Event Date

2025-11-26T18:00:00.0000000

Exclusive Event

Corner Office TO: The Evolution of an Entrepreneur

Join us for a rare conversation with Allen Lau, Co-Founder and Former CEO of Wattpad, and Co-Founder and Operating Partner at Two Small Fish Ventures, as he shares lessons from building one of Canada’s most iconic tech companies. From bootstrapped beginnings to a $660M acquisition, Allen reflects on the evolution every entrepreneur must undergo, and why reinvention, leadership, and fundamentals matter more than anything else. Today, he channels those lessons into helping the next generation of founders through his work as an investor and mentor.

BrainStation Toronto
Wed, Nov 26, 2025
2025-11-26T23:00:00.0000000Z – 2025-11-27T00:30:00.0000000Z

482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON How to get here
$25

Purchase Tickets

80k+ attendees globally
Learn from industry experts
Live Q&A

Allen Lau

Co-Founder

Allen Lau

Co-Founder

In this session, Allen Lau, Co-Founder, reflects on a decade of scaling Wattpad without chasing acquisition, how supportive investors enabled long-term thinking, and why optionality comes from building fundamentals first.

Allen Lau

Co-Founder

Allen Lau is the Co-Founder and Former CEO of Wattpad, the world’s leading social storytelling platform with a global community of 90 million readers and writers. Under his leadership, Wattpad scaled from a Toronto startup to a cultural phenomenon, with stories adapted into books, films, and series worldwide. In 2021, Wattpad was acquired by Naver for US$660M. Beyond Wattpad, Allen is a mentor, investor, and advocate for Canada’s tech ecosystem, helping founders focus on building revolutionary startups.

01
The Evolution of Wattpad Without an Exit Plan

Allen reflects on how Wattpad’s leadership and investors avoided chasing an “exit strategy,” focusing instead on growth, user value, and building an enduring company.
02
Building Optionality Through Fundamentals

Learn how Wattpad set ambitious goals to become “Investment Ready,” ensuring the company had multiple strategic paths, IPO, continued independence, or acquisition, without ever being forced into one.
03
Lessons for Founders and Investors

Allen shares candid advice on avoiding short-sighted “exit planning,” why hope is not a strategy, and how founders can create the conditions for great outcomes by building great companies.

Details of the Evening

What's Included

Gourmet Light Refreshments – Enjoy a curated selection of artisanal bites and small plates, perfect for connecting with colleagues.
Settle in for easy conversation and good company in a warm, welcoming space. With a thoughtful selection of beer and wine on hand, it’s the perfect backdrop for winding down or catching up.

Have dietary restrictions?

To ensure we can accommodate your dietary needs, please inform us at least 48 hours before the workshop start date.

How to Get Here

BrainStation Toronto

482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON

Get Directions

Finding Your Way

Located near Front St. West and Spadina Ave. at The Well, right next to the Indigo.
Entering The Building

Look for Quantum Coffee, enter the building, and follow the signs to the elevators.
Once You're Inside

Take elevator to the 2nd floor. Our staff will be there to greet you at the campus reception.

Get Started

Reserve Your Spot

Spots are limited - purchase your ticket to connect with leaders and professionals at this exciting event.

BrainStation Toronto
Wed, Nov 26, 2025
2025-11-26T23:00:00.0000000Z – 2025-11-27T00:30:00.0000000Z

482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON Get Directions
$25

Purchase Tickets

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