Like many good things, Kettera started out as an idea over beverages, between our founders Nigel Istvanffy and Kyle Richter, in December 2017. Nigel and Kyle, both senior executives at respected Calgary businesses, were discussing the challenges they had experienced when it came to making people decisions. What they both kept lamenting was how when it came to decisions involving people, they had to primarily rely on intuition, first impressions, referrals and after the fact analysis. In every other aspect of their responsibilities, there was data, insights and analysis that could help focus and frame their decisions. There had to be a way to apply the same data-driven principles in to people decisions.

Over the course of the next year, they would talk to everyone who would listen and they would read every piece of literature they could find. What they eventually landed on was the science of fit. An area of study that had first appeared in the 1920’s in Psychology research and had now spread into behavioural science, cognitive science, industrial psychology, human resources and business.

The science of fit would become the backbone of Kettera.

Just as the Kettera team concluded their research, and finished development of their proprietary fit.technology, the world as we know it was changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The world of business, education, and government instantly went digital. Always looking at things from the ‘people perspective’ what Kettera witnessed was that the shift to digital enabled people to interact like they never had before, but for the most part these digital interactions only happened with existing connections.

We saw this as an opportunity. With Kettera’s fit.tech solutions we could create interactive digital Communities that would foster meaningful connections, engagements, and growth by matching people to the opportunities, individuals, organizations, and teams that best fit who they are, and what they can do. And from this “ah ha” moment came Kettera Communities.

Officially launching in October 2021, Kettera Communities has experienced accelerated growth and is now utilized by universities, municipalities, associations, and organizations across North America to connect Communities of people in meaningful and action-orientated ways.

Needless to say, we are excited to see what’s next.

Our Founders

Nigel Istvanffy, Founder, President & CEO

Nigel has over 20 years experience developing, launching and leading businesses, in the technology, education and construction industries. Nigel has brought multiple products to market, including a previous technology product. Most recently, Nigel served as the COO and Head of Product Development at an international education company, where he led the development and launch of multiple products and services while also leading all business departments.

Nigel holds an MBA from UNBC, a BA from the University of Calgary, and studied Architecture at Ryerson University.

Kyle Richter, Co-Founder & CFO

Kyle has over ten years of experience starting, advising and managing companies, including over eight years investment banking. Previously, Kyle was a principal at a leading Canadian boutique securities dealer and was focused on various sectors including technology, energy, and diversified industries. He has been directly involved in the due diligence and execution of numerous transactions concerning both public and private companies.

Kyle holds a BA degree from Harvard University with a major in Economics.

Our Advisors