Letting Go to Build Better: An Entrepreneur’s Vision for His Ecosystem

At the MAIN Summit, Félix-Antoine Huard didn’t give a talk on growth, financing, or entrepreneurial success. He spoke about himself and his story, and delivered something more challenging—a message to the ecosystem.

Two words: let go.

People often say that the ecosystem “fosters” the emergence of companies, “accelerates” their growth, and “propels” entrepreneurs. Félix-Antoine Huard offers a more nuanced perspective.

“Nothing I’m experiencing today would be possible without an ecosystem. But that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t have gotten [where we are]. It just wouldn’t have been as easy.”

A story of entrepreneurship… and defiance

Félix-Antoine Huard’s journey hasn’t been a straight path. It’s been a series of experiences—often imperfect ones. He tells us about his first projects back in elementary school, his initiatives in high school, two businesses he launched… and failed at, a return to school, and then a Startup Weekend that became a turning point.

Above all, a turning point: an offer of venture capital funding. A “big check.” Which they turned down. They were made to realize the value of their most important asset: their team.

“If you want to invest in us [and not our product], we can invest in ourselves, too.”

Instead: ramen meals, uncertainty, and the founding of Rum&Code.

From that point on, Félix-Antoine and his team decided to take the risk.

What does he think it takes to have a functioning ecosystem?

Throughout his journey, Félix-Antoine demonstrates that a useful ecosystem is not one that controls, but rather one that enables.

An ecosystem:

1. Takes risks: not just financial risks, but also human, structural, and reputational risks.

2. Take entrepreneurs seriously—even when their ideas seem absurd.

3. Adaptable: he listens, adjusts his processes, and collaborates.

4. Provides support when it matters most: by connecting you with the right expertise at the right time.

5. Encourages action

“The goal is for these companies to eventually stand on their own two feet.”

Innovation is slowing down

His story reflects a broader trend. Today, in Quebec, innovation is slowing down; this is the point made in this article from La Presse, in which Félix-Antoine shares his ideas.

Fewer companies are innovating, and the skills gap is identified as a major obstacle.

Innovation is based on:

• the right to make mistakes;
• psychological safety;
• the ability to test quickly and make adjustments.

Supporting a company means supporting people, and the greatest strength of this approach isn’t strategic—it’s deeply human.

“The ecosystem has never been there to run our business for us. It has supported the people behind the company.”

So we don’t build companies. We support the people who do.

Félix-Antoine Huard concludes with a simple metaphor: he has become a father. And like any parent, he knows that one day:

• he'll have to let go,
• let them try,
• give up,
• let them learn.

“We watched them grow up… and then, at some point, we wished them good luck. And that luck has paid off.”