Entrepreneur · Builder · Storyteller

Matthew Boudot

Founder & CEO, In Space Universe  ·  Founder, In Space Childcare Inc.

Redefining the future of family experience — building a next-generation ecosystem where care, education, and imagination come together.

About

A visionary entrepreneur reimagining family-focused business

Matthew Joshua Parsons Boudot is a Canadian entrepreneur, author, and innovator redefining what it means to build a family-focused company in the modern age. As Founder & CEO of In Space Universe, he is creating a next-generation family lifestyle ecosystem designed to elevate how families experience care, education, and connection.

What began as a single childcare centre has grown into a broader vision — one that integrates imagination, design, and community into a unified, future-forward platform. At its foundation is In Space Childcare Inc., one of Nanaimo's largest and most forward-thinking childcare organizations, known for distinctive environments, a modern philosophy, and a commitment to raising the standard of care. In recognition of his leadership, Matthew was named Nanaimo's CEO of the Year (2025) by CEO Rankings.

The Vision

Building a world-class family ecosystem

Under Matthew's direction, In Space has evolved beyond a single service into a multi-dimensional brand — the groundwork for a global family experience platform. Through In Space Universe, he is developing an integrated system spanning four connected divisions.

Care

Childcare

Licensed, imaginative early-childhood care across multiple age programs.

Learn

Academy

Education and enrichment that makes curiosity the whole point.

Move

Aquatics & Wellness

Water confidence and wellness, reimagined as an adventure.

Play

Immersive Experiences

Family entertainment and immersive, story-driven environments.

His goal is a seamless, scalable model of family care — one that inspires imagination today while remaining adaptable for generations to come. Guided by the belief that people deserve better, Matthew leads with the discipline of a builder and the vision of a creative, drawing on the design thinking of Apple, Tesla, and Disney to make experiences that feel both elevated and meaningful.

Insights

Lessons from building

Leadership

What the pool fire taught me

When our Aquatics division was lost to fire, I learned leadership isn't about what you build when things go right — it's who you become when everything falls apart. We chose not to rebuild what was lost, but to reinvent it.

Every challenge contains the blueprint for your next breakthrough.

Philosophy

Worlds that teach children to dream

Our programs are designed like chapters in an adventure — each age group on its own mission of learning and discovery. When children see themselves as explorers, not just students, they start to believe anything is possible.

When you teach a child to dream, you give them the universe.

Innovation

Human connection at the centre

Innovation without empathy is just noise. Every decision — from the lighting in a room to the tone of the music — begins with one question: how does it make people feel? We use technology to elevate care, never to replace it.

Innovation should always orbit around humanity.

Case Studies

Turning setbacks into launchpads

Rebuilding Aquatics after the fire

A 2023 fire forced the Aquatics division to close. Rather than rush to rebuild, we reimagined the experience entirely — immersive design, sensory lighting, and re-engineered safety. Reopening in 2026 as a symbol of resilience and creative rebirth.

Building the In Space brand universe

Childcare often feels fragmented. We built a storytelling universe that grows with every child — uniforms became flight suits, classrooms became missions, staff became the In Space flight crew. Families began to see a destination, not a daycare.

Partnering with Loaves & Fishes

Our on-site Green Bin program turns every returned bottle into five dollars of food for local families. Children take part directly — learning that small actions create real ripples of change.

Recognition

Proof & credibility

Awards & media

  • Community Votes Nanaimo — Gold Winner 2025 & Platinum 2023
  • Vancouver Island Commercial Building Awards — Winner 2024
  • Nanaimo Consumer Choice Award 2024
  • Featured in Nanaimo News Now & Vancouver Island Free Daily
  • Recognized by Loaves & Fishes Food Bank for partnership impact

Trusted by families & partners

In partnership with Loaves & Fishes Food Bank and the Nanaimo Division of Family Practice — serving hundreds of families across Vancouver Island, staffed by a dedicated team of early-childhood professionals.

150+Childcare spaces
150+Academy spaces
1000+Aquatic spaces
22,000sq ft flagship
What people say

"In Space doesn't just care for our children — it inspires them. Every day feels like an adventure."

— Sarah M., Parent

"Matthew's leadership has transformed how our community views childcare. It's imaginative, professional, and deeply human."

— Erin P., Team Member

"A rare combination of creativity, heart, and innovation. In Space feels like the future of family care."

— Local Partner Organization
Beyond the boardroom

A creative at heart

Outside his role as CEO, Matthew is a photographer, actor, and writer. He founded Another Perspective Photography in Nanaimo, has appeared in national campaigns for Toyota Canada. A lifelong advocate for children and families, he brings over 17 years of leadership in early-childhood education and youth mentorship, including work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island and the City of Nanaimo Parks & Recreation.

"Because when you care for families, you shape the future of the world."