Bruce Croxon – Big Idea Speakers

Long before “social networking” became a buzzword, Bruce Croxon made his mark as a digital pioneer by co-founding Lavalife in 1987 and revolutionizing how people connect. Under his direction, he grew this early tech start-up into the marquee brand in online dating with over two million users. Partner, chairman and CEO, Croxon helped lead the company’s growth from four to 600 employees, and achieving revenue of just under $100 million. After its spectacular rise, he led the sale of the company for a stunning $180 million dollars. Since that time, Bruce has been active as both an investor and advisor in early stage companies in the technology and hospitality sectors, continuing to expand the reach of his entrepreneurial successes.

As an ex Dragon on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, he adds a broad range of businesses and products to his portfolio that tap into his passion for digital media, health and marketing. Croxon currently helms Round13, a company dedicated to investment in growth stage digital Canadian companies. With a focus on healthy living, he also owns Vida, a chain of high-end holistic spas on the west coast of Canada.

Videos

Biography

Long before “social networking” became a buzzword, Bruce made his mark as a digital pioneer by co-founding the beginnings of Lavalife in 1988. Under his direction, this early tech start-up grew into the marquee brand in online dating with over 2,000,000 users (and countless successful marriages!). After its spectacular rise and with the support of his partners, he led the sale of the company to a stunning 180-million dollars.

Bruce is now taking his expertise to a new level; he currently helms Round13, a company dedicated to investing in growth stage digital companies. He currently co hosts The Disruptros on BNN and CTV, a weekly show spotlighting Canadian business and believes our entrepreneurs can hold their own with anyone in the world . He also peruses investments in the health and wellness sector, owning Vida, a chain of high-end holistic spas on the west coast of Canada. As the newest investor on CBC Dragons’ Den, Bruce is keenly adding a broad range of businesses and products to his portfolio that tap into his passion for digital media, health, and marketing.

When it comes to “going offline”, Bruce is always game to pursue his other passion – the great outdoors. He sees Canada’s landscape as his own backyard where likes to surf, golf, and kayak. By bike or by ski, he can be found spending his free time on the thrilling slopes of Whistler Blackcomb. As a passionate environmentalist, Bruce sits on the board of the Trans Canada Trail, and enjoys taking time away with his wife and two young children at their eco-friendly cottage, perched on an island in scenic Georgian Bay. Bruce resides in Toronto with his family and is a vocal supporter of several not-for-profit organizations, including Anaphylaxis Canada.

Speech Topics

Connecting the Dots in a World of Uncertainty

Seven Tips on how to survive the ups & downs of entrepreneurship

Pick something you love.
Define your vision and set goals.
Hire people who have the same core values as you do.
Recognize that teamwork is an important core value.
Don’t create a need that doesn’t exist.
Collaborate rather than protect.
Understand the 51% to 49% rule.

Disruption

Through the network effect of connected devices, we are arguably in the greatest period of change since the Internet was commercialized in the mid 90’s. What is going on , how fast, who is being impacted and what can today’s businesses do to adapt to an environment where nothing seems to stay the same.