Virtual Gurus

Calgary startup Virtual Gurus has sold its Virtual Assistant division to U.S.-based Zirtual in what is believed to be Canada’s first tech exit by an Indigenous woman founder. The asset purchase aligns with Zirtual’s strategy to consolidate leading virtual assistant platforms into a unified, AI-enabled ecosystem.

Founded in 2016 by Bobbie Racette, Virtual Gurus became known for connecting underrepresented workers with remote opportunities through a human-curated matching model. Board Chair Kelly Schmitt said the sale positions the business for greater scale as the sector matures. For Calgary, the milestone highlights a growing, values-driven tech community.

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Virtual Gurus founder Bobbie Racette is stepping down as CEO after eight years, becoming founder and president, while COO Elliot Schneier assumes the chief executive role.

Racette built the Calgary-based firm from a $300 concept into an award-winning virtual assistant marketplace, the first in Canada founded by an Indigenous woman to secure a Series A. She will focus on Purpose & Impact initiatives, enterprise partnerships, and brand expansion. Virtual Gurus also closed the first tranche of its next funding round and named Kelly Schmitt board chair. Schneier will advance growth and develop VG Connect.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Calgary.tech.