In this exclusive CanadianSME Small Business Magazine interview, Haider Sarmad, Chief Executive Director of 247Labs, shares his journey leading one of Canada’s foremost software development firms, renowned for integrating AI with impactful digital solutions. Drawing on deep technical expertise and a commitment to community-driven innovation, Haider has successfully guided global organizations and public sector partners through digital transformation—proving that outstanding technology can be leveraged for both growth and social good.
Haider Sarmad is the Chief Executive Director of 247Labs, one of Canada’s leading software development firms specializing in AI integration, system modernization, and custom digital solutions. With a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Haider combines technical expertise with strategic leadership to deliver enterprise-grade solutions for some of the world’s most recognized organizations.
As AI adoption accelerates across industries, how do you see tools like your AI SDR and Rachel AI IVR shaping the way small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) operate in the next few years?
As AI adoption accelerates, tools like our AI SDR and Rachel AI IVR are reshaping how small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) grow and compete. In the past, scaling sales outreach or managing customer calls required larger teams, something many SMBs could not afford. With our AI SDR, a single rep can now run hundreds of personalized outreach campaigns daily. For example, a local accounting firm can expand beyond its city and reach prospects province wide without adding staff.
At the same time, Rachel AI IVR is redefining customer service. Instead of being stuck on hold or transferred between departments, customers get instant and intelligent responses. AI Rachel can answer questions, book appointments, and route calls with ease. A dental clinic, for instance, can offload routine booking calls, allowing staff to focus on patient care.
By reducing costs and providing enterprise level capabilities, these tools give SMBs the power to deliver faster service, scale sales, and compete with larger players. They are creating a future where small businesses can achieve big results.
247Labs is known for only taking on projects that benefit humanity. How has this mission-driven approach shaped your company culture, client relationships, and long-term success?
At 247Labs, our commitment to only taking on projects that benefit humanity is the foundation of everything we do. This mission driven approach shapes our culture by aligning our team around a shared sense of purpose. Our designers, engineers, and project managers know their work is contributing to solutions that matter, whether it is supporting healthcare, education, or community services, which fuels pride and dedication in every project.
For clients, this focus creates trust and stronger relationships. Organizations know we are not simply building technology for technology’s sake. We are committed to delivering solutions that create real impact. As a result, our partnerships grow into long-term collaborations grounded in shared values.
In terms of long-term success, this philosophy has set us apart in a crowded industry. By staying selective, we attract like minded clients and team members who value innovation with integrity. Over the years, this has driven consistent growth and positioned 247Labs as a company respected for both technical excellence and social impact.
Your team has won more than 25 industry awards. Could you share a project that best illustrates 247Labs’ strengths, and why it stands out as a milestone for you personally?
As one of Canada’s top software development and AI companies, and a leader in B2B digital transformation for enterprise, 247Labs has built a track record of delivering innovative, high-impact solutions. Our team has won more than 25 industry awards, but one project that best illustrates our strengths was a digital transformation initiative for a large Canadian manufacturing company.
The project involved modernizing their production systems and integrating AI-driven analytics to optimize efficiency and reduce downtime. Our team developed a smart monitoring system that predicted equipment maintenance needs, improved workflow automation, and provided real-time insights across production lines. What made this project a milestone for me personally was seeing how technology directly increased productivity and reduced operational costs while empowering the client’s workforce to focus on higher-value tasks.
This project stands out because it reflects everything we aim for at 247Labs: technical excellence, creative problem solving, and solutions that deliver measurable results. It reinforced our position as a trusted partner for enterprise clients seeking meaningful transformation and showed the real-world impact of mission-driven innovation.
With rapid advancements in AI and digital transformation, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for Canadian businesses within the next 3–5 years, and how is 247Labs preparing clients for them?
With rapid advancements in AI and digital transformation, Canadian businesses have an unprecedented opportunity to increase productivity, innovate faster, and scale operations in ways that were previously impossible. One of the biggest shifts we are seeing is the ability for a single skilled employee to accomplish what previously required an entire team. At 247Labs, we help clients harness AI tools so one person can manage ten projects instead of ten people managing ten projects, significantly increasing output while reducing costs.
This transformation requires learning to adapt quickly. Businesses that embrace new workflows, integrate intelligent automation, and upskill their teams will thrive, while those that resist change risk falling behind. Our approach at 247Labs is to guide clients through this adaptation by implementing AI-driven solutions tailored to their operations, providing training, and continuously iterating based on real-world results.
By focusing on adaptability, efficiency, and continuous learning, we prepare Canadian businesses to seize opportunities, navigate challenges, and maintain a competitive edge in the next three to five years.
Finally, what advice would you give to Canadian small and medium-sized businesses looking to leverage AI for growth while staying true to their values?
My advice to Canadian small and medium-sized businesses is to dive head first into AI. Just like the Industrial Revolution and the internet boom, AI represents a transformative wave that will create both winners and losers. The key is positioning your business at the top of the wave before it arrives, rather than reacting after it has passed.
At 247Labs, we guide businesses to adopt AI in ways that align with their values while driving growth. This means identifying opportunities where AI can improve efficiency, enhance customer experience, and scale operations, without compromising ethics or social impact. Companies that embrace AI early gain a competitive advantage, allowing a single employee to manage more projects, deliver faster results, and focus on higher-value tasks.
The businesses that succeed will be those that adapt quickly, experiment boldly, and integrate AI thoughtfully into their operations. AI is not just a tool but a mindset shift. By combining innovation with purpose, SMBs can grow, compete with larger organizations, and create lasting impact in their industries.
Disclaimer:
The views and experiences shared in this interview represent those of the guest and are intended to inform and inspire CanadianSME’s readers. CanadianSME Small Business Magazine is committed to supporting small business owners and professionals from diverse backgrounds and does not offer legal or immigration consultancy advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional guidance tailored to their individual needs.
