Francois Lafortune

Francois Lafortune is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with over fifteen years of experience in building businesses, particularly in the financial technology (FinTech) sector. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Diagram, a venture launchpad that has successfully launched numerous tech companies by co-creating them and providing both venture capital investment and hands-on support. His strategy involves de-risking companies before they launch and fostering a true partnership with founders. diagram+5

He has a strong background in management consulting, having co-led the Canadian Business Technology practice at McKinsey & Company for seven years. In this role, he advised senior executives at major North American banks and insurers on technology strategy, digital transformation, and IT delivery optimization. nestogroup+3

Lafortune is highly involved in governance and strategic oversight, serving as Managing Partner at Sagard and Chairman of the Board for Nesto. He previously held significant board roles at companies such as Dialogue (Chairman, leading to its IPO), Collage HR (acquired by PeopleCorp), Breathe Life (acquired by Zinnia), and Hydro Québec. He also contributed to public policy as a member of the Minister of Finance’s Advisory Committee on Open Banking. nestogroup+4

His educational foundation includes an Engineer’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University, where he graduated with Great Distinction from the Honours program and received the J.W. McConnell Scholarship and John D. Thompson Prize for Entrepreneurship in Engineering. He furthered his business acumen with an M.B.A. from Stanford University Graduate School of Business. nestogroup+2

Prior to his venture capital career, Lafortune demonstrated early entrepreneurial drive by co-founding Vitres.net, a successful student-franchise system, and working as an entrepreneur at Qualité Étudiants. He has been described as having started companies as early as 13 years old, showcasing a lifelong passion for building businesses. theorg+1