San Francisco, CA and Toronto, ON – April 5, 2024 – C100 is proud to announce Dax Dasilva, the visionary founder and CEO of Lightspeed, as the recipient of this year’s “Icon of Canadian Entrepreneurship” (ICE) Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes Canadian entrepreneurs who have significantly contributed to the technology sector and the Canadian entrepreneurial community.
Chris Arsenault, partner at Inovia Capital and early investor in Lightspeed, presented Dax with the award last night at C100’s annual Growth Summit in San Francisco.
Under Dasilva's visionary leadership, Lightspeed evolved from its early beginnings into a global commerce software leader. His strategic priorities have propelled the company and ensured the company's sustainability and profitability through judicious cost management and operational efficiencies. Dasilva’s initiatives reflect Lightspeed's commitment to innovation and fiscal responsibility, further solidifying its position in the tech industry.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Dasilva is celebrated for his commitment to social responsibility and sustainability under his non-profit environmental alliance, Age of Union. His dedication to diversity and inclusion within the tech community and his efforts to foster a connected, community-focused tech ecosystem resonate with the core values of the C100, making him an outstanding choice for this year’s ICE Award.
Commenting on Dasilva's recognition, Michael Buhr, Executive Director of the C100, said, “Dax represents the pinnacle of Canadian entrepreneurship. His strategic foresight in steering Lightspeed through periods of challenges and immense growth while ensuring the company adapts for long-term profitability is admirable. His unwavering commitment to innovation and a profound dedication to a better world sets a benchmark for leaders everywhere.”
Past recipients of the ICE Award, such as Tobi Lütke of Shopify, Stewart Butterfield of Slack, and Michelle Zatlyn of Cloudflare, underscore the award’s significance in highlighting leaders who have impacted the technology landscape.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the prestigious Icon of Canadian Entrepreneurship (ICE) Award from C100,” says Dax Dasilva. “This recognition symbolizes Lightspeed's unwavering commitment to empowering retail and hospitality merchants worldwide with innovative commerce solutions. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant Canadian technology community and to be recognized among visionary leaders who have shaped our nation's tech landscape.”
Dasilva’s recent strategic moves, including cost management initiatives at Lightspeed, have been met with positive reception from stakeholders. They illustrate a path forward that prioritizes growth and profitability.
The C100 continues to champion Canadian entrepreneurs like Dasilva, who are making a global impact through technological innovation, leadership, and a commitment to community values. With the recent launch of the new Growth Program, C100 aims to propel high-potential, scale-stage Canadian companies like Lightspeed into category-defining leadership.
About C100:
C100 is an unparalleled global network of founders, operators, and investors dedicated to supporting Canada’s highest potential entrepreneurial tech leaders and companies. Established in 2009, C100's mission is to help Canadian-based tech entrepreneurs build and scale impactful global businesses by connecting them with the expertise, networks, and resources of its Silicon Valley and globally-based veteran membership.
C100 offers programs for early- and growth-stage founders and leadership with access to a global network of seasoned builders and operators, offering insights on scaling, risk management, and accelerated execution. This unique member approach ensures that Canadian tech entrepreneurs, regardless of stage, have the resources and guidance to grow and thrive globally. To learn more, visit C100.org.
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