Working with Big Tech: Getting Resources Without Losing Control

📅 Wednesday, July 16, 2025 | 🕙 10:00 – 10:30 AM

📍 Connector Suites, Convergence Centre (999 Collip Circle)

☕ Free to attend – includes coffee and treats from Black Walnut Bakery Cafe

Kindly RSVP here

Session Overview:
Collaborating with big tech companies can open doors — or bring red tape. In this session, we’ll explore how to partner strategically with Big Tech players while safeguarding your autonomy. You’ll learn how to evaluate potential partnerships, gain access to valuable tools and funding, and navigate common challenges around IP protection and decision-making power.

Whether you’re in early growth or scaling fast, this session will help you align your goals with the right opportunities — without losing control.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to evaluate and approach partnerships with Big Tech
• Understand what resources and funding may be available
• Discover strategies to maintain your IP rights and operational independence

About the Summer Series: Smarter Strategies for Startup Growth

Presented by Western Research Parks

This free, 10-part summer series is designed to help early-stage teams in biotech, medtech, and innovation-driven sectors scale with confidence. Each 30-minute session covers a strategic growth topic — from working with Big Tech and hiring smart to building brand and securing funding.

Join us Wednesdays at 10 AM, July 9 to September 10, 2025. Register for the full journey or pick the sessions that match your goals.

🧠 Explore the full series: Click here to view all sessions

📩 Questions? Contact us here.

About the Speaker

Chris Wynder (OpenText) – Dr. Chris Wynder – Director of Marketing; Developer Programs. Chris’ decade of experience as both an IT consultant and Industry Analyst provide a unique perspective on developing solutions for customer problems. Chris has worked with companies of all sizes find the right path to success by helping them build the skills to create action plans that fit their needs.

In Chris’ first career as a scientist (Ph.D Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University) he saw the need for data management and process management technology to speed up clinical research and manage patient data access. This has influenced his approach to all technology problems as well as his scientific approach to GoToMarket training. In his current role, Chris focuses on developing a ecosystem of Independent Software Vendors that use OpenText technology as part of their solution. Chris and his team provide business and marketing training to OpenText partners.

You can contact Chris at crwynder@gmail.com or he blogs regularly on medium or connect with him on LinkedIn

Next Session:

Session 3 – Open Source vs. Proprietary: Choosing the Right Model

With Chris Wynder – Wednesday, July 23, 2025