Tripod Ventures is owned and operated by three individuals with deep roots in the retail and technology sectors, each bringing a unique set of skills and a unique perspective. All three are successful entrepreneurs with a proven history of building successful companies.
Shant Balayan
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Shant Balayan has been in the photography business for over 40 years. He started his career as an executive with Kodak, a leader in the field. After several years in management, Shant’s entrepreneurial drive led him to open a group of large, wholesale labs in Quebec. In 1990, he expanded his business to add a chain of 35 retail stores to his mix. In recent years, Shant has served as President of IPC Communications, company that specializes in online photo transfer technology through various applications and solutions.
Shant is very active within both the retail and photographic communities and is currently a member of the Photo Marketing Association and the National Retail Federation.
François Parent
Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer
François Parent has worked in the photo industry for the past 15 years, starting on the retail side of the industry and working his way up to his current role in operational management. In addition to his experience in the photo sector, Francois also served as an Enterprise Resource Planning Consultant with a software company specialized in Enterprise Management Software.
François’ strong technology background, combined with his thorough understanding of operational excellence in the photo industry, have equipped him with the skills to manage all aspects of the business, from the 24x7 operation of the organization’s technology platform through to individual product fulfillment.
Vahe Kassardjian
Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer
Vahe Kassardjian has over 35 years experience that spans both the photo and technology industries. Vahe started his career working in a photographic lab and later worked his way through the industry. He then shifted his interests and studies to the technology sector and now holds a MSc. in Computer Science, in Complexity Theory from the University of Montreal.
In 1989, Vahe created Integration New Media (INM), a company focused on delivering multimedia solutions to companies across the globe. Over the past two decades, Vahe has become a noted strategist in the field of interactive media and a trusted advisor to many worldwide business leaders. He regularly provides businesses with guidance on technical direction, business strategy and development.
