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Jesse Rodgers

Jesse Rodgers

Entrepreneur, investor, community builder, and startup ecosystem architect

jesse-rodgers
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Joined January 2025
Favicon imagewhoyoucallingajesse.comFavicon imagex.comFavicon imageca.linkedin.comFavicon imagejrodgers.medium.comFavicon imagesubstack.com

Network

4.6K connections

Summary

Jesse Rodgers is a prolific community builder and ecosystem architect, with a consistent focus on fostering innovation and supporting founders in the Canadian tech landscape. He has played instrumental roles in establishing key startup initiatives, including the Velocity incubator at the University of Waterloo, the Creative Destruction Lab, and more recently, Builders Club. nitter+2
With a strong entrepreneurial background, including co-founding TribeHR (acquired by NetSuite) and EIGENSPACE, Jesse combines his startup experience with investment and coaching. He advocates for a builder's mindset, emphasizing resilience, practical execution, and challenging the status quo in the startup world. communitech+1
Jesse is a thought leader and active commentator on the Canadian tech ecosystem, often sharing his insights on the challenges and opportunities for founders, particularly in the Waterloo Region. He communicates through various platforms, including his personal blog and several Substack newsletters, advocating for local talent and a supportive environment for 'builders'. whoyoucallingajesse+3

Work

Education

Writing

Builders Club is Where Ambition Meets Action

October 1, 2024

An article by Jesse Rodgers describing the Builders Club as a community and movement for ambitious individuals to create, innovate, and build, emphasizing a growth mindset and collaboration.

Favicon imagemedium.com

Exploring the EigenSpace

April 1, 2021

An article explaining the mission and approach of EIGENSPACE as an investment company that provides coaching, funding, and support to early-stage software founders.

Favicon imagewhoyoucallingajesse.com

Monday Club :: Just Do The Thing

A weekly Substack newsletter providing updates on events and projects in the Waterloo Region, aimed at 'builders' in the tech ecosystem.

Favicon imagemondayclub.substack.com

Build from Here

A Substack publication exploring why individuals choose to build in Waterloo or Canada, offering perspective on the Canadian tech landscape.

Favicon imagebuildfromhere.substack.com

Who You Calling a Jesse?

Jesse Rodgers' personal blog featuring thoughts on innovation, programming, and startups.

Favicon imagewhoyoucallingajesse.com

Notes

JFJeff Fedorsaid they've seen
JRJesse Rodgers
create a particularly supportive environment for founders in their community.

Jun 25, 2026

JRJai Relansaid
JRJesse Rodgers
has led or co-founded startups and made a real impact in the local startup community.

Aug 8, 2025