Builder Extraordinaire: Marcel LeBrun is 2025 inductee to the InnovateNB Hall of Fame
From boardrooms to building sites, Marcel LeBrun has spent decades turning bold ideas into lasting change.
For over three decades Marcel has challenged convention and helped guide bold ideas into successful enterprises. For his leadership across sectors and communities, Marcel is the 2025 inductee into the InnovateNB Hall of Fame.
Like many others, Marcel’s career began at NBTel, the provincial telecommunications utility and precursor to Bell Aliant, where he helped shape New Brunswick’s early digital technology strategy.
He was the co-founder and CEO of iMagicTV, a pioneering start-up and one of the first in the world to successfully commercialize IPTV technology. In 2006, he teamed up with technologist Chris Newton and fellow NBTel alumni Chris Ramsey to co-found Radian6.
In three short years, Radian6 would become the dominant social media analytics company in the world, counting as clients half of the Fortune 500, including Dell, GE and Proctor & Gamble, which utilized the Radian6 platform in 2010 to catapult Old Spice into the middle of the social media zeitgeist by showing how brands could engage in-real-time with fans. Salesforce acquired Radian6 the following yar for nearly $350M, making it one of the largest tech exits in Atlantic Canadian history.
Following his success with Radian6, Marcel became a mentor and champion for emerging entrepreneurs across the region. Through his involvement with Propel ICT and other innovation hubs, Marcel has helped dozens of founders navigate the challenges of building and scaling startups. He’s known for investing time, resources, and belief in people with bold ideas. Many of today’s Atlantic Canadian tech leaders trace their roots to the culture of innovation and generosity Marcel helped cultivate.
A problem-solver at heart, Marcel’s most recent venture is as a social entrepreneur and the driving force behind 12 Neighbours, an award-winning tiny-home village in Fredericton that provides permanent housing and additional services, such as entrepreneurial training and counselling, for people experiencing homelessness. Neighbourly Homes expands the 12 Neighbours concept by rapidly deploying transitional housing with dignity, autonomy and support.
Marcel’s work is rooted in empathy coupled with a relentless drive to solve real-world problems.
Please join us in celebrating Marcel’s vision and drive at the InnovateNB Awards on November 27 at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre. In addition to Marcel, we will be celebrating the contributions of New Brunswick innovators in the private, public and post-secondary sectors.