Jonathan Haber is a Montreal-based technology entrepreneur known for helping early-stage companies develop practical, human-focused digital tools.
His career began shortly after graduating from McGill University with a degree in business administration. Instead of joining a large company, he decided to start a small software company aimed at improving workflows and communications for local businesses. This early experience showed him how powerful simple, intuitive technology can be – especially when designed for real people.
Over time, Jonathan became a trusted figure in Montreal’s growing tech ecosystem. He founded Haber Strategies Inc. to support startups in their most difficult stages of development. His work focuses on what he calls “soft tech solutions”: technology that makes collaboration easier, communication clearer, and team operations more efficient. Founders often turn to him because he brings both strategic discipline and a thoughtful, stable leadership style.
Jonathan’s approach is based on listening. He believes that successful technology comes from understanding people’s needs, not from following trends. This has made him a valued mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs and a quiet but steady influence on the city’s innovation scene.
As Montreal continues to evolve into a global technology hub, Jonathan remains a leader helping to shape the direction. His career reflects his commitment to clarity, collaboration and long-term thinking – traits that characterize many of the region’s most promising startups.
Questions and answers with Jonathan Haber
How did your career in the technology industry begin?
I grew up in Montreal and was always interested in solving problems. Even as a teenager, I enjoyed figuring out how systems work and how they can be improved. After studying business administration at McGill University, I started a small software company. The focus was on developing workflow tools for local businesses that needed easier ways to organize and communicate. This first project taught me that technology only matters if it actually makes people’s lives easier. This idea became the foundation of my career.
What motivated you to found Haber Strategies Inc.?
As I worked with more founders, I realized 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. To close this gap, I founded Haber Strategies. My goal was to help startups develop 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 this mean for you?
Soft tech is technology designed for people, not machines. It’s intuitive, supportive and easy to understand. For example, I once worked with a startup whose remote team lost motivation. Their tools were complicated and communications scattered. We’ve redesigned your workflow for a clearer, more user-friendly platform. Within a few weeks, the team was more focused and connected. This is soft tech – technology that quietly removes friction so employees can do their best work.
How would you describe your leadership style?
In my experience, leadership begins with listening. In the early days of my first company, I made the mistake of trying to solve everything myself. Over time, I have learned 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 bring forward ideas they might otherwise keep to themselves – and this is where innovation begins.
Montreal’s technology ecosystem has grown significantly. What makes it unique?
Montreal offers a mix of creativity, diversity and community support not found everywhere. The universities here – McGill, Concordia, Polytechnique, Université de Montréal – produce exceptional talent. At the same time, people from all over the world decide to settle here. This mix of perspectives drives innovation. Another key factor is collaboration. Founders in Montreal really help each other. You often see people exchanging ideas over coffee, taking part in meetings or supervising new teams. A healthy support cycle is created.
Can you share with us a challenge you faced early in your career and how you overcame it?
One memorable challenge was a startup with remote employees who felt isolated. Productivity was down and the team felt out of sync. Instead of rushing to find technical solutions, I talked to each team member to understand what wasn’t working. Her biggest problem wasn’t work – it was the lack of clarity and communication. We introduced 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 it is based on real human needs.
How do your personal interests influence your professional life?
Hockey taught me teamwork and quick decisions. When you’re on the ice, you have to stay alert and trust the people around you. Hiking helps me take a step back and think strategically, especially when I’m deep into a project. And trying new foods stimulates creativity. As you explore different tastes and cultures, you begin to see how innovation can arise from simple curiosity.
What excites you most about the future of technology in Montreal?
I am excited about the rise of technology that puts people at the center. More and 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 due to its diversity, strong talent base and culture of creativity. Seeing new founders grow and bring fresh ideas to the city is incredibly motivating for me.
