Reza Satchu is a Canadian entrepreneur known for founding and scaling multiple successful businesses while actively promoting entrepreneurship through teaching and mentorship. Born to Ismaili immigrant parents who settled in Scarborough, Ontario, Reza graduated in economics from McGill University and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. Early in his career, he worked at Merrill Lynch and Fenway Partners, gaining experience that fueled his entrepreneurial ventures. Reza has founded, built, and sold several businesses, including, most recently, Alignvest Student Housing, which was sold in 2024 to Forum Asset Management for $1.7 billion.
Over the years, Reza has co-founded KGS Alpha Capital Markets, sold to the Bank of Montreal for $400 million, and launched Alignvest Management Corporation, where he serves as Managing Partner. He also founded NEXT Canada, a program dedicated to developing Canada’s next generation of entrepreneurs. Through his work, Reza remains a passionate advocate for innovation, inspiring young business leaders to pursue bold ideas and create lasting impact.
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Q: Many people dream of becoming entrepreneurs but struggle to take the first step. What advice would you give to someone stuck at that initial stage?
REZA SATCHU: The first step to becoming an entrepreneur is adopting what I call the “founder mindset.” It’s about the relentless pursuit of opportunity without regard to the resources you currently control. Many people hesitate because they overanalyze or wait for perfect conditions, but in entrepreneurship, perfection is a myth. The key is to start small—make a decision to explore an idea, trust your curiosity, and take that first step. It’s like deciding to stop your car and explore an interesting trail. Once you commit to the path, you’ll often find unexpected resources and opportunities along the way.
Q: The idea of pursuing opportunities without regard to resources seems counterintuitive. How does one balance ambition with practicality?
REZA SATCHU: It may seem counterintuitive, but the magic lies in conviction. When you believe in your idea and its potential, you’ll find innovative ways to overcome limitations. Great entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk didn’t necessarily create new products but revolutionized how we think about existing ones. It’s about approaching problems from unique perspectives and leveraging opportunities creatively. Balancing ambition with practicality comes down to developing sound judgment through small, incremental decisions. As you practice making these decisions, your ability to navigate challenges grows exponentially.
Q: You’ve mentioned that judgment is a crucial skill for entrepreneurs. How can aspiring founders hone this skill effectively?
REZA SATCHU: Judgment is like a muscle—it gets stronger with use. Start by making decisions that carry some level of consequence and learn from the outcomes. Those from challenging backgrounds often have an edge because they’ve faced situations requiring quick thinking and resilience. Practicing judgment involves bridging the gap between confidence and capability. It’s about embracing discomfort and being willing to make imperfect decisions, knowing you’ll learn and grow. Over time, this practice sharpens your instincts and helps you trust your ability to navigate the unknown.
Q: Fear of failure and commitment often hold people back. What would you say to those who struggle with these barriers?
REZA SATCHU: Fear of failure is natural, but the fear of commitment can be even more paralyzing. When you commit to a path, you’re eliminating other possibilities, and that can be intimidating. But ask yourself: would you rather live with the regret of not trying or the lessons that come with trying and failing? Commitment is where the magic happens. It focuses your energy and signals to others that you’re serious. The surprising part is that once you commit, you’ll attract support and resources you never expected. People are drawn to conviction and determination.
Q: How does adopting a founder mindset shape an entrepreneur’s journey and impact?
REZA SATCHU: The founder mindset transforms the entrepreneurial journey by shifting your focus from limitations to possibilities. It’s about the freedom to pursue what matters to you and make a positive impact. This mindset empowers you to make informed decisions, embrace risks, and learn from mistakes. Ultimately, the founder mindset allows you to create something meaningful while continuously improving your judgment and expanding your influence. To all aspiring entrepreneurs, my advice is simple: trust your instincts, commit fully, and keep swinging the bat.
