speaker photo

Chris Sinkinson (He/him)

Podcast Co-Host, Author, Former CTO, Startup Different

Chris Sinkinson is a software developer, entrepreneur, co-founder and former CTO of AppArmor. He is originally from Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and now resides in Toronto. Chris has an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and a Masters of Business Administration degree, both from Queen's University in Kingston Ontario. 

After completing his computer science degree in 2002, Chris was a solo software entrepreneur building ecommerce, document management, ebook, newspaper apps. Chris and his brother David started AppArmor, a public safety app and platform in 2011. In February 2022, AppArmor was acquired by Rave Mobile Safety. Then 11 months later, both AppArmor and Rave Mobile Safety were acquired by Motorola Solutions. Today, Chris is co-host of the Startup Different podcast with his brother David. In 2024 they released their award winning business book titled "Startup Different" which recounts their startup journey from idea to exit.

Sessions

Mentor Office Hours

Bootstrapping

July 10, 202510:30 AM EDT – 12:00 PM EDT
Office 3
Bilingual
How do you compete with deep-pocketed rivals when your runway is measured in months, not years? When do you say no to growth opportunities you can't afford? See More.
Mentor Office Hours

Crisis, emergency & continuity

July 10, 20253:30 PM EDT – 5:00 PM EDT
Office 5
English
You might not be able to avoid catastrophe—but you can plan your response. Learn how to anticipate and mitigate disasters so calamity doesn't destroy what you've built—and how to keep your cool. See More.
Startupfest

Bootstrapping 101 - Ditch the Pitch

July 11, 202510:30 AM EDT – 12:00 PM EDT
CITY STAGE
English
Tired of the hype around early funding? This workshop, inspired by the practical and insightful real world experience and approach of excited SaaS founders (and brothers) David and Chris Sinkinson, will challenge the myth that you need early funding and that your startup needs to "get big fast". The Sinkinsons will equip you with the strategies to build a sustainable and profitable business from the ground up, without relying on external investment. See More.