Corry Flatt

Yo, have you heard of Corry Flatt? The guy’s a straight-up boss in the startup game. He’s the CEO and co-founder of Bonfire Interactive, a procurement software company he kicked off back in 2012. Dude studied planned marketing at Wilfrid Laurier, so he’s got that biz brain, but what’s crazy is how he turned that into real-world impact.

Corry’s been around the Waterloo tech scene forever. Before Bonfire, he was grinding at Miovision Technologies and a bunch of other local tech firms. That region’s a goldmine for startups, and Corry definitely tapped into that energy. It’s like he jumped into tech, soaked up all the knowledge, and then went all-in on his own thing.

Bonfire was part of YC’s Winter 2015 batch, which is a big deal. That’s where a lot of startup magic happens. After YC, he managed to raise money from both local angels and big US venture funds, no small feat. That shows he’s got the hustle and the connections. And get this, Bonfire was acquired for $108 million. Holy shit, right? But Corry’s not the type to see that as an “exit”, he calls it an “on-ramp” for more growth. That mindset? Total baller move. It’s about building something bigger, not just cashing out.

What’s dope about Corry is how he led Bonfire through thick and thin, especially during COVID. When shit hit the fan, he made the platform free for public agencies, helping them get through the crisis. That’s real leadership, using tech to make a difference when it’s needed most.

All this points to a dude who’s not just in it for the money. He genuinely wants to make business easier and better, especially in tough times. His process from local Waterloo startup to a major acquisition shows he’s got that rare combo: vision, hustle, and a real sense of purpose. Corry’s the kind of guy who proves that if you jump into the scene, work your ass off, and stay true to your mission, you can crush it and keep pushing forward. No Cap.