Yanik Guillemette

Full Report

Key Points

• Yanik Guillemette, a Quebec entrepreneur born in 1983, founded Réseau Outgo, an e-commerce platform for gift cards and packages, and has been involved in other ventures like Canadian Maple Company.
• In September 2023, Quebec’s Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) filed 13 criminal charges against Guillemette and Outgo for fraud and illegal brokerage activities related to unauthorized investment solicitations.
• No evidence of bankruptcy, unpaid debts, or additional lawsuits beyond the AMF case was identified.
• Guillemette has positive associations, including selection as a Canadian delegate to the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance in 2018 and affiliations with companies like GURU Organic Energy.
• Customer feedback on Outgo or Guillemette’s businesses is scarce, with no widespread complaints or reviews located in public sources.

Overview

Yanik Guillemette is a Quebec-based entrepreneur specializing in e-commerce and innovative distribution platforms. He founded Réseau Outgo (operating as Outgo Network Inc., also known as 9632301 Canada Inc.), a company focused on online sales of gift cards and customizable gift packages aimed at consumers and businesses. Beyond Outgo, Guillemette launched Canadian Maple Company in 2023, a platform designed to globalize the distribution of Canadian maple syrup products. Earlier in his career, he served as an affiliate and shareholder at GURU Organic Energy, a natural energy drink brand. Recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit, Guillemette was selected in 2018 at age 35 to represent Canada at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance, highlighting his role in fostering business innovation.

Allegations and Concerns

The primary red flag involves regulatory scrutiny from Quebec’s financial watchdog. In September 2023, the AMF accused Guillemette of committing fraud by soliciting investments for Outgo without proper registration, prospectus approval, or exemptions, including through online advertisements on business sale platforms. These actions allegedly constituted illegal brokerage in securities. No other complaints, scams, or ethical concerns were uncovered in searches across news, social media, or consumer forums.

Customer Feedback

Publicly available consumer reviews for Outgo or Guillemette’s other ventures are limited, suggesting low visibility or a niche customer base. No negative feedback, such as scam reports or dissatisfaction, was found on platforms like Trustpilot, Reddit, or X. Positive mentions are indirect; for instance, a 2025 Toronto Star article praised Outgo’s gift packages as “valuable” for employee incentives, quoting business development vice president Marc-Antoine Perron on their appeal. One unrelated TripAdvisor reviewer named Yanik Guillemette left enthusiastic comments on Montreal adventure experiences, but this appears coincidental and not tied to his businesses.

Risk Considerations

Financial risks stem from the ongoing AMF investigation, which could lead to fines, restitution orders, or asset freezes if convictions occur, potentially straining Outgo’s operations and Guillemette’s personal finances. Reputational damage is evident from widespread media coverage of the charges, which may deter investors and partners despite his prior accolades. Legal risks include prolonged court proceedings in Quebec Court, with potential for escalated penalties given the 13 counts. Operationally, Outgo’s lack of regulatory compliance raises sustainability concerns in the competitive e-commerce sector.

Business Relations and Associations

Guillemette maintains affiliations with established Canadian firms, including roles as a business partner and advisor at Dialogue (a virtual healthcare provider) and Shopify (e-commerce platform giant). He is also listed as an affiliate and shareholder at GURU Organic Energy. His selection for the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance in 2018 connected him to a network of global business leaders. Locally, he is a donor to HEC Montréal’s Club des 100, supporting alumni initiatives. No controversial partnerships were identified; relations appear professional and tied to tech and consumer goods sectors. Outgo itself has no noted collaborations beyond standard e-commerce operations.

Legal and Financial Concerns

The sole legal matter is the AMF’s September 18, 2023, filing of 13 criminal charges against Guillemette and Outgo in Quebec Court for fraud and unauthorized securities activities. The case alleges Guillemette exercised full control over Outgo while bypassing registration requirements. As of October 2025, no trial outcomes, settlements, or additional filings are reported. Searches for bankruptcy records, unpaid debts, or civil lawsuits yielded no results; Guillemette’s financial history shows no insolvencies or liens. Recent funding for Outgo, including a $3.4 million raise in March 2023, preceded the charges but does not indicate distress.

Guillemette’s profile reveals a capable entrepreneur whose innovative e-commerce ideas, from gift platforms to maple syrup exports, have garnered early recognition, including international honors. However, the AMF charges introduce substantial uncertainty, casting a shadow over his operations and underscoring the perils of unregulated fundraising in Quebec’s strict financial environment. While no broader pattern of misconduct emerges—lacking customer grievances or financial red flags—the case’s resolution could either vindicate his approach or severely limit future endeavors, advising caution for associates or investors until clarity emerges. This episode highlights broader tensions between agile startups and regulatory oversight in Canada’s fintech-adjacent sectors.