Our Team

Core Team

Our administration team has been carefully chosen for their ability to provide the highest quality support to entrepreneurs who want access to our extensive list of services. Here is the list of our administrators.

• Pam Banks

  Executive Director
  Pam Banks

  Executive Director

  RICC came into existence under the visionary guidance of Pam Banks; now RICC’s Executive Director. With over 14 years of economic and business development experience in Ontario, Pam’s expertise is in developing and implementing entrepreneurial support programs by rallying collaboration from industry, educational institutions and government stakeholders. She strategically works to develop and grow the innovation capacity of emerging companies, assisting the innovation ecosystem in Peel Region to meet its full potential.

• James Sbrolla

  Entrepreneur-in-Residence
  James Sbrolla

  Entrepreneur-in-Residence

  James is an entrepreneur and veteran of the financial and environmental industries, bringing to the table over 25 years of experience from these sectors. He is Chairman of Environmental Business Consultants and serves on several boards including Actual Media, WE Communications and BlueZone Technologies. As an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at RIC, he coaches business owners and technology developers through the process of commercialization. He is also on the Board of Directors for CHAR Technologies. 

• Paul Barter

  Entrepreneur-in-Residence

  Twitter
  Paul Barter

  Entrepreneur-in-Residence

  Twitter

  Paul is a business leader and strategist with more than thirty years of experience helping technology based businesses outperform. He has deep insight into technology trends and the challenges and strategic opportunities they present. As an entrepreneur in residence at RIC, he uses those insights to help entrepreneurial startups translate technologically driven disruption into innovative products that achieve market success.

  Paul Barter's Website

• David Harris Kolada

  ENTREPRENEUR-IN-RESIDENCE

  TwitterLinkedin
  David Harris Kolada

  ENTREPRENEUR-IN-RESIDENCE

  TwitterLinkedin

  A seasoned financier, strategist and business builder, David combines a proven track record in Venture Capital investing (direct, fund & Corporate VC) with operational and domain expertise in the ICT and Cleantech sectors. With a top quartile career IRR, David has managed several hundred million dollars’ of venture investments, facilitated hundreds of financing and commercial transactions and raised over $6 billion in private and public equity, debt and structured finance. As an Entrepreneur in Residence at the RIC Centre, David mentors startups in fast tracking their businesses to market. 

• Anika Murray

  Finance Coordinator

  Linkedin
  Anika Murray

  Finance Coordinator

  Linkedin
• Alex Senson

  Senior Business Strategist

  TwitterLinkedin
  Alex Senson

  Senior Business Strategist

  TwitterLinkedin

  Alex Senson, Senior Business Strategist, has been advising technology startups at the RIC Centre for nearly four years. He has worked with close to 1000 companies each with their own unique products/services, business models, team and challenges. Alex has a science background and holds a Master of Biotechnology degree. He also has a strong business acumen; having worked in business development, licensing and project management at a successful biopharmaceutical company.

• Caitlin Blundell

  Operations Manager

  TwitterLinkedin
  Caitlin Blundell

  Operations Manager

  TwitterLinkedin
• Shanelle Holder

  Marketing Associate
  Shanelle Holder

  Marketing Associate

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is composed of industry professionals, senior government, and academic representatives that carefully advise and guide RIC Centre to ensure that we remain current and relevant to our Clients. Take a look at our Board.

• Shirley Speakman

  Chair, RIC Centre & Partner, Cycle Capital Management

  Linkedin
  Shirley Speakman

  Chair, RIC Centre & Partner, Cycle Capital Management

  Linkedin
• Patrick McGuire

  HCM Global Sales Executive, Financialforce.com

  Linkedin
  Patrick McGuire

  HCM Global Sales Executive, Financialforce.com

  Linkedin
• Ben Roberts

  Manager, Business Development, Tourism and Culture at Town of Caledon

  Linkedin
  Ben Roberts

  Manager, Business Development, Tourism and Culture at Town of Caledon

  Linkedin
• Devin Ramphal

  Innovation and Technology Sector Manager, City of Brampton

  Linkedin
  Devin Ramphal

  Innovation and Technology Sector Manager, City of Brampton

  Linkedin
• Trevor Bingham

  Field Sales Manager - Toronto, Arrow Electronics

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  IoT / Industry 4.0, Software, IT sales, B2B
  Trevor Bingham

  Field Sales Manager - Toronto, Arrow Electronics

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT

  Areas of Expertise:  IoT / Industry 4.0, Software, IT sales, B2B, Business development, Electronics

• Raymond Kingdon

  Managing Director, Kingdon Communication

  Linkedin
  Raymond Kingdon

  Managing Director, Kingdon Communication

  Linkedin
• Andrew Opala

  Chief Technology Officer, Simmons Sharpe Inc

  Linkedin
  Andrew Opala

  Chief Technology Officer, Simmons Sharpe Inc

  Linkedin
• Michelle Chretien

  Director, Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies (CAMDT), Sheridan College

  Linkedin
  Michelle Chretien

  Director, Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies (CAMDT), Sheridan College

  Linkedin
• Michael Castro

  Senior Director, Cyber and Information Security Risk Management, Loblaws Companies Ltd.

  Linkedin
  Michael Castro

  Senior Director, Cyber and Information Security Risk Management, Loblaws Companies Ltd.

  Linkedin
• Angelo Rizzo

  Co-founder, Systems With Intelligence

  Linkedin
  Angelo Rizzo

  Co-founder, Systems With Intelligence

  Linkedin
• Kent Moore

  Vice Principal Research, University of Toronto Mississauga

  Linkedin
  Kent Moore

  Vice Principal Research, University of Toronto Mississauga

  Linkedin

Client Advisors

The backbone of our service is our extensive list of professional advisors. More than 100 professionals volunteer their time and skill to guide RIC companies to their goals. The list of our advisor skills and sectors is impressive.

• Everyone
• Clean Technologies
• Finance
• Legal
• Life Science
• Manufacturing
• Marketing
• Operations and Management
• Sales
• Technology
• Technology & ICT

• Allen Porstner-Scheuka

  Industrial Technology Advisor, NRC - IRAP, Ontario Region
  Allen Porstner-Scheuka

  Industrial Technology Advisor, NRC - IRAP, Ontario Region
• Amesika Baeta

  Account Manager, Small Business Solutions, Export Development Canada

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise: Strategic Planning, PR, Government Relations
  Amesika Baeta

  Account Manager, Small Business Solutions, Export Development Canada

  Linkedin

  Main Industry:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise: Strategic Planning, PR, Government Relations, Market Research

• Amit Sachdev

  Technology Strategist
  Amit Sachdev

  Technology Strategist

  • amitsachdev@gmail.com

  Over 15 years of experience, with eight plus years as National technology strategist at Microsoft Canada, in diverse areas including presales, product management, enterprise architecture, mobile application architecture, business transformation, partner readiness and solution selling, across various ERP's, CRM systems, Azure, AWS, Mobile platforms & Big Data.

   

  Experienced in translating customer needs into product features, user interface design, and pricing models combined with effective storytelling & communication skills with deep technical knowledge and business acumen, to translate complex technical concepts into plain effective language to influence C-Levels, research analysts and in creating effective content/readiness programs to reach broader community & audience.

   

  Cloud technologist & enthusiast, with in-depth architectural knowledge of cloud platforms primarily AWS, GCP & Azure and vast experience in designing solutions for high availability, performance, scalability, auto provisioning etc. Enterprise framework designing for large scale enterprise applications, big data, cloud transformation, lift and shift, cloud portfolio assessment and cloud scheduling.

• Ana Misra

  Director Finance & Investment Management, York Angel Investors

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, corporate finance
  Ana Misra

  Director Finance & Investment Management, York Angel Investors

  Linkedin

  Main Industry:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, corporate finance

  Bio:
  

  Ana is a result-driven executive with focus on value creation, with solid entrepreneurial and corporate experience. Ana is one of the founding members & Board members of York Angel Investors Inc. and serves as the Director of Finance. As an Executive In Residence at ventureLAB she provides guidance to entrepreneurs in all areas of the business including: strategic planning, operations, to grow to the next level and achieve successful exit. As one of the Executive members and Managing Partners of Troy Group of Companies, she has been involved in many acquisitions and divestitures including companies in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

  She has earned a track record of success in managing complex business initiatives, and achieving exceptional results. During her tenure as CFO at ETL Inc. Ana was instrumental in raising equity capital and taking the company public, on the TSX Venture exchange.

• Andréa Brinston

  Lawyer, Pallett Valo

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Mergers and acquisitions, Licensing, Corporate law
  Andréa Brinston

  Lawyer, Pallett Valo

  Linkedin

  Main Industry:  Legal

  Areas of Expertise:  Mergers and acquisitions, Licensing, Corporate law

• Andrew Coulson

  Regional Director Alliances, Slalom Consulting, Individual

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Partnerships and strategic alliances, Sales planning, business development
  Andrew Coulson

  Regional Director Alliances, Slalom Consulting, Individual

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT

  Areas of Expertise:  Partnerships and strategic alliances, Sales planning, business development

• Andrew Yoshioka

  President, Sanbonki Inc.

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Healthcare (general), Pharmaceuticals, Biotech Commercialization
  Andrew Yoshioka

  President, Sanbonki Inc.

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Life Science and Advanced Health

  Areas of Expertise:  Healthcare (general), Pharmaceuticals, Biotech Commercialization, Licensing, Strategic planning, Operational efficiency, Executive management

  Bio:

  Andrew is President of Sanbonki Inc. a management consulting firm creating asset value, which he founded after a diverse 25 year career in the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industry. 
  
  His generalist knowledge comes from focusing on the customer and achieving results in a variety of roles ranging from product development, general management of a corporate turnaround, and commercialization including sales and marketing and business development positions. He has prepared the team for due diligence activities and completed four merger integration programs with large public traded multinational, small national, and small private venture capital funded startup companies. 

   

   

• Axel Kuhn

  Principal and Co-founder, EPath Consulting Inc.

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  e-Commerce, Web Analytics, Strategic Planning
  Axel Kuhn

  Principal and Co-founder, EPath Consulting Inc.

  Linkedin

  Main Industries: Digital Media and ICT

  Areas of Expertise:  e-Commerce, Web Analytics, Strategic Planning, Sales Training, CRM, B2B, B2C, Customer Management

  Bio:

  Axel Kuhn has pioneered eBusiness and eMarketing solutions since the mid-90′s for leading companies – both multinational and SMB – across North America and Europe. He is a serial entrepreneur, having founded and led several businesses in the Internet technology and technology services markets, including Canada’s top-ranked technology marketing firm.

  Axel holds a B.A.Sc. from the University of Toronto, an M.B.A. from the Queen’s School of Business, and an M.B.A (with distinction) from the S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University.

  Axel currently teaches eCommerce and eBusiness to business professionals at the University of Toronto.

• Barb Anderson

  CRO, Method Integration, Individual

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise: Digital marketing, Sales (general), Strategic alliances
  Barb Anderson

  CRO, Method Integration, Individual

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT 

  Areas of Expertise: Digital marketing, Sales (general), Strategic alliances, SaaS, CRM, B2B

  Bio: 

  Over the past 17 years Barb has worked in technology companies serving small and medium sized businesses.  She's held leadership positions in start-up and mature environments, ranging from Chief Revenue Officer at Method:CRM to Head of Small Business Marketing at Intuit Canada.  

  Her areas of expertise include Marketing, Sales, Product Management and Customer Success.

• Bob Alsip

  Business Development Consultant, SoftAdvantage Inc.

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise: Marketing, sales and organisational development; Strategic planning & alliances; Distribution channels
  Bob Alsip

  Business Development Consultant, SoftAdvantage Inc.

  Linkedin

  Main industries: Software & environmental technologies, medical & industrial products & services

  Areas of Expertise: Marketing, sales and organisational development; Strategic planning & alliances; Distribution channels 

  Bio:
  

  Bob is presently a principle in a Business Consulting firm – SoftAdvantage Inc. The common thread, in all his senior sales, marketing and administration roles over the past 35+ years, has been the building of successful businesses through innovative approaches in market, product, & organizational development. He has been successful at growing sales, coaching organizations, establishing new business ventures, setting up distribution channels & alliances, creating corporate identity and repositioning companies to achieve the business goals. His diversified experience in technology (software and environmental), medical products & services and industrial products in both the entrepreneurial and corporate settings has given him a broad perspective in addressing a wide range of business issues.

• Bob Gilson

  ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER, NXL ARCHITECTS

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Corporate finance, Raising funds, Exit strategies, Mergers and acquisitions
  Bob Gilson

  ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER, NXL ARCHITECTS

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Corporate finance, Raising funds, Exit strategies, Mergers and acquisitions, Stretegic planning

• Brenda Hogan

  Ontario Capital Growth Corporation

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Corporate finance
  Brenda Hogan

  Ontario Capital Growth Corporation

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Corporate finance

• Bruce Annis

  VP Sales and Marketing, Knectek Labs Inc.

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Software sales, Digital Marketing, Product Management
  Bruce Annis

  VP Sales and Marketing, Knectek Labs Inc.

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT

  Areas of Expertise:  Software sales, Digital Marketing, Product Management, e-Commerce

  Bio:

  Bruce has held senior executive roles at SONY and Samsung Canada. He was part of the pre-acquisition team at Intrigue Technologies, inventors of the Harmony remote control. He was instrumental in setting up retail sales and distribution across North America for this business which was acquired by Logitech. Bruce also managed global sales and operations for BlackBerry mobile accessories. He holds an M.B.A. from the Schulich School of business and a Bachelor Commerce from the University of Toronto.

• Cam Wykes

  Chief Experience Officer, PwC, Individual

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Business development, Digital marketing, Web Analytics
  Cam Wykes

  Chief Experience Officer, PwC, Individual

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT

  Areas of Expertise:  Business development, Digital marketing, Web Analytics

• Carmen Chiarello

  Account Development Representative, Arrow Electronics

  Linkedin
  Carmen Chiarello

  Account Development Representative, Arrow Electronics

  Linkedin
• Chris Welsh

  Partner, Four Corners Group

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Telecommunications, Corporate Finance, Strategic Alliances
  Chris Welsh

  Partner, Four Corners Group

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT, Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Telecommunications, Corporate Finance, Strategic Alliances

  Bio:

  Chris has been in the recruitment industry since 1999, spending 15 years with Canada’s largest Technology and Engineering recruitment firm – Randstad Canada. As Senior Vice President of Enterprise Solutions Chris led the National Search Practice for both Engineering and Technology, Enterprise Accounts in Financial Services and Telecommunications, and was Country Manager for Recruitment Process Outsourcing and the Managed Service Provider businesses.

  In 2015, Chris joined the Executive Search Firm Four Corners Group as a Partner; where he helps companies recruit and retain top leadership talent. Chris’ focus is on technology companies that are looking to accelerate their growth through the acquisition of game changing talent.

• Clement Ng

  Green Century Investment Ltd., Individual

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise: Business development, Team management, Mergers & Acquisitions
  Clement Ng

  Green Century Investment Ltd., Individual

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT, Clean Technologies 

  Areas of Expertise: Business development, Team management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Planning, Strategic Alliances

• Colleen Cronin

  President, InsightONE

  Linkedin
  Colleen Cronin

  President, InsightONE

  Linkedin
• Corinne Sharp

  President, Sharp Perspective Inc.

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Strategic alliances, Marketing strategy, Executive Management
  Corinne Sharp

  President, Sharp Perspective Inc.

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT

  Areas of Expertise:  Strategic alliances, Marketing strategy, Executive Management, Strategic planning, SaaS, Cloud (software), Sales planning, CRM

  Bio:

  Corinne Sharp has been working within the IT sector for over 20 years. As the President of Sharp Perspective, she is helping clients with their sales, channel and talent strategies. Throughout her career in sales and marketing, she has lived and breathed both direct and indirect sales. Having a deep understanding of your customer’s business, and building a collaborative selling strategy, is the foundation for success as long as you have the right people on your team.

  Corinne is an active Advisor to the Canadian Channel Chiefs Council. She is also a certified Predictive Index Consultant helping clients with their Talent Strategies.

• Craig Leonard

  Investment Director, Investment Accelerator Fund

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, Digital marketing, Cloud (software)
  Craig Leonard

  Investment Director, Investment Accelerator Fund

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media, Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, Digital marketing, Cloud (software), SaaS, CRM, e-Commerce

• David McGaughey

  Director of Sales - Mobile Security | Giesecke+Devrient Mobile Security

  Linkedin
  David McGaughey

  Director of Sales - Mobile Security | Giesecke+Devrient Mobile Security

  Linkedin

  David McGaughey is a Business to Business (B2B) sales leader who enjoys helping software and hardware vendors exceed their sales goals. David successfully applies the principle that creatively bridging technology to a customer's unique challenges results in long-term, loyal clients.

  He has 20+ years of successful experience managing complex proposals, solutions and contract negotiations related to IT and Telecom voice and data networking, Internet of Things and Mobile Security.

  David honed his skills and knowledge while working for companies such as Nortel, Alcatel-Lucent, DSC Communications, Telica, Infinera, Huawei and G+D Mobile Security.

  He is a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario.

  In his spare time David enjoys canoeing, camping and skiing with his family and friends.

• David Penton

  Director, Southern Ontario Fund for Innovation and Investment (SOFII)

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Corporate finance, Raising capital
  David Penton

  Director, Southern Ontario Fund for Innovation and Investment (SOFII)

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Corporate finance, Raising capital

• David Sherman

  Principal, Briar Hill Capital Corp

  Linkedin
  David Sherman

  Principal, Briar Hill Capital Corp

  Linkedin
• Devin Ramphal

  Innovation and Technology Sector Manager, City of Brampton

  Linkedin
  Devin Ramphal

  Innovation and Technology Sector Manager, City of Brampton

  Linkedin
• Domenic Ali

  Managing Director, WSI Leap Digital

  TwitterLinkedin

  Areas of Expertise: Business Development, Cloud (software), Content Marketing, Digital Marketing, e-Commerce, Email Marketing, Enterprise Software, Executive Management, Lead Generation, Marketing automation, Marketing strategy, SaaS, Software, Strategic Alliances, Team Management
  Domenic Ali

  Managing Director, WSI Leap Digital

  TwitterLinkedin

  R. MIT trained and certified, Domenic Ali is a Technology & Digital Marketing Advisor with nearly 25 years of success in leading the delivery of complex solutions in multiple industries.
  Supporting over 100 clients in the last 10 years, he brings countless hands-on experiences to growing businesses with the proper use of technology solutions.
  Domenic’s Consulting Agency, Leap Digital, is a member of the largest global network of Digital Marketing Advisors.
  Well known for his ability to easily communicate complex solutions to all levels of an organization and creating engaging teams that share his drive to succeed.

• Don Hilton

  Founder and Managing Partner, Distinct Capital Partners Inc.

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital
  Don Hilton

  Founder and Managing Partner, Distinct Capital Partners Inc.

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital

• Eric Spearin

  President, Transervice Integrated Solutions

  Linkedin
  Eric Spearin

  President, Transervice Integrated Solutions

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Software and Hardware, Logistics

   

  Areas of Expertise:  Software, Logistics, Supply Chain, Scaling Companies, and Raising Capital.

   

  Bio:  

  Eric Spearin specializes in merging new software technologies within the logistics and supply chain industry. Eric founded the logistics software company Logistadvise in 2014 and a year later received a private equity investment to form Transervice Integrated Solutions (TIS). TIS works with Fortune 500 companies in the US & Canada to automate their freight transportation which results in significant cost savings. Prior to starting his own company, Eric has worked in the logistics and supply chain industry for a number of companies including Penske Logistics, Ford Motor Company, CAT, and Logistics Marketing Services. Eric has recently returned to the Greater Toronto Area to expand Transervice Integrated Solutions into the Canadian market and looks forward to contributing to the local start up community. Eric can provide expertise in software development, logistics & supply chain, scaling companies, and raising capital.

   

  Eric holds a BA from York University and an MBA from the Bradford School of Management in the United Kingdom.

• Frank Gairdner

  Co-founder of TriggerTech, CEO of Carbon Marine

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  IP, Manufacturing, Operational Efficiency, Sales (general)
  Frank Gairdner

  Co-founder of TriggerTech, CEO of Carbon Marine

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT,  Manufacturing

  Areas of Expertise:  IP, Manufacturing, Operational Efficiency, Sales (general), Digital Marketing, B2B, B2C, Raising Capital, Commercialization

• Gail Mercer-MacKay

  Chief Digital Storyteller, Mercer-MacKay Solutions Inc

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise: Sales (general), Business Development, Commercialization
  Gail Mercer-MacKay

  Chief Digital Storyteller, Mercer-MacKay Solutions Inc

  Linkedin

  Main Industries: Digital Media and ICT

  Areas of Expertise: Sales (general), Business Development, Commercialization, B2B, B2C, Raising Capital

• Geoff Simonett

  CFO at WellnessLiving

  Linkedin
  Geoff Simonett

  CFO at WellnessLiving

  Linkedin
• Graham McBride

  FundThrough, Individual

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, Strategic planning, Executive management
  Graham McBride

  FundThrough, Individual

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services 

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, Strategic planning, Executive management, corporate finance

• Greg Stewart

  Principal, Greensky Capital Inc.

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, Corporate Finance
  Greg Stewart

  Principal, Greensky Capital Inc.

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, Corporate Finance

• Howard Oliver

  Founder & CEO, What If What Next

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  IoT / Industry 4.0, Digital marketing, Content marketing
  Howard Oliver

  Founder & CEO, What If What Next

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT

  Areas of Expertise:  IoT / Industry 4.0, Digital marketing, Content marketing, PR, Strategic planning

• Ian Locke

  Managing Director, Linian Solutions

  Linkedin
  Ian Locke

  Managing Director, Linian Solutions

  Linkedin

  Ian Locke has more than twenty years of experience in the global high technology industry, including international sales and marketing expertise. Ian is a Venture Partner with The Entrepreneur’s Fund IV, in San Mateo, CA and is on the advisory Boards of Prophix, SceneDoc and SalesChoice.

  Ian was Managing Director with Jefferson Partners, a Venture Capital firm and is a cofounder of Jefferson Fund IV (2001-2009). Ian served as interim CEO at Avotus Corporation(Enterprise Expense Management) and Borderware (Messaging Security), Jefferson Fund IV portfolio companies.

  Ian has a unique perspective in the Canadian technology industry as a result of his experience in Silicon Valley. In particular, Ian has been able to use his international network with Canadian companies to help them develop and prosper.

  Prior to joining Jefferson Partners, Ian was based in Silicon Valley in senior management positions with Netscape Corporation and Oracle Corporation. Ian returned to Toronto to become President and Chief Operating Officer of The docSpace Company which was sold to Critical Path (NASDAQ:CPTH) for US $568 million.

  At Netscape Corporation, headquartered in Mountain View, CA, Ian served as Senior Vice President, Worldwide Alliances and Marketing, and Vice President North American Alliances. During his tenure in Mountain View, Netscape's sales grew from $40 million to over $500 million annually. Ian also played a key role in the integration of Netscape into America Online, Inc. with the resulting SUN-Netscape Alliance following the acquisition of Netscape by American Online Inc. Ian began his career at NCR Corporation in sales and sales management roles.

  Ian has served on the Boards of Attensity Corporation (acquired by Aeris Capital), Avotus Corporation, Borderware (acquired by Watchguard), Accept Software (acquired by Artemis) and Storage Appliance Corporation. Ian has made personal investments into Istante Software (acquired by Oracle Corp), Webify (acquired by IBM) and Soasta Inc. (acquired by Akami). Ian holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management and a Bachelor of Business Management from Ryerson University.

• Inez Blackburn

  President, Market Techniques and Innovations

  Linkedin
  Inez Blackburn

  President, Market Techniques and Innovations

  Linkedin
• Irwin Raj

  President, Indigo Marketing Solutions Ltd

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Sales (general), Digital Marketing, Distribution
  Irwin Raj

  President, Indigo Marketing Solutions Ltd

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT

  Areas of Expertise:  Sales (general), Digital Marketing, Distribution, Sales Planning

  Bio:
  

  Mr. Irwin Raj is a specialist in Marketing & International Project Consulting. His areas of expertise in Marketing include Brand Management, Retail Visibility consulting, creation of Marketing plans and Sales & Distribution Management. In International project consulting, he specialises in the India corridor, identifying Investment / Joint Venture / Take over opportunities for his clients in Canada. In converse, he also assists clients in India who are looking for partnerships with Canadian companies.

  Mr. Raj is an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, one of India’s Ivy league Business school’s. Having started his career in Banking (American Express Bank & later HSBC), he decided to go on his own and set up a Retail Visibility consulting business in 1994. Today his clients include Unilever, Pepsico, Nestle, Nokia & Kraft Foods amongst others.

  With over 20 years of experience servicing many large Multinational and SME clients, Mr. Raj is known for his professional approach, keen eye for detail and excellent communication skills. His ability to understand client requirements, his in depth knowledge of diverse markets and his positive attitude ensures excellent customer service and client satisfaction.

   

• James Alden

  VP STRATEGY, BRICKWORKS COMMUNICATIONS

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Energy efficiency, Renewable energy, Strategic Planning
  James Alden

  VP STRATEGY, BRICKWORKS COMMUNICATIONS

  Linkedin

  Main Technologies:  Clean Technologies

  Areas of Expertise:  Energy efficiency, Renewable energy, Strategic Planning

• Jamie Barron

  Technology and Life Sciences, BDO Canada LLP

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Telecommunications, Corporate Finance
  Jamie Barron

  Technology and Life Sciences, BDO Canada LLP

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Telecommunications, Corporate Finance

• Jess Joss

  Executive Director, York Angels

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, corporate finance, social media marketing
  Jess Joss

  Executive Director, York Angels

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, corporate finance, social media marketing

• Joanna Ma

  Associate, Bereskin & Parr LLP

  Linkedin
  Joanna Ma

  Associate, Bereskin & Parr LLP

  Linkedin
• John Garrow

  CFO, fanxchange

  Linkedin
  John Garrow

  CFO, fanxchange

  Linkedin
• Jonathan Loudon

  Partner, Swave Studios

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Medical devices, Product management
  Jonathan Loudon

  Partner, Swave Studios

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT

  Areas of Expertise:  Medical devices, Product management

• Julie Lukkarila

  ‎Business Development Manager, Ontario Centres of Excellence

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise: Business development, Strategic alliances, Pharmaceuticals
  Julie Lukkarila

  ‎Business Development Manager, Ontario Centres of Excellence

  Linkedin

  Main Industry: Life Science and Advanced Health

  Areas of Expertise: Business development, Strategic alliances, Pharmaceuticals

• Kevin Climans

  Klass Capital, Individual

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, corporate finance
  Kevin Climans

  Klass Capital, Individual

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, corporate finance

• Kevin Smith

  Chief Story Architect, Impact Assured Business Services --> The Story Architect

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Digital marketing, Content marketing, Analytics marketing,
  Kevin Smith

  Chief Story Architect, Impact Assured Business Services --> The Story Architect

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT

  Areas of Expertise:  Digital marketing, Content marketing, Analytics marketing, Sales training, Business development

• Louis Sapi

  CEO, HS Partners LLP

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Strategic Planning, Tax/SR&ED, Corporate Finance
  Louis Sapi

  CEO, HS Partners LLP

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Strategic Planning, Tax/SR&ED, Corporate Finance

  Bio:

  Louis graduated from the world renowned Schulic School of Business in 1986 with an MBA and obtained his CA designation in 1985. He established his Chartered Accounting practice as a sole proprietor in 1986 where today he is the managing Partner & CEO, of HS & Partners LLP, Chartered Accountants with 25 professionals practicing in various areas; audits of not-for-profit organizations and Listed (Public) companies, specialty investigative audits, accounting and systems engagements for medium to large clients', sophisticated tax planning for corporate and personal and estate planning for executives and owner-entrepreneurs.
  
  Aside from the CA firm, Louis has been very engaged in life. He has been entrepreneurial and philanthropic having owned numerous business interests, participating in many charitable endeavors, authoring numerous articles and a book and speaking at various events and conferences over the years. He has also sat on numerous boards in the private, public and charitable sectors.

• Lyle Clarke

  President & C.E.O, Lyle Clarke & Associates Inc.

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Sustainability, Commercialization, Strategic alliances
  Lyle Clarke

  President & C.E.O, Lyle Clarke & Associates Inc.

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Clean technologies

  Areas of Expertise:  Sustainability, Commercialization,
Strategic alliances
,

  Bio:

  Lyle Clarke is a “clean tech” specialist focusing on recycling, waste recovery, resource conservation and management. He also advises product manufacturers, retailers and others with an interest in recycling, sustainability, and product stewardship.

  The consumer products business has undergone profound change. Government-mandated recycling and product stewardship programs that reached Canada almost fifteen years ago continue to grow, doubling costs every few years. At the same time, intense competition is restricting margins and market share, necessitating diligent cost control throughout the supply chain.

  The pressure to improve environmental performance will continue to intensify, and precipitate continual change. Success will flow to those that understand where change is leading, what impact it will have, and how best to respond. Lyle Clarke is uniquely capable of helping his clients understand how pressures for environmental change impact business, to craft and execute effective strategies to manage risk and control costs, and to leverage innovation to exploit new opportunities.

  Lyle has extensive knowledge accumulated over many years in the retail sector, as a Board Director for Waste Diversion Ontario and Stewardship Ontario, and most recently as the head of Stewardship Ontario, one of Canada's leading product stewardship organizations. Lyle has spearheaded many innovative changes that generated new opportunities for companies that collect, recycle and manage resources; he has attracted substantial new investment to the sector, and he has saved Canadian and global retailers and packaged goods companies many millions of dollars.

• Maria da Silva

  Senior Manager, BDO Canada LLP

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Corporate finance, Raising capital
  Maria da Silva

  Senior Manager, BDO Canada LLP

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Corporate finance, Raising capital

• Mark Nashman

  CEO, MBN CAPITAL

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, corporate finance
  Mark Nashman

  CEO, MBN CAPITAL

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, corporate finance

• Michael Demone

  Communication Counsel (Strategy for Startups) | Consultant Lobbyist (Canadian Industrial Hemp Consulting)

  Linkedin
  Michael Demone

  Communication Counsel (Strategy for Startups) | Consultant Lobbyist (Canadian Industrial Hemp Consulting)

  Linkedin

  Michael Demone is a Government Relations professional who helps startups tell their stories to audiences that matter. He works with leaders in government, business, and academia to help innovators carry their projects from concept to commercialization. He’s worked with the Xerox Research Centre of Canada, PARC, and the National Research Council of Canada. He supported the Xerox Research Centre of Canada’s rise to internationally-recognized innovation hub, credited with helping Toronto make the list of Top 10 Cities for Corporate innovation. Michael leads the Canadian Working Group on Industrial Hemp.

• Michael List

  Principal, Greensky Capital Inc.

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, raising capital
  Michael List

  Principal, Greensky Capital Inc.

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, raising capital

• Mike Boyd

  Executive, Argosy Partners

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, Strategic Planning
  Mike Boyd

  Executive, Argosy Partners

  Linkedin

  Main Industry: Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, Strategic Planning

• Mustafa Temiz

  Managing Director, DEKRA, Individual

  Linkedin

  Areas of Influence: Strategic Planning,Business Development, Operational efficiency
  Mustafa Temiz

  Managing Director, DEKRA, Individual

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT

  Areas of Influence: Strategic Planning,Business Development, Operational efficiency

• Nicole De Long

  Business Development Manager, Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE)

  Linkedin
  Nicole De Long

  Business Development Manager, Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE)

  Linkedin
• Paul Walker

  BDO Canada LLP

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Corporate finance, raising capital, Tax/SR&ED
  Paul Walker

  BDO Canada LLP

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Corporate finance, raising capital, Tax / SR&ED

• Peng Fu

  Chief Executive Officer, Novatio Ventures, Individual

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, corporate finance
  Peng Fu

  Chief Executive Officer, Novatio Ventures, Individual

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services 

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, corporate finance

• Peter Belshaw

  President /CEO, Best Sensors Inc

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals and Drugs, Biotech
  Peter Belshaw

  President /CEO, Best Sensors Inc

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Life Science and Advanced Health

  Areas of Expertise:  Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals and Drugs, Biotech

• Peter Jones

  Senior Business Advisor Business Advisory Services Central Region (Mississauga), Ministry of Economic Development Employment & Infrastructure

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise: Government relations, strategic planning
  Peter Jones

  Senior Business Advisor Business Advisory Services Central Region (Mississauga), Ministry of Economic Development Employment & Infrastructure

  Linkedin

  Main Industry: Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise: Government relations, strategic planning

• Raymond Kingdon

  Managing Director, Kingdon Communication

  Linkedin
  Raymond Kingdon

  Managing Director, Kingdon Communication

  Linkedin
• Richard Burdeniuk

  Senior Manager, BDO Canada LLP

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Corporate finance, Tax/SR&ED
  Richard Burdeniuk

  Senior Manager, BDO Canada LLP

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Corporate finance, Tax / SR&ED

• Richard Lee

  Linkedin
  Richard Lee

  Linkedin
• Richard Zsolt

  Associate, Eventi Capital Partners

  Linkedin
  Richard Zsolt

  Associate, Eventi Capital Partners

  Linkedin
• Rick Findlay

  CEO, LINCit

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Strategy, Operations, Finance/Funding, Marketing/Sales
  Rick Findlay

  CEO, LINCit

  Linkedin

  Rick is a highly experienced and successful entrepreneur who has been mentoring early stage companies for over 20 years. He brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to assist the early stage entrepreneurs with the challenges of scaling up cleantech innovations. His expertise covers strategy, operations, finance/funding, and marketing/sales, and has a large network to also assist in these areas.

• Rick Huff

  Managing Director, Huff Capital

  Linkedin
  Rick Huff

  Managing Director, Huff Capital

  Linkedin
• Rob Schock

  Manager, Central Region, Ontario Investment Office, Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, government relations
  Rob Schock

  Manager, Central Region, Ontario Investment Office, Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, government relations

• Rodger King

  Owner, Starfield Consulting Ltd.

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Sales (general), Operational efficiency, Healthcare IT
  Rodger King

  Owner, Starfield Consulting Ltd.

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT, Life Science and Advanced Health

  Areas of Expertise:  Sales (general), Operational efficiency, Healthcare IT

  Bio:

  Rodger King has over 30 years of business experience in a variety of management functions. Skilled in the operationalization of businesses, Rodger primarily works with IT startups that have disruptive technologies, processes or structure. He assists those companies to build momentum and develop wedge strategies to increase sales (market mass) or improve speed (velocity) to market. These have ranged from the creation of a medium sized manufacturing facility to the preparation for sale of a major marketing and creative agency, to the restructuring of the marketing function of a healthcare supply organization to increase revenues over 350% over a period of 14 months. Rodger is an active board member and advisor for several startups.

• Stephen Beney

  Partner, Bereskin & Parr LLP

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Mergers and acquisitions, IP (Patents and trademarks), Litigation
  Stephen Beney

  Partner, Bereskin & Parr LLP

  Linkedin

  Main Industry:  Digital Media and ICT 

  Areas of Expertise:  Mergers and acquisitions, IP (Patents and trademarks), Litigation, Licensing,Corporate law

• Stuart Browne

  CEO & Founder, Pycap Venture Partners

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, sales (general)
  Stuart Browne

  CEO & Founder, Pycap Venture Partners

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, sales (general)

• Sue Elliott

  Principal, Virtus Insights Inc.

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Digital Media and ICT, Life Science and Advanced Health
  Sue Elliott

  Principal, Virtus Insights Inc.

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Digital Media and ICT, Life Science and Advanced Health

  Main Industry:  Analytics marketing, Strategic planning, Team management; Pharmaceuticals and drugs

  Bio:

  Sue brings rich experience working with small to medium pharmaceutical/life science focused organizations where she has been able to draw on a background in both science and business. Sue worked with The Synapse Group providing strategic marketing and communication consultative services to pharmaceutical companies across North America. She helped spin out Axiom Real-Time Metrics and grow the business focusing on the development and delivery of electronic data capture (EDC) tools for the life science sector. Subsequent to Axiom, Sue was a principal with EBM Consulting, continuing to develop and deploy EDC tools and provide strategic consulting services. Sue was a co-founder and principal at Virtus Insights Inc., a strategic management professional services firm. Currently Sue is working with Grifols Canada Ltd, as a Scientific Development Manager in the Medical Affairs department.

  Sue holds a B.Sc. from McGill University, a Ph.D. (Physiology) from the University of Calgary and an M.B.A. (Marketing/ Financing of New Ventures) from Queen’s University.

• Todd Grierson

  Business Advisor, Growth Expert and Coach | Grierson Consulting Inc

  Linkedin
  Todd Grierson

  Business Advisor, Growth Expert and Coach | Grierson Consulting Inc

  Linkedin

  There are several moving parts to running a successful business. Most companies have areas of their business that run seamlessly while operating around a few critical issues that block their potential for success.
  
  But here’s the thing, when you ask the right questions, the opportunities are usually hidden in the details. You just have to know where to spot them.
  
  As a business mentor and growth expert I help owners and leaders of small to medium-sized businesses think bigger, focus on what matters and improve the way they operate. I know what questions to ask and what details to look for to clearly identify what's really standing in the way.
  
  In fact, I have developed an entire process called the Opportunity Matrix to help you and your team create an action plan to streamline your company’s performance to increase your profitability, efficiency and value. The success of our plan may include training, on site support and guidance. Basically, whatever it takes to ensure you win!
  
  My process is the result of over 25 years of operations, procurement, sales, marketing, leadership and strategic planning experience – as both a leader and business owner. For example, I purchased Elmira Poultry a company I once worked for and developed a strategic plan, shared a clear vision our employees stood behind, standardized the operating procedures and improved our technology and manufacturing capacity. Within 6 years our sales grew from $29 million $50 million and then sold the company. Since then I have gone on to help other businesses and have developed a proven frame work that gets results.
  
  If you have questions about your business, my approach or simply want to uncover a few opportunities in the details let's connect!

• Trevor Bingham

  Field Sales Manager - Toronto, Arrow Electronics

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  IoT / Industry 4.0, Software, IT sales, B2B
  Trevor Bingham

  Field Sales Manager - Toronto, Arrow Electronics

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Digital Media and ICT

  Areas of Expertise:  IoT / Industry 4.0, Software, IT sales, B2B, Business development, Electronics

• Valdis Martinsons

  Greensky Capital Inc.

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, B2B, Software
  Valdis Martinsons

  Greensky Capital Inc.

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Financial Services

  Areas of Expertise:  Raising capital, B2B, Software

• Walter Garrison

  Advanced Manufacturing Business Integrator, City of Mississauga, EDO

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise: Consumer goods, tooling, high volume manufacturing
  Walter Garrison

  Advanced Manufacturing Business Integrator, City of Mississauga, EDO

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  Manufacturing

  Areas of Expertise: Consumer goods, tooling, high volume manufacturing, Distribuition

• Xerxes Wania

  Serial Entrepreneur - Tech Executive

  Linkedin

  Areas of Expertise:  Mergers and acquisitions, IP (Patents and trademarks), Hardware
  Xerxes Wania

  Serial Entrepreneur - Tech Executive

  Linkedin

  Main Industries:  ICT, renewable energy

  Areas of Expertise:  Mergers and acquisitions, IP (Patents and trademarks), Litigation, Raising capital, Strategic planning, Hardware