Designers are critical to the success of tech startups. The problem is that designers aren't typically aware of this. With the help of FounderDating, ExtremeStartups and OCAD University, we tried to bring the message of tech entrepreneurship to a group of students and alumni of OCAD in Toronto. The event was titled "The Value of Designers to Tech Startups". This slide deck was the opening act that covered the role of designers in startups and how designers can look to start their own companies. A follow-up discussion panel with three talented designers in various roles at companies in Toronto and Silicon Valley spoke about entrepreneurship and the value of design in technology. Speakers / Organizers: Eli Aleyner (Director of Strategic Alliances - Xtreme Labs) Mani Fazeli (Co-founder - Betterez) Panel: Andy Chiang (Lead User Experience - Polar Mobile) Alexander Mimran (Founder - Minbox, Founder - Penzu) Dawson Whitfield (UX/UI Designer - Weebly) Additional Guests: Kalu Kalu (Co-founder - MyShoebox) Matt O'Leary (Ex CEO - Shopcaster) Lorena Scott (Founder - Mommies First) Special Thanks: Sunil Sharma (Managing Director - Extreme Startups) Gabe Sawhney (OCAD University) Asma Khanani Caporaletti (OCAD University) Coverage of the event: http://www.torontostandard.com/technology/the-value-of-designers-in-tech-startups