https://senecacollege.dcatalog.com/v/Seneca-Innovation-2223-Report/?page=38
Introduction to Jeff Pledger
Jeff Pledger decided to start a business after taking the Financial Technology graduate certificate program at Seneca Polytechnic.
With over 25 years in technology and telecommunications, he envisioned a solution to improve cybersecurity for companies.
As part of his studies, he took that idea through the HELIX Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubator process.
His coach, Shelly Markel, introduced him to Kyle Rose, who was developing 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.”
In 2021, Mr. Pledger and Mr. Rose combined their ideas to form CyberAI, a Toronto-based fintech startup focused on security software and 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
Mission and Vision
“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.
The Diverse Management Team at CyberAI
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
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 to have created Cyber Ollie’s animated YouTube channel to showcase educational videos, Ms. Pledger said, noting 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 collaborated with Ms. Markel on business planning and market validation. In February, they joined the HELIX mentorship program, collaborating with Karen Dubeau, Founder and CEO of KWDConsulting, to advance 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
