Robbie Freund

‍What should founders know about you?
I've always been more interested in understanding how things work than in taking them at face value - which is likely why I started my career as an auditor earning my CPA. I then spent a few years inside one of Canada's largest companies, and eventually found my way to venture. Each step taught me something the last one couldn't: public audit taught me to read between the lines of financial statements; TELUS taught me how large organizations make decisions and what good operational discipline looks like; and now at OMERS Ventures, I'm applying both to help find and support the companies that will matter next. I have the most conviction when there is data to support a thesis, but I've come to believe that the best founders often see around corners before the data catches up and I'm genuinely curious about how they get there. If you're building something and want someone who will go deep on the numbers and actually care about understanding your business, I'd love to connect.

What's something you wish people knew about you?
Growing up, my parents reinforced three things above all else that I've tried to carry into everything I do: Integrity, accountability and respect. I won't always have the right answer, but I'll always be straight with you about what I think and why. If we have the pleasure of working together, I'll always be transparent, even when it's uncomfortable. I'd rather have a hard conversation early than a harder one later on.

What do you do when you’re not working?
Outside of work I'm happiest when I'm active - skiing, basketball, tennis, golf and skateboarding to name a few. I've noticed over time that my real passion is with individual sports, where the only variable is you. Not because I don't enjoy collaboration within a team, but because I feel most rewarded through continuous improvement in my skills above all else. I have the view that there is always something to work on, which is probably why I ended up in a career that rewards the same mindset.

What's your favorite place in the world and what makes it special to you?
I love camping and have been lucky enough to do so in some of the most beautiful locations in the world. I don't know if this would count as one specific place, but anytime I'm waking up in the middle of nowhere surrounded by a beautiful view, getting out of my tent and starting to cook breakfast over the fire - I feel happiest and most like myself. No signal, no noise, just the next immediate problem in front of you that you need to solve for (and when you're away from civilization, there are real consequences if you don’t). I think that's what drew me to venture - early stage companies have that same quality. Founders operate with limited information and make the best decision they can with what they have. The returns are better in venture, but the coffee tastes better over a fire.