Interviews
Anson Funds Founder Moez Kassam Shares His Investment Philosophy and Advice for Entrepreneurs

Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Could you describe your background and how you became a financial analyst?
- What inspired you to start your own investment firm?
- Can you walk us through your investment philosophy and approach?
- What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?
- What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors?
- Can you share any exciting projects or investments you are currently working on?
- How do you balance your personal and professional life, and what do you like to do for fun?
- Closing Paragraph
Introduction
Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Moez Kassam, founder and CIO of Anson Funds, a Toronto-based investment firm that focuses on global equities and derivatives. Moez has over 20 years of experience in the finance industry and has worked for several leading firms, including Goldman Sachs and Citadel. He is known for his unique investment approach and has been recognized for his achievements by various publications, including Forbes and the Financial Post.
Could you describe your background and how you became a financial analyst?
Moez Kassam grew up in Toronto and studied engineering at the University of Waterloo. After graduating, I worked as a software engineer for a few years but eventually realized that I wanted to pursue a career in finance. I went back to school and got an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. From there, I worked for several leading investment firms, including Goldman Sachs and Citadel, where I honed my skills and gained valuable experience.
What inspired you to start your own investment firm?
I’ve always been passionate about investing and have had a keen interest in the markets since I was young. I’ve been fortunate to work for some of the best investment firms in the world, but I felt that I could bring something unique to the industry with my own investment philosophy and approach. Starting my own investment firm was a natural progression for me, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished at Anson Funds.
Can you walk us through your investment philosophy and approach?
Our investment philosophy is centered around the belief that the markets are inefficient and that there are opportunities to profit from mispricings. We use a combination of quantitative and fundamental analysis to identify these opportunities. Our focus is on global equities and derivatives. We also use options to manage risk and enhance returns. Our approach is disciplined and systematic, and we have a strong track record of delivering consistent returns for our investors.
What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?
Starting a business is never easy, and there have been many challenges along the way. One of the biggest challenges has been building a team of talented individuals who share our vision and can help us execute on our strategy. We’ve been fortunate to attract some of the best talent in the industry. We’ve worked hard to create a culture that fosters collaboration, creativity, and excellence. Another challenge has been navigating the regulatory landscape, which can be complex and time-consuming. We’ve worked closely with our legal and compliance teams to ensure that we are in full compliance with all relevant regulations and laws.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors?
My advice would be to focus on your strengths and build a team around you that complements your skillset. It’s also important to have a clear vision and a strong sense of purpose. This will help guide you through the inevitable challenges that come with starting a business or investing. Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks and learn from your failures. Some of the best lessons come from mistakes, and they can help you grow and improve as an entrepreneur or investor.
Can you share any exciting projects or investments you are currently working on?
We are always looking for new investment opportunities and are excited about several projects we are working on. One area we are focused on is the renewable energy sector, where we see significant potential for growth and value creation. We are also exploring new opportunities in emerging markets and alternative assets.
How do you balance your personal and professional life, and what do you like to do for fun?
Balancing personal and professional life can be challenging, but it’s important to make time for both. I try to prioritize my time and make sure that I am present and engaged with my family and friends outside of work. In terms of hobbies, I enjoy playing golf, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
Closing Paragraph
It was a pleasure speaking with Moez Kassam and learning more about his background, investment philosophy, and approach. As the founder and CIO of Anson Funds, Moez has built a successful investment firm that has delivered consistent returns for its investors. His insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors are valuable and worth taking to heart. To learn more about Moez Kassam and Anson Funds, you can visit their website or follow them on social media.
Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Debra Harris
Interviews
Interview with Adrian Tobey, Founder of Groundhogg: Insights on Entrepreneurship and Marketing Automation

Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What inspired you to start Groundhogg?
- What makes Groundhogg different from other marketing automation tools?
- How do you think marketing automation will evolve in the next few years?
- What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are just starting out?
- What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?
- How do you balance your personal life and work as an entrepreneur?
- What are your future plans for Groundhogg?
- Closing Thoughts
Introduction
Adrian Tobey is a marketing automation expert and the founder of Groundhogg, a WordPress plugin that allows businesses to automate their marketing and sales processes. With over 10 years of experience in digital marketing, Adrian has helped numerous businesses grow and scale their operations through automation. In this interview, Adrian shares his insights on entrepreneurship, marketing automation, and the future of digital marketing.
What inspired you to start Groundhogg?
I’ve always been passionate about digital marketing and helping businesses grow through automation. When I saw how expensive and complex some of the existing marketing automation tools were, I realized that there was an opportunity to create a more affordable and user-friendly solution that would be accessible to businesses of all sizes. That’s what inspired me to start Groundhogg.
What makes Groundhogg different from other marketing automation tools?
Groundhogg is unique in that it’s a WordPress plugin, which means it’s seamlessly integrated with the WordPress platform. This makes it easy for businesses to use and manage their marketing and sales processes without having to switch between multiple tools. Additionally, we’ve focused on creating a user-friendly interface that doesn’t require a lot of technical expertise, making it accessible to a wider range of businesses.
How do you think marketing automation will evolve in the next few years?
I think we’ll see a greater emphasis on personalization and segmentation in marketing automation. Businesses will need to tailor their messaging and communications to specific segments of their audience in order to stand out and engage with their customers. Additionally, we’ll see more automation tools that are specifically designed for smaller businesses, as these businesses become increasingly reliant on automation to manage their operations.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are just starting out?
My advice would be to focus on creating value for your customers. Don’t get too caught up in the latest trends or try to replicate the success of others. Instead, focus on creating a product or service that solves a real problem for your customers and provides them with tangible value. If you can do that, success will come.
What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an entrepreneur is managing my time effectively. There are always so many things that need to be done, and it can be difficult to prioritize and stay focused. To overcome this, I’ve had to develop strong time management skills and learn how to delegate tasks effectively. I’ve also learned to say no to things that don’t align with my goals and priorities, in order to stay focused on what’s most important.
How do you balance your personal life and work as an entrepreneur?
Balancing personal life and work as an entrepreneur can be a challenge, but it’s important to make time for both. I make sure to schedule in time for my family and personal hobbies. I also prioritize my work tasks based on their level of urgency and importance. I’ve found that setting boundaries and being intentional about how I spend my time has been key to achieving a healthy work-life balance.
What are your future plans for Groundhogg?
We’re always looking for ways to improve and expand Groundhogg. In the near future, we’re planning on releasing a range of new features and integrations that will make the platform even more powerful and user-friendly. We’re also looking to expand our team and grow our customer base, in order to continue providing value to businesses of all sizes.
Closing Thoughts
Adrian Tobey is a true expert in the field of marketing automation, and his passion for helping businesses grow is evident in everything he does. If you’re interested in learning more about Adrian Tobey and Groundhogg, you can connect with him on LinkedIn.
Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Alex Malebranche
Interviews
Interview with Alex Malebranche, Insights on Entrepreneurship in the Aviation Industry

Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What inspired you to start PlaneAhead?
- How did you validate the business idea and find your first customers?
- What challenges have you faced as a founder, and how have you overcome them?
- How do you differentiate your services from private jet charter industry competitors?
- What is your vision for the future of PlaneAhead, and how do you plan to achieve it?
- What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the aviation industry?
- How do you balance your work and personal life as a founder and CEO?
- Closing Paragraph
Introduction
Alex Malebranche is the founder and CEO of PlaneAhead, a company that provides private jet charter services. He has a degree in finance and marketing from the University of Miami and started his career in the financial sector before transitioning to the aviation industry. The passion of Alex Malebranche for aviation and entrepreneurship has led him to build a successful business that caters to a high-end clientele. In this interview, he shares his journey as a founder, the challenges he’s faced, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
What inspired you to start PlaneAhead?
My love for aviation and entrepreneurship inspired me to start PlaneAhead. I’ve been passionate about airplanes and flying since I was a child. I started flying lessons when I was 16 and got my private pilot’s license at 18. After working in finance for a few years, I realized that my true calling was in aviation. I saw an opportunity to combine my passion with my business skills and create a company that provides a better experience for private jet travelers.
How did you validate the business idea and find your first customers?
To validate the business idea, I conducted extensive market research and engaged in conversations with prospective customers. I attended aviation industry events and trade shows to network and get feedback on my concept. I also reached out to existing private jet charter companies and learned about their operations and customer needs. Once I felt confident that there was a demand for my service. I started reaching out to potential customers through my personal network and online advertising. Our first customers were primarily referrals from friends and family. But as we grew, we started getting more business from corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals.
What challenges have you faced as a founder, and how have you overcome them?
As a founder, I’ve faced many challenges, including raising capital, building a team, and navigating regulatory hurdles. One of the biggest challenges was building a brand and establishing credibility in a competitive industry. To overcome this, I focused on providing exceptional customer service and building relationships with customers and industry partners. I also invested in marketing and PR to raise awareness of our brand and services. Another challenge was managing growth and scaling the business without sacrificing quality. We overcame this by hiring experienced professionals and implementing processes and systems to streamline our operations.
How do you differentiate your services from private jet charter industry competitors?
We differentiate ourselves from competitors by offering a personalized and customized experience for our clients. We take the time to understand their needs and preferences and tailor our services to meet their specific requirements. Our investment in technology and data analytics enables us to offer our customers real-time information and valuable insights. Additionally, we have a network of industry partners and suppliers that allows us to offer unique amenities and services, such as in-flight catering and ground transportation.
What is your vision for the future of PlaneAhead, and how do you plan to achieve it?
Our vision for PlaneAhead is to become the leading provider of private jet charter services globally. We plan to achieve this by expanding our network of aircraft and destinations, investing in technology to enhance the customer experience, and building strong relationships with our clients and industry partners. We also plan to focus on sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint by investing in eco-friendly technology and initiatives.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the aviation industry?
My advice would be to gain as much knowledge and experience in the industry as possible before starting a business. This could include working for an aviation company, getting a pilot’s license, or attending industry events and conferences. It’s also important to do your research and understand the market and competition. Finally, you should be prepared to work hard and be persistent, as building a successful business takes time and effort.
How do you balance your work and personal life as a founder and CEO?
Balancing work and personal life can be a challenge as a founder and CEO, but it’s important to prioritize self-care and time with loved ones. I try to maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries and delegating tasks to my team. I also make time for hobbies and activities that help me relax and recharge, such as traveling and flying.
Closing Paragraph
Alex Malebranche’s passion for aviation and entrepreneurship has led him to build a successful business that provides exceptional private jet charter services. His journey as a founder has not been without its challenges. Still, his dedication to building a strong brand and providing personalized service has set PlaneAhead apart from competitors in the industry. Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from his experience and commitment to excellence. You can follow Alex Malebranche on his LinkedIn profile or visit PlaneAhead’s website to learn more about their services.
Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Omer Molad
Interviews
Interview with Omer Molad: Insights on Building a Startup, the Future of Hiring, and Staying Creative

Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What inspired you to start Vervoe?
- How does Vervoe differentiate itself from other hiring platforms?
- Can you tell us about a significant challenge you faced while building Vervoe and how you overcame it?
- What advice do you have for other startup founders?
- What is your vision for the future of the hiring process?
- Can you share a project or initiative that you’re currently working on that excites you?
- What do you do outside of work to recharge and stay creative?
- Closing Paragraph
Introduction
Omer Molad is the co-founder of Vervoe, an AI-powered hiring platform that helps employers hire the best candidates for their open positions. Prior to starting Vervoe, Omer Molad worked in marketing and analytics for various tech companies, including Waze and Google. He has also served as a mentor and advisor for several startups.
In this interview, Omer Molad shares insights about his experience as a startup founder and his vision for the future of the hiring process.
What inspired you to start Vervoe?
My co-founder David Weinberg and I were both frustrated with the traditional hiring process, which often relies heavily on resumes and subjective evaluations. We wanted to create a more objective and efficient way for employers to assess candidates, and we saw an opportunity to do that with AI. Our vision was to build a platform that could evaluate candidates’ skills and abilities through real-world simulations, rather than relying solely on their past experience or education. That’s how Vervoe was born.
How does Vervoe differentiate itself from other hiring platforms?
One of the key ways we differentiate ourselves is by using AI to automate the hiring process as much as possible. Our platform can evaluate candidates’ skills and abilities in real-time, which means employers can get a more accurate and objective assessment of their capabilities. Additionally, we provide a library of customizable assessments that are tailored to specific job roles, so employers can ensure they’re evaluating the right skills for each position. Finally, we provide a candidate management system that streamlines the entire hiring process from start to finish, which saves employers time and resources.
Can you tell us about a significant challenge you faced while building Vervoe and how you overcame it?
One of the biggest challenges we faced early on was getting the word out about Vervoe and convincing employers to try our platform. We knew we had a great product, but it was difficult to break through the noise and get noticed. To overcome this, we focused on building relationships with potential customers and showcasing our product through demos and case studies. We also leveraged content marketing and social media to raise awareness about Vervoe and the benefits of our platform. Over time, we were able to build a strong customer base and grow the business.
What advice do you have for other startup founders?
My advice would be to stay focused on your vision and don’t get sidetracked by distractions or noise from the outside world. Building a startup is hard, and there will be many ups and downs along the way. But if you believe in what you’re doing and stay committed to your goals, you’ll be able to weather any storm. It’s also important to be adaptable and open to feedback from customers and the market. Listen to what people are telling you, and be willing to pivot your strategy if necessary. Finally, surround yourself with a strong team of people who share your vision and are committed to helping you succeed.
What is your vision for the future of the hiring process?
Our vision is to make the hiring process more objective, efficient, and fair for everyone involved. We believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize hiring by providing a more accurate assessment of candidates’ skills and abilities. We also think that the traditional resume-based approach will eventually become obsolete and that employers will rely more on real-world simulations and other objective measures to evaluate candidates. Ultimately, our goal is to create a world where everyone has an equal opportunity to showcase their skills and get hired based on merit, not just their credentials.
Can you share a project or initiative that you’re currently working on that excites you?
We’re currently working on a project to integrate Vervoe with other HR technology platforms, such as applicant tracking systems and video interviewing tools. This will allow us to offer a more seamless and integrated experience for our customers and their candidates. We’re also exploring ways to use machine learning to analyze candidate data and provide insights that can help employers make better hiring decisions. I’m excited about the potential of these projects to make a real impact in the hiring industry.
What do you do outside of work to recharge and stay creative?
I’m a big believer in the power of exercise and mindfulness to recharge and stay creative. I try to work out regularly and make time for activities like hiking and yoga. I also make a point of disconnecting from work and technology for a few hours each day, whether it’s by reading a book or spending time with family and friends. Finally, I find that travel is a great way to gain new perspectives and stay inspired, so I try to take at least one big trip each year.
Closing Paragraph
Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us, Omer. Where can our readers learn more about you and Vervoe?
You can learn more about Vervoe and Omer Molad. You can also follow me on LinkedIn at for updates on our latest projects and initiatives.
Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Cam Sloan
-
Interviews1 year ago
Interview with Jean-Francois Desormeaux, Real Estate Investor
-
Business News10 months ago
NFTMagazine.com Is Bringing NFTMag Conference 2022 to Miami this Year Says JetSetFly
-
Technology6 months ago
General Atlantic buys out SoftBank’s 15% stake in edtech Kahoot, now valued at about $152M vs the $215M SoftBank ponied up 2 years ago
-
Interviews12 months ago
Paying it Forward — Meet Dr. Jonathan Kenigson, the Founder of the World’s Leading Think-Tank in the Quadrivium
-
Interviews4 months ago
Interview with Justice Mitchell, A 16-year-old Student-Athlete Who Received a Basketball Scholarship Offer from Pennsylvania University Greater Allegheny
-
Entrepreneurship1 year ago
600% In Under 5 Years, Financial Advisors Grow Business By Podcasting And YouTube
-
Entrepreneurship1 year ago
Muminovic Benjamin E-commerce on Shopify the Course of the Business Man
-
Community9 months ago
The Bassnectar Community – It Belongs to All of Us