George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Meet the startGBC #WhyNotMe November 2025 Entrepreneur Spotlight: Karen Amadi, Co-founder & COO of Gropad
November marks Global Entrepreneurship Week at George Brown College, where we celebrate and salute aspiring entrepreneurs. We are so proud to spotlight an incredible, passionate and aspiring current student who has pushed ahead despite all the obstacles that life has presented her, to launch Gropad.
Gropad is a powerful tech platform to help students connect and trade products or services amongst themselves across the academic institution network. And through sheer determination, the company has already launched in over 140 Canadian schools.
About Entrepreneur Karen Amadi and Gropad
Karen Amadi, is a 20-year-old entrepreneur from Nigeria, now based in Canada. Her journey started with a mission to find ways to impact people's lives and offer support outside of the traditional healthcare system.
That focus took a sharp turn after a personal setback: Karen was scammed while trying to purchase an item online. That experience revealed a critical gap: there was no truly safe, exclusive marketplace or community for students on campus. Karen soon discovered a fellow student was selling the exact same item, but without a visible platform, she had no way of knowing. Karen spoke with a friend studying software engineering, and together, they realized they had to fix this problem.
That led to Gropad - a name inspired by the essential nature of a "notepad." Gropad is now a dedicated, secure platform designed to help university and college students grow connections on campus, whether they need to buy, sell, or simply connect securely.
The platform brings together everything students need in one place—from discovering campus events and accessing exclusive student deals to buying and selling items safely within their school community. Gropad also connects students to clubs, local opportunities, and helpful campus resources, making it easier to stay informed and engaged.
Gropad continues to grow as a trusted digital space for students and a valuable channel for brands and event organizers looking to reach the student audience. Gropad is developing a mobile app and advertising opportunities for businesses targeting students nationwide.
Academic Background
Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming and Analysis (2026 Graduation).
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
I wanted to have a positive impact on lives.
Why did you create your business?
To create a safer and more connected space for students.
What successes have you enjoyed so far with building your company?
The greatest one so far is hearing students say, "I have needed this for so long."
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
My number 1 advice is to never look down on yourself. You might not be the smartest in your class or have the best grades, but if you are passionate about something, you will excel no matter what.
Any organisations or learning resources you would recommend?
Any books or podcasts you would recommend?
Podcast: Aspire with Emma Grede
Anything else you would like to share?
There's no such thing as a right time; do what you want to do as soon as you can.
Website and Socials
Website: https://www.gropad.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gropad.inc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gropad