Portrait of an Entrepreneur: François Daoust

At 33, François Daoust is the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Reveal Life Science, a medtech company developing AI-powered surgical guidance solutions. His mission is to help surgeons better detect cancerous tissue during operations, particularly in the treatment of brain cancer.

Drawing on a journey that spans academia, entrepreneurship, military service, athletic challenges, and global ambitions, he reflects on his entrepreneurial path, the lessons that have shaped him, and the vision that continues to drive his company forward today.

🎙️ Let’s go back a bit: what was your background before launching your startup?

I completed a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics at Polytechnique Montréal. It was during my undergraduate studies that I fell in love with what I do today. I had the opportunity to do an internship in medtech and biotechnology somewhat by chance, and that eventually led to a master's degree under the supervision of Professor Frédéric Leblond.

I enjoyed it so much that I went on to pursue a Ph.D. Throughout that entire period, I had this idea in the back of my mind that I wanted to start a company one day, even though I didn’t have a specific product in mind. It was really during the pandemic that everything came together.

At the same time, I also served as an infantry soldier in the Canadian Army Reserve. I joined at 16 and spent a long time debating between a full-time military career and university studies before ultimately continuing all the way through my doctorate.

Did you always know you wanted to become an entrepreneur?

I’ve always been curious and eager to take on challenges. That’s what allowed me to step into entrepreneurship.

I also think I was a bit naïve at first because I believed it would be easier than it actually is. But at the same time, that’s what got me hooked. I realized that yes, it was difficult, but it was worth it.

Since then, it has been a continuous learning journey.

Did you go through an incubator? What did it bring you?

Yes. I participated in several programs, including those at the John Molson School of Business, Centech, and the Propulsion program.

For me, they represented an incredible learning opportunity. Entrepreneurship is a journey where the mountain is very high and the odds of success are not always in your favor. These programs help you begin to understand that world, build a network, and dramatically accelerate your learning.

When I look back at my own path, I sincerely believe I would be several years behind where I am today without those programs.

If you had to give advice to an entrepreneur?

If you think entrepreneurship might interest you, make the decision to try it right away.

At worst, you’ll discover that it’s not for you and move forward without regrets. At best, you’ll realize it’s exactly what you want to do.

Even when things don’t go as planned, all the lessons you learn along the way stay with you for the rest of your life. There is a tremendous amount to gain from simply giving it a try.

At what point did your idea become tangible?

While I was completing my master’s and Ph.D., there was already a company using a technology similar to the one I was working on. We could already see real-world applications with patients.

Then, during the pandemic, we completed our proof of concept and filed a patent. That’s when things started to become very tangible.

The real turning point came when we acquired the technological assets of that other company. Overnight, we brought together complementary technologies that gave an entirely new dimension to our project.

That was probably the moment when I truly realized what the company could become.

If we project ourselves five years into the future, where do you see Reveal Life Science?

In five years, I see Reveal Life Science with multiple products on the market and deployed internationally.

I see our surgical guidance technology being used as a standard of care in certain clinical settings, with regulatory approvals secured from the FDA, Health Canada, and European authorities.

I also see our technology expanding into other areas, such as surgical robotics, image-guided biopsies, and the early detection of cancer through biofluid analysis.

What do you need most right now?

Right now, it’s funding.

We have the team, the plan, and the motivation. Once our financing round is completed, it will unlock all the next stages of growth.

If you could meet one person who could change everything?

Our lead investor.

We already have several investors interested in participating in the round, but we’re looking for the lead partner who shares our vision and is ready to champion this next chapter of our journey.

Looking back, what are you most proud of today?

Still being here.

Entrepreneurship isn’t always glamorous. There are highs and lows. My greatest source of pride is simply that I’m still here, continuing to push forward and work on something that has the potential to genuinely help people.

And on the other hand, what has been the most challenging?

One of the biggest challenges was launching the company while finishing my Ph.D. and simultaneously working on the acquisition of strategic assets. A lot of major milestones were happening all at once.

Another significant challenge was transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship. In research, you spend years becoming an expert in a very specific subject. As an entrepreneur, you need to understand a little bit of everything: finance, human resources, strategy, regulations, and much more.

Is there a phrase or mantra that guides you?

I remind myself that with each passing day, I’m moving forward.

I’ve always been drawn to endurance challenges. I’ve completed marathons, the Canadaman, and long-distance cycling expeditions. In that kind of endeavor, every day of effort brings you closer to your goal.

I see entrepreneurship the same way.

Is there someone who has made a real difference in your journey?

Absolutely: Frédéric Leblond.

He’s my co-founder today, but he was also my master’s and Ph.D. supervisor. When I joined his lab, I was looking for an environment that could nurture my entrepreneurial side.

The more learning opportunities I asked for, the more he gave me. He was an exceptional mentor, and he remains someone I greatly enjoy working with.

If you had to explain what you do to your grandmother?

I would simply tell her that I help clinicians provide better care for patients.

And if she wanted to know more, I would show her how our technologies assist surgeons during operations and help them detect cancerous tissue that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Was there a meeting or synergy at Ax.c that had a concrete impact?

There have been several.

I’ve met investors, entrepreneurs, former mentors, and ecosystem members there with whom I’ve been able to discuss very concrete challenges.

Today, Ax.c has also become an important gathering place for our team. It’s a place where we enjoy working and where meaningful connections happen naturally.

Finally: what motivates you to get up in the morning?

Knowing that we have something truly tangible in our hands that can help people. As long as that possibility exists, it’s a very good reason to get up every morning.

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