38 Launched with the Support of Seneca HELIX: CyberAI Jeff Pledger decided to start a business after taking the Financial Technology graduate certificate program at Seneca Polytechnic. With more than 25 years of experience in technology and telecommunications, he came up with the idea of helping companies improve cyber security. As part of his studies, he took that idea through the HELIX Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubator process. That’s where his coach Shelly Markel, Professor, School of Management & Entrepreneurship, introduced him to Kyle Rose, who was working on a cyber protection product for consumers. “I just thought they had common interests,” Ms. Markel said. “I ended up being a bit of a matchmaker.” Mr. Pledger and Mr. Rose decided to pool their ideas together and in 2021 they formed CyberAI, a Toronto-based social enterprise fintech startup that offers security software and does educational outreach. Mr. Pledger co-founded the company with his wife Suzanne Pledger, who has completed Seneca’s Social Media graduate certificate program. He took on the role as CEO and she became the Chief Marketing and Operations Officer. Mr. Rose became the Vice President of Business Development. ScamBLOX© Plus is a browser extension that offers online protection. “It not only identifies known frauds and scams, but proactively recognizes potentially dangerous websites and cybercriminals,” said Mr. Pledger, who is blind. Cyber Ollie is Mr. Pledger’s service dog. And Ms. Pledger developed an animated character based on him to provide tips and information to help people avoid fraud and scams. “I’m proud of creating Cyber Ollie’s animated YouTube channel, showcasing his educational videos,” Ms. Pledger said, adding that there are also plans for an upcoming book. CyberAI is designed to help protect individuals, small businesses and vulnerable communities from fraud and scams. And they’re proud to have a diverse management team, which helps them understand a broad range of needs. Mr. Pledger and Mr. Rose worked with Ms. Markel in the coaching process, covering everything from developing a business plan to market validation. In February, they progressed to the HELIX mentorship program where they have been working with Karen Dubeau, Founder and CEO of KWDConsulting, to further develop their business. Mr. Pledger and Mr. Rose said HELIX has really helped their company. “The most exciting thing I am looking forward to in the business is helping people … and putting a dent in cybercrime,” Mr. Rose concluded. Kyle Rose, Vice President of Business Development, Anuyan Kuga, Vice President of Information Technology, Suzanne Pledger, Chief Marketing and Operations Officer and Jeff Pledger, Chief Executive Officer of CyberAI, (left to right) work together to fight cybercrime. “I am looking forward to helping people … and putting a dent in cybercrime” “Fraud detection, prevention and education are the crux of what we do,” Mr. Pledger said. Reported frauds and scams cost people millions of dollars every year and the numbers keep rising. In 2020, it’s estimated that about $130 million was lost this way and by 2022 that had risen to $530 million, Mr. Pledger said, noting his research came from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). “This statistic is astounding, especially since CAFC denotes only 10 per cent of Canadians report these incidents. Reasons for not reporting include fear, shame, and embarrassment. Our mission is to flatten this explosive growth through our product offerings, ScamBLOX© Plus and Cyber Ollie.”
Seneca Innovation 22/23 Report
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