Jonathan Haber is a Montreal-based technology entrepreneur known for helping early-stage companies build practical, human-centred digital tools.
His career began shortly after graduating from McGill University with a degree in Business Administration. Rather than joining a large firm, he chose to launch a small software venture aimed at improving workflow and communication for local businesses. This early experience showed him how powerful simple, intuitive technology can be—especially when it’s designed with real people in mind.
Over time, Jonathan became a trusted figure in Montreal’s growing tech ecosystem. He founded Haber Strategies Inc. to support startups during their most challenging stages of development. His work focuses on what he calls “soft-tech solutions”: technology built to make collaboration easier, communication clearer, and team operations more efficient. Founders often turn to him for guidance because he brings both strategic discipline and a thoughtful, steady leadership style.
Jonathan’s approach is rooted in listening. He believes that successful technology is created by understanding people’s needs, not by following trends. This has made him a valued mentor for emerging entrepreneurs and a quiet but steady influence in the city’s innovation scene.
As Montreal continues to rise as a global tech hub, Jonathan remains a leader who helps shape its direction. His career reflects a commitment to clarity, collaboration, and long-term thinking—qualities that define many of the region’s most promising startups.
Q&A with Jonathan Haber
How did your career in the tech industry begin?
I grew up in Montreal and was always drawn to problem-solving. Even as a teenager, I liked figuring out how systems worked and how they could be improved. After studying Business Administration at McGill University, I started a small software company. It focused on building workflow tools for local businesses that needed simpler ways to stay organised and communicate. That first venture taught me that technology only matters if it actually makes people’s lives easier. That idea became the foundation of my career.
What led you to create Haber Strategies Inc.?
As I worked with more founders, I realised that many early-stage teams had strong ideas but needed clearer structure. They often struggled with product decisions, team alignment, and understanding what users really wanted. I launched Haber Strategies to fill that gap. My goal was to help startups build soft-tech solutions—tools that support communication, collaboration, and smooth internal processes. It’s not about creating flashy products. It’s about designing technology that people naturally want to use.
You often talk about “soft-tech”. What does that mean to you?
Soft-tech is technology built for humans, not machines. It’s intuitive, supportive, and easy to understand. For example, I once worked with a startup whose remote team was losing motivation. Their tools were complicated, and communication was scattered. We re-designed their workflow around a clearer, more user-friendly platform. Within weeks, the team was more focused and connected. That’s soft-tech—technology that quietly removes friction so people can do their best work.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Leadership, in my experience, starts with listening. In the early days of my first company, I made the mistake of trying to solve everything myself. Over time, I learnt that the best solutions come from understanding the people around you. My approach now is calm, steady, and collaborative. I try to create an environment where everyone feels heard. When people feel valued, they contribute ideas they might otherwise keep to themselves—and that’s where innovation begins.
Montreal’s tech ecosystem has grown significantly. What makes it unique?
Montreal has a mix of creativity, diversity, and community support that you don’t find everywhere. The universities here—McGill, Concordia, Polytechnique, Université de Montréal—produce exceptional talent. At the same time, people from around the world choose to settle here. That blend of perspectives drives innovation. Another key factor is collaboration. Founders in Montreal genuinely help one another. You often see people sharing ideas over coffee, attending meet-ups, or mentoring new teams. It creates a healthy cycle of support.
Can you share a challenge you faced earlier in your career and how you overcame it?
One memorable challenge involved a startup with remote employees who felt disconnected. Productivity had dropped, and the team didn’t feel aligned. Instead of rushing into technical fixes, I spent time speaking with each team member to understand what wasn’t working. Their biggest issue wasn’t the work—it was the lack of clarity and communication. We rolled out a simpler soft-tech communication tool and rebuilt their workflows based on their feedback. The change was immediate. The lesson was clear: technology works best when built around real human needs.
How do your personal interests influence your professional life?
Hockey has taught me about teamwork and quick decision-making. When you’re on the ice, you have to stay aware and trust the people around you. Hiking helps me step back and think strategically, especially when I’m deep in a project. And trying new food inspires creativity. When you explore different flavours and cultures, you start to see how innovation can come from simple curiosity.
What excites you most about the future of tech in Montreal?
I’m excited about the rise of human-centred technology. More founders are focusing on tools that improve everyday life—things that support connection, collaboration, and accessibility. Montreal is well-positioned to lead in this direction because of its diversity, strong talent base, and culture of creativity. Watching new founders grow and bring fresh ideas to the city is something I find incredibly motivating.