From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Turning Lived Experience into Innovation

On February 5th, 2026, the Brampton Venture Zone (BVZ) by TMU and the Brampton Library hosted an inspiring Tech Talk , "From Barriers to Breakthroughs". The event brought together visionary Black founders to discuss how their personal challenges—from systemic barriers to financial hardship—became the very foundation for their tech-driven solutions.

Every Journey is Possible

The evening was moderated by Marlene Spence (external link) , Founder of Hope Endoors and The CHANCE Centre. Throughout the discussion, Spence emphasized a recurring theme: "It is possible." She highlighted that while the road for black founders is often paved with hurdles, every obstacle can eventually be overcome, turning lived experience into a catalyst for change.

Founder Spotlight: Andre Smith (Flip & Floss)

Andre Smith (external link) , Founder & CEO of Flip & Floss, shared his journey that began in Jamaica and led to a brief, grueling stint before he transitioned into corporate accounting. However, it was during the 2020 pandemic that he discovered his true passion for technology and financial literacy while working as a design strategist and volunteering in his community.

Despite entering a pitch competition without a finalized product or business, his vision for helping others navigate complex systems earned him a top-five spot and entry into the League of Innovators. Today, his work at the intersection of edtech and fintech is driven by his firsthand experience with poverty and a mission to provide the generational legacy and knowledge he found lacking when navigating Canada as an immigrant.

Founder Spotlight: Abdel Ali (Kiwi Charge)

Abdel Ali (external link) , Founder of Kiwi Charge and Director at BLCK VC Canada, shared his journey of pivoting from corporate venture capital to launching his own robotics and AI startup. He spoke candidly about the hardships of being a founder, noting that while the path is difficult, success is inevitable if you are truly obsessed with your business. By bridging technical innovation in EV charging with a mission to advance equity for Black founders, Ali reinforced the evening’s theme that with enough drive, any breakthrough is possible.

Empowering the Next Generation

At its core, the event was designed to show Brampton’s youth & community that their stories are their superpowers. By sharing their breakthroughs, the speakers demonstrated that personal history is not a barrier to success but rather the spark that can shape the future of innovation. Through financial literacy, clean tech, and venture capital, these founders are proving that the most meaningful tech solutions often come from those who have navigated the toughest challenges.

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