Cercle canadien : Événement avec Dax Dasilva

The rules of commerce are being rewritten, and for those paying attention, the opportunity has never been greater. Artificial intelligence is not simply improving existing tools; it is reshaping the economics of competition, the structure of industries, and the expectations of operators around the world.

As the founder of Lightspeed Commerce, and a Canadian technology leader with over two decades supporting independent businesses, Dax Dasilva brings a rare vantage point to that transformation. Joined in conversation by Executive Chair Manon Brouillette, he shares what he has observed in the technology and business landscape, how the role of SaaS is evolving in the age of AI, and what it takes to build a global platform from Canada that competes — and leads — on the world stage.

Drawing on Lightspeed's growth across two distinct markets, Dax will explore what it means to redefine independent retail in North America while simultaneously holding a leading position in European hospitality, and how AI is the common thread enabling both. For Canadian leaders, it is a timely reflection on global ambition, strategic focus, and the kind of transformation that creates lasting advantage.
 

Please note that the presentation will be in English.
 

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Biography

Dax Dasilva

Dax Dasilva is the creative mind behind Lightspeed Commerce. Founded in 2005, Lightspeed is the unified POS and payments platform for ambitious entrepreneurs to accelerate growth, provide the best customer experience and become a go-to destination in their space. It powers the world's best businesses in over 100 countries globally.  

Dasilva was reappointed as CEO on February 15, 2024. Prior to that, he served as Executive Chair of Lightspeed’s board of directors for two years, and previously led the company’s operations as Chief Executive Officer since its founding in 2005. 

Lightspeed employs over 3,000 staff worldwide and powers hundreds of thousands of customer locations worldwide. During Dasilva’s leadership as CEO, the company went public in March 2019 on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol LSPD, becoming one of Canada’s top 10 technology IPOs. In September 2020, the company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Lightspeed also undertook 9 acquisitions over the course of a four year period to consolidate the global market and launch two, best-in-class flagship products: Lightspeed Retail and Lightspeed Restaurant. 
 

Biography 2025