrible at getting together... and its not all our fault - we're busy doing the main thing right?
After 5 years of economic uncertainty though, we can't afford to face these problems alone anymore....
...Which is why we've created the 2026 Salon Membership at StartWell to form a community of business leaders in Toronto.
Membership unlocks access to exclusive events, curated experiences, personal introductions and media opportunities - which you can choose to participate in whenever you want.
Please explore this page to learn more, and honestly consider joining us - I'm sure you'll benefit immensely from belonging here.
Qasim Virjee (qasim@startwell.co)
Founder & CEO, StartWell
Join the community and connect with:
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Founders and Entrepreneurs
Leading fast scaling ventures.
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C-Suite Executives
Shaping enterprise strategy and dealflow.
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Investors and Advisors
Supporting solutions.
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Creative and Technology Leaders
Driving innovation.
There are limited Spaces available - Register for membership today!
The leaders shaping Canada’s next decade are already in the room — and there’s a seat waiting for you.
Membership is just $975 per year, per person.
Wait, what is a 'Salon?'
Here at StartWell, we host 'Salons' in the old tradition of intellectual gatherings where people came together to meet and discuss things.
This isn't a boring networking event held on the 40th floor of an office tower: our campus, StartWell, has been designed to host professional gatherings where everyone is welcome to contribute to dialog and has a great time together. Imagine: high celings, exposed brick and a warm friendly atmosphere.
We plan on hosting 40+ Salons on an almost-weekly basis through 2026: so members can choose to drop in when its convenient and find a community to forge new friendships, test ideas, share knowledge and even find business opportunities.
What's included with membership?
Soon after you register, we'll be in touch to communicate our 2026 programming - and get info that can help us pair you with other community members we think you'll find interesting.
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EVENTS
Admission to all 40+ Salon events (weekly, Tuesdays at StartWell).
Simply drop in when you're available. -
EXPERIENCES
Priority invitations to partner dinners, private roundtable discussions and offsite experiences.
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CONNECTIVITY
Curated introductions between members of common interest - for digital connectivity and in person coffee dates at our espresso bar and meeting rooms in person.
Our team match-makes to help you get the most out of our community! -
MEDIA
Content experiences - which will generate assets and instruction for developing your company and person brand.
*We hold headshot sessions and video shoots for members to go on camera throughout the year.
What happens after I become a member?
Simply fill our short form out and our Founder, Qasim - who is running our Salon Series, will be in touch to get to know a little more about you and how our community can provide value to you throughout 2026.
Who can I expect to meet at member events?
Each week, a curated group of entrepreneurs and executives gather at StartWell for intimate conversations exploring how leadership, technology, and creativity intersect in an era of rapid change.
StartWell’s 2026 Salon Series is more than an event program — it’s a curated community of leaders redefining how business gets done in Toronto.
Membership gives you access to all 40+ StartWell Salon events in 2026, exclusive networking opportunities, and a year-long dialogue with the peers shaping Canada’s future economy.
Every attendee is a decision-maker - so every conversation counts.
Our community is made up of:
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Founders and Entrepreneurs leading fast scaling ventures.
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C-Suite Executives shaping enterprise strategy and dealflow.
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Investors and Advisors supporting solutions.
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Creative and Technology Leaders driving innovation.
Join us and find new sources of inspiration and opportunity in 2026!
Decision makers connect, ideas ignite, and new possibilities take form — together, at our members-only Salon events.
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A true peer network
Through curated introductions and shared experiences.
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Clarity in uncertain times
Real conversations with other decision-makers.
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Spot opportunities early
New partnerships, talent, and ideas that accelerate growth.
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Be part of the narrative
Participate in our LinkedIN content shoots & video podcasts.
Past speakers at our events
We bring smart people doing important work to stage regularly. Since 2017 we have hosted hundreds of people working at the forefront of all industries here to StartWell to inform and inspire our audiences.
Over the past 8 years our community has gotten sneak-peeks at bleeding edge tech before it hits the market, met governmental leaders (local and international), represented Canada to foreign trade delegations and much more.
Here is just a sample of folks who have spoken here recently:
2026 Programming Schedule & Format
40+ Events Throughout 2026!
Expect an event almost every week, held on Tuesdays. The full schedule will start being announced December 2025 at our community holiday event.
Core Programming Themes
We'll draw from these main themes in programming fireside chats, panels and roundtable conversations:
- Banking 2.0
- Marketing Evolution
- Revenue Operations
- New Leadership
- Human Organizations
Intimate Audiences
Event registration is capped to encourage personal connection.
- 50 Attendees
- Only entrepreneurs and executives (decision makers)
Single Format
Our salon experience is designed for inspiration and interaction.
- Registration & curated introductions
- Welcome remarks & open mic
- Stage presentation
- Open discussion
Programming Themes for 2026
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Banking 2.0
Uniting Fintech founders and executives from Canada’s leading banks to explore how innovation, technology, and collaboration are redefining banking for businesses and consumers alike.
Through candid case studies and forward-looking discussions, we’ll unpack what’s driving change and spotlight practical innovation in financial services.
Designed for visionary leaders, this is where meaningful partnerships, practical insight, and the next wave of financial innovation come to life in real conversation. -
Marketing Evolution
Where CMOs and Agency leaders meet for candid conversations about what’s really working today — through unfiltered case studies, strategic insights, and peer exchange.
Each session spotlights leaders shaping modern marketing in Canada, revealing how creativity, data, and brand purpose drive measurable business growth.
Designed for senior marketers who value real results over buzzwords, these gatherings merge thought leadership with honest storytelling — and create space for authentic connection among peers driving the future of marketing. -
Revenue Operations
Bringing together sales and revenue leaders who see beyond quotas — uniting those shaping the future of growth through strategy, technology, and team alignment.
Through candid case studies and forward-looking discussions, we’ll uncover how leading organizations being people, process, technology and data together to drive sustainable revenue.
Designed for forward-thinking CROs, heads of sales, and RevOps leaders, these sessions blend real-world insight with peer collaboration — creating space for honest dialogue, shared learning, and the discovery of what truly fuels performance in modern revenue organizations. -
New Leadership
This event series convenes C-Suite leaders navigating an era of constant disruption. As macro-economic volatility reshapes every industry, resilience depends on agility — building strength, adaptability, and foresight into operations.
Each session features candid conversations with executives who are rethinking strategy, culture, and technology to thrive through change.
Designed for CEOs, COOs, CFOs, and board-level leaders, this series offers peer-to-peer learning, actionable insight, and a trusted forum to exchange ideas shaping the next era of organizational resilience and leadership. -
Human Organizations
An exploration of how the most forward-thinking companies are reimagining people strategy in the age of AI.
This theme convenes HR leaders, People Operations executives, and organizational designers to discuss how technology can amplify—not replace—human potential.
From smarter talent acquisition and inclusive workforce design to AI-enabled learning, upskilling, and well-being programs, we’ll examine how to build organizations where happiness and productivity reinforce each other.
Designed for VPs of HR and People leaders driving transformation, this series offers practical frameworks, candid discussion, and peer exchange to help shape more adaptive, resilient, and genuinely human organizations.
Sponsorship opportunities
We love working with brands who can offer practical insights and value to our membership.
Let's setup a call and talk through options for engagement.
