Building What Lasts: Climate Tech, Cash Flow, and a Canadian Model of Innovation | Arman Mottaghi

Canada Now

Canada Now
Building What Lasts: Climate Tech, Cash Flow, and a Canadian Model of Innovation | Arman Mottaghi
Jan 10, 2026 Season 1 Episode 12
Ashley Smith

Send a text to Canada Now! πŸ’¬

In this episode of Canada Now, host Ashley Smith sits down with Arman Mottaghi, founder and CEO of Properate, to explore what it really takes to build companies that last β€” in climate tech and beyond.

Arman shares how Properate grew into one of Canada’s leading home energy assessment platforms by focusing on long-term value, real revenue, and system-level thinking β€” rather than chasing Silicon Valley hype cycles.

The conversation spans:
* Why homes are one of the most underestimated climate levers
* Why indoor air quality may be a trillion-dollar industry hiding in plain sight
* How Canadian founders may need a different innovation and funding model
* Why bootstrapping, cash flow, and trust matter more than pitch decks
* What Canada risks losing by importing U.S. startup playbooks wholesale

This episode is a thoughtful look at climate innovation β€” and a compelling case for a distinctly Canadian approach to entrepreneurship.

(all links available in show notes - coming soon, see Canada Now at https://canadanow.beehiiv.com to subscribe)

Love the show? Help it grow!
β†’ Subscribe, Review, and Share 🍁

Follow Canada Now for bold ideas and real conversations shaping what’s next in Canada. πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦
β†’ All Links (including socials)
β†’ YouTube
β†’ Canada Now Newsletter (subscriber perks coming soon!)

Meet the host, Ashley Smith! πŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ
β†’ Ashley's links (social, website, + more)