Why Stopping at One Business Isn’t Enough
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, cryptocurrency, hospitality, and investment, few names carry the multifaceted impact and innovative drive of Cole Diamond. A serial entrepreneur and investor, Cole is not just shaping individual industries — he’s building an ecosystem of modern success stories across sectors. From co-founding transformative crypto companies to backing next-gen startups and redefining hospitality experiences, Cole Diamond is a force propelling Canada’s economic and digital future forward.
This article explores Cole Diamond’s remarkable journey, his diverse entrepreneurial ventures, and the visionary mindset that has made him a trailblazer across multiple domains.
From Coinsquare to Crypto Trailblazer
Cole Diamond’s rise to national prominence began with his role as co-founder and CEO of Coinsquare, which quickly rose to become Canada’s leading cryptocurrency exchange by 2018. Under Cole’s leadership, Coinsquare achieved numerous national milestones:
First IIROC registered broker-dealer in crypto
First registered crypto marketplace in Canada
Over $100 million in capital raised
What set Cole Diamond apart in this space was not just the scale of achievement, but the timing and precision of his strategy. As digital currencies gained traction globally, Cole foresaw the need for a compliant, secure, and regulated Canadian exchange. His foresight earned him the Top Tech Entrepreneur in Canada (2019), a testament to his deep understanding of fintech, regulation, and market demand.
Tetra Trust: Securing the Digital Frontier
But Cole didn’t stop at trading platforms. Recognizing the growing importance of digital asset security and custody, he co-founded Tetra Trust, which became Canada’s first qualified custodian for digital assets. In a world where cryptocurrency storage is as critical as trading, Tetra Trust filled a vital gap.
Tetra Trust offers robust solutions to institutions seeking secure digital asset management, enabling them to engage with cryptocurrency in a regulated, insured, and trusted environment. Again, Cole Diamond’s commitment to trust, innovation, and infrastructure cemented his legacy as a foundational player in Canada's digital asset economy.
Ghost Kitchen Brands: Reinventing the Food Delivery Game
Beyond the crypto world, Cole Diamond has turned his attention to an entirely different, yet equally disruptive space: food tech and virtual dining. As the controlling shareholder of Ghost Kitchen Brands, Cole is at the forefront of transforming how we consume food in the era of delivery-first experiences.
Ghost Kitchen Brands operates delivery-optimized kitchens without traditional dine-in infrastructure. With partnerships from major restaurant chains to fast-growing delivery services, Ghost Kitchen Brands is pioneering a more efficient and data-driven model of restaurant operations. Cole’s investment in this sector underscores his ability to identify overlooked inefficiencies and apply scalable tech-driven models to solve them.
Kinetic Commerce & Digital Retail Experiences
Cole is also the majority shareholder of Kinetic Commerce, a company pushing the boundaries of retail experience technology. As e-commerce booms and in-person shopping experiences evolve, Kinetic Commerce helps major retailers merge physical and digital shopping journeys through powerful customer-facing and associate apps.
This shows yet another side of Cole Diamond’s visionary approach: integrating experience, data, and technology to make traditional industries more responsive to the expectations of the modern consumer.
A Growing Real Estate Empire
In addition to his tech-driven ventures, Cole has been quietly assembling a diversified real estate portfolio. While many investors dabble in real estate, Cole’s approach is strategic and future-focused. With a strong emphasis on urban developments and experiential properties, his real estate investments reflect his broader vision: long-term value creation and consumer-centric innovation.
Hospitality Meets High-End Innovation: Vela & Stella
Cole Diamond’s reach extends into the luxury hospitality and culinary world, where his influence is rapidly growing. As co-founder and largest shareholder of Vela in Toronto, he has helped launch one of the city’s most refined dining destinations — a blend of ambiance, culinary excellence, and immersive design.
Further afield, he’s a leading investor and Director of Stella West Hollywood, an upcoming hotspot slated to open in mid-2023. These investments are more than vanity projects; they are a natural extension of his belief in crafting high-end, tech-augmented, customer-first experiences.
Backing the Next Generation: Startups and Fund Managers
Perhaps one of the most meaningful contributions Cole Diamond is making today is as a mentor and investor in early-stage entrepreneurs and venture funds. His backing of startups like:
Shoptype
OneLocal
RocketEV
Amino
BIG Digital
NXM
Evergreen Environmental
…demonstrates a portfolio as diverse as it is future-focused. These companies span adtech, local marketing, EV mobility, health, IoT, and sustainability — sectors where innovation is both urgent and lucrative.
Furthermore, Cole supports earlier-stage fund managers such as:
NorthSouth Capital
Harlo Equity Partners
Ripple Ventures
Union Capital Partners
XMonetae
CPS Capital
By empowering venture capital firms at their inception, he creates a multiplier effect — seeding ecosystems that can grow exponentially. This isn’t just smart investing. It’s ecosystem engineering.
The Diamond.com Vision
As the owner of Diamond.com, Cole holds one of the most coveted digital properties in the world. While he has yet to fully unveil his vision for the domain, the potential is enormous. Will it become a luxury marketplace, a Web3 digital identity platform, or a flagship brand for his broader ventures?
One thing is certain: Cole Diamond does not hold assets passively. When he acquires something, it’s with purpose and long-term intent.
The Core of Cole Diamond’s Vision
Across all his ventures, what truly unites Cole Diamond’s journey is a relentless focus on transformational value creation. He doesn’t just invest — he builds. He doesn’t just follow trends — he defines them. From regulation-heavy fintech environments to lifestyle-driven hospitality, from emerging tech to real estate, Cole consistently bets on people, systems, and experiences that make the world more efficient, more beautiful, and more connected.
Looking Ahead: What's Next for Cole Diamond?
As the global economy leans more into digital ecosystems, experiential design, and decentralized platforms, Cole Diamond is uniquely positioned to shape what comes next. His multidisciplinary ventures give him a panoramic view of opportunity — and his track record suggests he’ll seize it.
The entrepreneurial world needs more figures like Cole: builders, not just backers. Visionaries who not only write checks, but roll up their sleeves to solve systemic challenges across industries. Cole Diamond’s story is far from over — and for those watching closely, it’s clear that the best chapters are still being written.
Final Thought
In an age where technology, trust, and experience define success, Cole Diamond stands out as a dynamic leader shaping multiple frontiers. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, seasoned investor, or curious observer of innovation, his journey offers something deeply valuable: a masterclass in bold, intentional, and visionary entrepreneurship.