Startup Confessions: Ask Me Anything with J-SAS

Navigating the early stages of a startup often feels like a solo journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Join us for an engaging Founder Ask Me Anything session featuring Ryan Devers, Co-Founder and VP of Product Strategy at J-SAS. Ryan will provide an honest look at the realities of building a business from the ground up, sharing the lessons he learned while developing J-SAS and ProtechSuite—a platform designed to make compliance journeys like SOC 2 simple and affordable for growing companies. Whether you are currently facing a technical hurdle or looking for strategic advice on market validation, this Founder Ask Me Anything is your opportunity to gain firsthand insights from a peer who has navigated the same challenges.

What you’ll learn

In this interactive, peer-driven session, you will gain practical guidance on the fundamental pillars of startup growth. Ryan will discuss:

• How to balance the development of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) without falling into the trap of over-development.
• Strategies for managing your time to market and ensuring your solution meets a real need.
• Crafting concise website copy, demos, and pitches that resonate, alongside creating a professional look and feel for your product.
• The importance of defining your user persona and understanding exactly who your customer is—and just as importantly, who they are not.

For many innovators, the path to commercialization is filled with high-stakes decisions regarding resources and strategy. Attending this Founder Ask Me Anything allows you to leverage shared experiences to avoid common pitfalls in software development and sales. By connecting with fellow founders and industry experts, you can accelerate your learning curve, refine your market-entry strategy, and build the community support necessary to scale with intention.

Who should attend

• Early-stage innovators who are validating ideas or building the first versions of their product.
• Individuals looking to learn from the real-world successes and setbacks of a fellow founder.
• Founders who want to expand their network within the Hamilton and Halton innovation ecosystem.

Meet the speaker

Ryan Devers, Co-Founder and VP of Product Strategy at J-SAS

Ryan is a seasoned product strategist with a deep understanding of the compliance and software landscape. Through his work with J-SAS and ProtechSuite, he has focused on simplifying complex regulatory requirements for startups, helping them reach market readiness faster.