About

A graduate of the University of Toronto’s School of Architecture, former practicing architect, and fluent in 5 languages, Assadour transitioned into the digital technology world in the mid-90’s. Since co-founding AKA New Media in 1997, Assadour has guided all aspects of the company’s vision and evolution. He is the primary force behind raisin, ensuring that it achieves its singular goal of being the best online fundraising solution. As Executive Creative Director, and with over 20 years in the creative digital space, Assadour takes immense pride in guiding and nurturing AKA’s talented, award-winning interactive team.

As a landed immigrant himself, Assadour is acutely conscious of the challenges that newcomers face and is immensely proud of the wildly talented and dedicated team from around the world that he and Co-founder Matthew Myers, have gathered, which reflects the best of what a diverse society can offer.

Assadour is the proud father of his children Hannah and Georges, and if he is not spending time with them, you may find him taking in the latest football (soccer) match.

A former touring musician and graduate of the University of Toronto with a focus on Psychology, Political Science and International Development, Matthew’s early career involved working on entertainment industry-related creative projects, while exploring social advocacy work opportunities both in Toronto and abroad.

This passion for creative, collaborative projects and making a positive social impact was fully harnessed in 1997, when Matthew partnered with long-time friend and AKA’s CEO and Executive Creative Director, Assadour Kirijian, to establish A.K.A. New Media (AKA), and subsequently raisin. Over the past 24 years, alongside Assadour, Matthew has helped guide the evolution of AKA with a particular focus on AKA’s interactive work.

During this time, Matthew has helped AKA become a thought leader in interactive website design and digital strategy within the not-for-profit sector and beyond. Matthew remains the lead business strategist on most major interactive projects, and finds immense joy in helping AKA’s clients succeed online.

Matthew lives in Toronto with wife Allison Merker and their four wonderful kids: Nathanial, Ceilidh, Keagan and Beckett (and dog Suki). When not chauffeuring family members around to various activities, Matthew can be found biking to work along the waterfront, or lacing up his own skates to play hockey.