Meet Karl Theard, Managing Director, Quebec and Atlantic Canada

Explain what you do, streeter-style (i.e. to people who don’t necessarily work in tech):

I help fast-growing tech companies get the kind of financing that works for them—not the old-school kind with lots of strings attached. Think of me as the banker who actually understands startups and works with them and their investors to help them scale.

What are the pivotal moments in your career?

At BDC, I was part of the founding team that launched the tech lending practice. That experience was truly pivotal—it showed me how energizing it is to work with ambitious, high-growth companies. What really struck me at the time was how underserved these businesses were—the traditional banking landscape simply didn’t know how to lend to them. We had to build a financing offering from the ground up, tailored to the unique needs and realities of tech founders. That experience set the tone for everything that followed. My commitment to supporting the innovation economy has only deepened since.

Quick, what’s a hot take you have on investing in tech and innovation in Canada?

Too much capital still plays it safe or waits for validation from the U.S. We need more Canadian conviction to lead, not just follow. That means stepping up with first-cheque confidence, backing bold ideas early, and being willing to take calculated risks without needing external signals. Without that conviction, we risk losing our best founders to ecosystems that move faster and bet bigger. Over time, this erodes our ability to build and retain global tech champions—and keeps Canada in a perpetual state of catching up rather than leading.

On the other side, what excites you about tech and innovation in Canada?

The ecosystem is growing deeper and more sophisticated—more operators are becoming founders, more specialized investors are stepping in, and there’s stronger support at every stage. We’re not just building companies anymore; we’re building a resilient, self-sustaining innovation community. That shift lowers the barriers to entry for new entrepreneurs—there’s more knowledge to tap into, more talent to hire, and more capital aligned with sector expertise. Long-term, it means we’re compounding experience and outcomes here at home which help create a flywheel effect that accelerates both innovation and ambition across the country.

Why RBCx?

RBCx sits at the intersection of innovation and institutional strength. They offer the scale of Canada’s largest bank with a specialized platform designed for tech companies. Moreover, it has the ability to offer structure flexible, founder-friendly financing, backed by people with a deep understanding of the venture ecosystem.

If you were invited to do a podcast, what would you be talking about?

I would focus on how founders can identify the right partner and why that relationship should go far beyond access to capital. The best partners act as strategic allies, understand your model, anticipate your needs and open the right doors at the right time.

What’s the latest tech-related story or company you’re keeping an eye on?

I’m watching companies that are rethinking operational infrastructure—especially tools that help fast growing businesses scale with more control, speed, and insight. It’s a space ripe for smart, founder-friendly disruption. I rather not name a company. Is that okay with you?

What do you do in the wild (i.e. outside of work)?

I love to travel—whether it’s a quick weekend escape or a longer trip, I’m always looking to experience new places, food, and cultures. Exploring the world keeps me energized and inspired.

Share your current recommendations (i.e. book, show, film, podcast):

• Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear—it’s a simple but powerful reminder that small changes compound into big results.
• Show: I enjoy smart dramas like House of Cards, Billions, and Breaking Bad, but when I’m looking for something lighter, I tend to pick a well-written comedy or short series that lets me unwind. Do you have a comedy or limited series that comes to mind? Same here – Too many to pick from
• Podcast: Acquired—the level of research and storytelling about the world’s most iconic companies is unmatched.
• Tool: You’re only as strong as your network. I make time to nurture it consistently—because great opportunities often come from the relationships you’ve invested in.

Where can people connect with you?

LinkedIn