Niv Yahel

Bro, let me put you onto Niv Yahel. This dude’s the real deal in the startup and tech scene. He jumped into the game back in YC W15, that’s where he really started making waves. Since then, he’s been crushing it, building teams, and shaping the culture of some of the coolest companies out there.

So, Niv kicked things off at Wealthsimple. You know, the Canadian fintech giant? Yeah, he started as a Software Engineer and worked his way up to Director of Engineering. The guy didn’t just do his job; he helped create the vibe and the way they build stuff. That’s a big deal, especially in a company that’s been growing like crazy. After Wealthsimple, he didn’t slow down, he took on the Director of Engineering role at Felix, another solid move that shows he’s all about leading teams and pushing tech forward.

But Niv’s not just about climbing ladders. He’s got serious chops in product and tech, he was a Senior Software Engineer at Opencare, making health stuff better, and he even jumped into Swift at Razeware, working with the folks behind Ray Wenderlich’s tutorials. The guy’s got hands-on experience in both the engineering trenches and leading the crews.

Then, he co-founded Vanhawks, a YC-backed startup. Not just a founder, but CTO, so he was the tech design of that rideable tech dream. That’s where his entrepreneurial spirit really shines. Creating something from scratch, building a team, and bringing it to life? No cap, that’s what he lives for.

His roots? He studied Software Design at Queen’s University, got involved in all sorts of campus stuff, Alma Mater Society, COMPSA Site Services, basically, he was already into leadership and tech before he even hit the real world. He’s also dabbled with Taskers and eVersity.ca, showing he’s always been about finding new ways to innovate and connect.

What’s clear is, Niv isn’t just about coding, he’s about people, too. He mentors young talent, helps bridge the gap between technical skills and leadership. That’s the special feature. He’s been through the startup grind, led teams at big companies, and now he’s out here pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Bottom line? Niv Yahel is one of those guys who’s proven that building something meaningful takes grit, vision, and a lot of heart. He’s the type of founder who’s not just in it for himself but to make an impact, whether that’s through startups, mentorship, or shaping the future of tech. No bullshit, he’s the real deal.