Calling all founders and builders: Building startups is hard. Building startups in the middle of an AI paradigm shift is... interesting.

We’re getting the Deck and Vasco founders together to trade notes on the transition from "Bolt-on" features to "Built-in" intelligence. No egos, no pitch decks, just a candid look at their roadmaps, their tech stacks, and the mistakes they’re trying to avoid.

What we'll cover:

• Bolt-on vs. Built-in: The difference between a feature that looks cool in a demo and a product that is actually defensible.
• Beyond the Chatbot: How to design interfaces that don't require your user to be a prompt engineer.
• AI Economics: How AI-native products and usage-based pricing reshape go-to-market strategy, from sales motions to forecasting, when revenue scales with usage rather than seats.

The Lineup:

• Fred Lavoie (Founder, Deck): Fred is building the user-permissioned data infrastructure of the internet. Basically, he’s turning the chaotic web into structured data so AI agents can actually do their jobs (and you don't have to).
• Guillaume Jacquet (Founder, Vasco): Guillaume is using AI to turn revenue operations from a guessing game into a science. He’ll share how Vasco moved beyond basic analytics to built-in intelligence that drives growth.
• Ryan Burke (Head of Product & Design, Deck): Ryan is a design leader who lives for developer experience. He has managed large teams but is one of those rare leaders who still gets deep into the design and code. He’s here to prove you can drive high-level strategy without forgetting how to actually build.
• Guided by the motto 'Why not?', Marc Allard is a dynamic leader who co-founded Walter Interactive and Glowtify to solve complex digital problems with energy and precision. He specializes in translating client needs into actionable strategies, using the power of AI and personalized marketing to ensure brands truly connect with their customers.

The Agenda:

• The Main Event (1 Hour): We’ll kick off by debating whether "Chat" is the final UI and how to avoid the "Bolt-on" trap. Then, we’ll hand the mic to you for a Q&A—your chance to ask the hard questions about their tech stacks and product roadmaps.
• The Networking: We are providing food and drinks. Come debate the future of AI with your mouth full.

The Details:

• Where: Deck HQ, 180 Peel Street, Montreal.
• When: Thursday February 5th 2026, 6PM EST
• Cost: Free (but registration is required)