Partner Spotlight: Jessica Kentch, Founding Partner at Ablaze Collective
3- MIN READ
APRIL 2, 2023
In the rapidly evolving fintech landscape, it is the visionaries and innovators who steer the industry toward new frontiers. Among these luminaries is Jessica Kentch (“Jess”) a foundational pillar of Ablaze Collective, whose journey and contributions have been pivotal in shaping not just the collective but the broader fintech ecosystem.
A Trailblazer in Fintech Innovation
Jess co-founded Ablaze Collective with a vision to revolutionize the fintech sector. Her brainchild, DataStory, stands as a testament to her innovative prowess. Based in Calgary, Jess has cemented her status as a distinguished fintech consultant and investor, with an illustrious track record that includes leadership roles at Intuit Quickbooks, Wolters Kluwer, and Ceridian HCM.
Her consultancy work is renowned for bridging networks of leaders across cloud accounting, big data, and AI, demystifying advisory services for CPA firms through strategic partnerships with giants like Google, Microsoft, and IBM. Jess’s expertise in data mining has significantly impacted the QBO app ecosystem, leading pivotal big data and AI pilots that have set new standards in the industry.
The Genesis of DataStory
Jess's journey into fintech is marked by her creation of the proprietary data mining model, DataStory, which underlines her craft in harnessing the power of big data to unravel the narratives behind numbers. This model, informed by her analysis of over 500,000 entrepreneurial teams in Canada, is a masterclass in identifying the key drivers of success in the fintech space. Her intellectual property rights ownership of DataStory underscores her leadership in fintech innovation, with a portfolio that boasts collaborations with top-tier VCs in Silicon Valley, national CPA firms in Canada, and significant investments across the country.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
Beyond her technical achievements, Jess is a vanguard for diversity and inclusion within fintech. Co-creating #AblazeSoul alongside Shannon Paret, operating finance partner of Ablaze, she has ignited a movement aimed at fostering inclusivity within the fintech and VC ecosystems. This initiative reflects her belief in the transformative power of human capital, leveraging insights from industrial-organizational psychologists and diversity leaders to enrich the sector.
A Confluence of Culture and Consciousness
Jess's multifaceted persona is rooted in her academic background in Communication and Culture from the University of Calgary, augmented by her explorations into modern consciousness across ancient shamanic cultures around the world. Gratefully mentored by both Indigenous and Western teachers, she attributes much of her corporate success to their wisdom and the beautiful foothills outside of Calgary, where she grew up in a small town.
Life Beyond the Boardroom
When she is away from Ablaze, Alberta's wilderness is her playground. Hiking, camping, and snowboarding are her go-to activities, and she’s been sharing the thrill of snowboarding with her founding partner when she visits from Toronto. Together, they ride the slopes before unwinding with an IPA in Canmore, sharing their love of beer from when they worked together at Molson Coors as promotional models during their undergrad. These moments of exploration not only recharge her but also strengthen their partnership, blending the best of work and play.
A Pillar of the Ablaze Collective Ecosystem
Jess’ visionary leadership, innovative foresight, and unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion have established her as a beacon of progress in the sector. As Ablaze Collective continues to navigate the complexities of the fintech landscape, Jess's guiding light ensures the path forward is both enlightened and inclusive, promising a future where technology and humanity converge in harmony.