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 BanksExecutive Director
Altitude Accelerator came into existence under the visionary guidance of Pam Banks; now Altitude Accelerator’s Executive Director. With over 20 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 SbrollaEntrepreneur-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 Altitude Accelerator, he coaches business owners and technology developers through the process of commercialization. He is also on the Board of Directors for CHAR Technologies.
Learn more about James and how he’s helped startup reach success on our blog.
- Paul BarterEntrepreneur-in-Residence
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 Altitude Accelerator, he uses those insights to help entrepreneurial startups translate technologically driven disruption into innovative products that achieve market success.
Learn more about Paul and how he’s helped startups grow on our blog.
- Angela BourneEntrepreneur-in-Residence
Angela Bourne is a creative, friendly, and dynamic marketing professional with 15+ years of experience directing and implementing high-profile, cross-functional strategies for renowned brands in luxury hospitality, entertainment, education, and technology. She has deep marketing experience across a variety of sectors including AI, wearables, proptech, VR / AR, and neuroscience, in Silicon Valley, Canada, and Europe. As an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, she helps companies with marketing strategy, GTM, PR, advertising, and brand differentiation.
Learn more about Angela and her successes on our blog.
- Geoff SimonettEntrepreneur-in-Residence
Geoff brings over two decades of experience in starting, operating and successfully exiting multiple companies acting as a principal, advisor, investor, board member, mentor and/or consultant. He is also President of Pinelands Capital, an investment management firm that invests in and advises early stage technology companies with the potential for rapid growth.
His specialties include: Long-term partnerships with high growth companies and dedicated entrepreneurs, and supporting the execution of strategic transitional events.Learn more about Geoff and how he’s helped our startups reach success on our blog.
- Niousha HabibiVenture Services Manager
Niousha brings to Altitude Accelerator her experience in Business Strategy, Innovative Solutions, Project Implementation and Process Improvement, especially in the tech sector. Niousha been helping businesses and start-ups at different stages by leveraging various resources and networks to make progress from ideation and validation to product launch and scale up. Her educational background includes a Masters of Management of Innovation from Queen’s University and an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Mathematics.
Learn more about Niousha here.
- Jenny QianPrograms & Operations Manager
Jenny is a generalist with a passion for entrepreneurial spaces. As the Programs and Operations Manager at Altitude Accelerator, she works to support innovative tech startups in the Peel region through program development, event coordination, and partnership building. She strives to make meaningful connections to help our tech ecosystem prosper. With a colourful background in innovation management from her Masters in Management of Innovation from the University of Toronto Mississauga, human biology, as well as the fine arts from her undergraduate degree in Human Biology and Visual Arts, she brings a unique perspective wherever she goes.
- Tracy PhamMarketing Communications Associate
As Altitude Accelerator’s Marketing Communications Associate, Tracy produces Altitude’s new podcast, manages our website and social media, facilitates the Champion Series pitch events, curates our monthly newsletters, and more! Her interest in entrepreneurship stems from her upbringing running her family business. She recently finished her Master of Management of Innovation at the University of Toronto Mississauga and completed her undergraduate degree in Health Promotion at Western University. Prior to Altitude, Tracy worked and volunteered in various non-profits in roles relating to marketing, events, and community engagement.
Learn more about Tracy on our blog.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is composed of industry professionals, senior government, and academic representatives that carefully advise and guide Altitude Accelerator to ensure that we remain current and relevant to our Clients. Take a look at our Board.
- Trevor BinghamBusiness Development – Engineering Services & IoT, North America, Arrow ElectronicsTrevor BinghamBusiness Development – Engineering Services & IoT, North America, Arrow Electronics
Main Industries: Digital Media and ICT
Areas of Expertise: IoT / Industry 4.0, Software, IT sales, B2B, Business development, Electronics
- Michael CastroSenior Director, Cyber and Information Security Risk Management, Loblaws Companies Ltd.Michael CastroSenior Director, Cyber and Information Security Risk Management, Loblaws Companies Ltd.
- Carolyn MoorlagDirector – Centre of Advanced Manufacturing & Design Technologies (CAMDT), Sheridan CollegeCarolyn MoorlagDirector – Centre of Advanced Manufacturing & Design Technologies (CAMDT), Sheridan College
Carolyn has over 20 years of experience working on materials technologies. During her time in industry, she gained expertise in sensing and IOT, 3D printing and prototyping, and conducting collaborative projects with industry and government partners. As director of CAMDT at Sheridan, Carolyn develops the strategy and mandate of CAMDT as an advanced manufacturing centre. Her role focuses on applied research, particularly within highly relevant and advancing areas of manufacturing, such as automation, modelling and simulation, and cybersecurity.
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 Altitude Accelerator companies to their goals. The list of our advisor skills and sectors is impressive.
- Everyone
- Clean Technologies
- Digital Media and ICT
- Finance
- Legal
- Life Science
- management
- Manufacturing
- Marketing
- Operations and Management
- Sales
- Startup Strategy
- Technology
- Technology & ICT
- Allen Porstner-ScheukaIndustrial Technology Advisor, NRC – IRAP, Ontario RegionAllen Porstner-ScheukaIndustrial Technology Advisor, NRC – IRAP, Ontario Region
- Amesika BaetaSenior Account Manager, Small Business Solutions, Export Development CanadaAreas of Expertise: Strategic Planning, PR, Government RelationsAmesika BaetaSenior Account Manager, Small Business Solutions, Export Development Canada
Main Industry: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Strategic Planning, PR, Government Relations, Market Research
- Amit SachdevTechnical Strategy Advisor – Oracle
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 MisraDirector Finance & Investment Management, York Angel InvestorsAreas of Expertise: Raising capital, corporate financeAna MisraDirector Finance & Investment Management, York Angel Investors
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.
- Andrew CoulsonRegional Director Alliances, Slalom Consulting, IndividualAreas of Expertise: Partnerships and strategic alliances, Sales planning, business developmentAndrew CoulsonRegional Director Alliances, Slalom Consulting, Individual
Main Industries: Digital Media and ICT
Areas of Expertise: Partnerships and strategic alliances, Sales planning, business development
- Andrew VashilkoAreas of Expertise: Product Strategy, Marketing, P&L Management, Start-Up Creation and Exit, External PartnershipsAndrew Vashilko
Transformational portfolio executive, team builder and business co-founder with 20 years of experience in Portfolio Management, Pricing, Business Management, and Partnerships. Track record of uncovering gaps, defining and launching new products and creating multi-million dollar categories and businesses from the ground up at both established and start-up organizations.
- Andrew YoshiokaPresident, Sanbonki Inc.Areas of Expertise: Healthcare (general), Pharmaceuticals, Biotech CommercializationAndrew YoshiokaPresident, Sanbonki Inc.
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. - Angella KurczykSenior Business Advisor, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and TradeAreas of Expertise: Business Development & Management, Consulting, CoachingAngella KurczykSenior Business Advisor, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Angella is a business professional with over 30 years in a variety of industries and roles such as business development, general management, entrepreneurial, coaching, and consulting. She is a small and medium-sized business specialist and a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) with a proven ability to identify impactful and practical growth and innovation solutions to today’s business challenges.
- Anthony SturgeonSenior Account Manager, Export Development CanadaAreas of Expertise: ICT, EconomicsAnthony SturgeonSenior Account Manager, Export Development Canada
Anthony is a Senior Account Manager with EDC’s Technology Sector Team, where he works exclusively with companies in the Information, Communication and Technology Sector.
Previously, he spent six and a half years working as an economist at one of Canada’s leading economic consulting firms, The Centre for Spatial Economics (C4SE), where he gained a deep understanding of the economic factors that Canadian companies face, both domestic and foreign. - Biju MisraDirector of Corporate Business Services, EnbridgeAreas of Expertise: Business Transformation and OperationsBiju MisraDirector of Corporate Business Services, Enbridge
Biji is a business and technology leader with over 20 years of hands-on experience in driving business transformation and operational excellence to achieve business outcomes. He is passionate about working with organizations and teams at all levels to create new possibilities and drive value creation.
- Bob AlsipBusiness Development Consultant, SoftAdvantage Inc.Areas of Expertise: Marketing, sales and organisational development; Strategic planning & alliances; Distribution channelsBob AlsipBusiness Development Consultant, SoftAdvantage Inc.
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 GilsonADVISORY BOARD MEMBER, NXL ARCHITECTSAreas of Expertise: Corporate finance, Raising funds, Exit strategies, Mergers and acquisitionsBob GilsonADVISORY BOARD MEMBER, NXL ARCHITECTS
Main Industries: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Corporate finance, Raising funds, Exit strategies, Mergers and acquisitions, Stretegic planning
- Brenda HoganOntario Capital Growth Corporation
Main Industries: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Corporate finance
- Bruce AnnisVP Sales and Marketing, Knectek Labs Inc.Areas of Expertise: Software sales, Digital Marketing, Product ManagementBruce AnnisVP Sales and Marketing, Knectek Labs Inc.
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 WykesChief Experience Officer, PwC, IndividualAreas of Expertise: Business development, Digital marketing, Web AnalyticsCam WykesChief Experience Officer, PwC, Individual
Main Industries: Digital Media and ICT
Areas of Expertise: Business development, Digital marketing, Web Analytics
- Clement NgGreen Century Investment Ltd., IndividualAreas of Expertise: Business development, Team management, Mergers & AcquisitionsClement NgGreen Century Investment Ltd., Individual
Main Industries: Digital Media and ICT, Clean Technologies
Areas of Expertise: Business development, Team management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Planning, Strategic Alliances
- Corinne SharpPresident, Sharp PerspectivesAreas of Expertise: Sales & Marketing, IT ExpertCorinne SharpPresident, Sharp Perspectives
Corinne is a serial entrepreneur, advisor, and leader with over two decades of experience in IT, sales, and marketing. As President of Sharp Perspectives, Corinne helps companies build partner channels and optimize their sales and marketing results. She is also Executive Director and Co-founder of The WIT Network, a global and local NFP focused on Women in Technology of all ages and stages of their careers. She has worked with IT professionals around the global through her work at Microsoft where she built, led and nurtured one of the largest partner ecosystems within IT.
- Craig LeonardInvestment Director, Investment Accelerator FundAreas of Expertise: Raising capital, Digital marketing, Cloud (software)Craig LeonardInvestment Director, Investment Accelerator Fund
Main Industries: Digital Media, Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Raising capital, Digital marketing, Cloud (software), SaaS, CRM, e-Commerce
- David Harris KoladaManaging Partner, Greensoil PropTech Ventures
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.
- David McGaugheyDirector of Sales – Mobile Security | Giesecke+Devrient Mobile Security
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 PentonDirector, Southern Ontario Fund for Innovation and Investment (SOFII)Areas of Expertise: Corporate finance, Raising capitalDavid PentonDirector, Southern Ontario Fund for Innovation and Investment (SOFII)
Main Industries: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Corporate finance, Raising capital
- Domenic AliManaging Director, WSI Leap DigitalAreas 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 ManagementDomenic AliManaging Director, WSI Leap Digital
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 HiltonFounder and Managing Partner, Distinct Capital Partners Inc.Areas of Expertise: Raising capitalDon HiltonFounder and Managing Partner, Distinct Capital Partners Inc.
Main Industries: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Raising capital
- Frank GairdnerCo-founder of TriggerTech, CEO of Carbon MarineAreas of Expertise: IP, Manufacturing, Operational Efficiency, Sales (general)Frank GairdnerCo-founder of TriggerTech, CEO of Carbon Marine
Main Industries: Digital Media and ICT, Manufacturing
Areas of Expertise: IP, Manufacturing, Operational Efficiency, Sales (general), Digital Marketing, B2B, B2C, Raising Capital, Commercialization
- Graham McBrideFundThrough, IndividualAreas of Expertise: Raising capital, Strategic planning, Executive managementGraham McBrideFundThrough, Individual
Main Industries: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Raising capital, Strategic planning, Executive management, corporate finance
- Greg StewartPrincipal, Greensky Capital Inc.Areas of Expertise: Raising capital, Corporate FinanceGreg StewartPrincipal, Greensky Capital Inc.
Main Industries: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Raising capital, Corporate Finance
- Ian LockeManaging Director, Linian Solutions
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.
- Irwin RajPresident, Indigo Marketing Solutions LtdAreas of Expertise: Sales (general), Digital Marketing, DistributionIrwin RajPresident, Indigo Marketing Solutions Ltd
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 AldenVP STRATEGY, BRICKWORKS COMMUNICATIONSAreas of Expertise: Energy efficiency, Renewable energy, Strategic PlanningJames AldenVP STRATEGY, BRICKWORKS COMMUNICATIONS
Main Technologies: Clean Technologies
Areas of Expertise: Energy efficiency, Renewable energy, Strategic Planning
- Jamie BarronTechnology and Life Sciences, BDO Canada LLPAreas of Expertise: Telecommunications, Corporate FinanceJamie BarronTechnology and Life Sciences, BDO Canada LLP
Main Industries: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Telecommunications, Corporate Finance
- Jonathan LoudonPartner, Swave StudiosAreas of Expertise: Medical devices, Product managementJonathan LoudonPartner, Swave Studios
Main Industries: Digital Media and ICT
Areas of Expertise: Medical devices, Product management
- Julian ParrMarketing Senior Manager, DLTlabsAreas of Expertise: B2B; Business development; Cloud (software); Content marketing; Digital marketing; Email marketing; Enterprise software; Fintech; Marketing (general); Marketing strategy; PR; SaaS
- Kevin SmithChief Story Architect, Impact Assured Business Services –> The Story ArchitectAreas of Expertise: Digital marketing, Content marketing, Analytics marketing,Kevin SmithChief Story Architect, Impact Assured Business Services –> The Story Architect
Main Industries: Digital Media and ICT
Areas of Expertise: Digital marketing, Content marketing, Analytics marketing, Sales training, Business development
- Louis SapiCEO, HS Partners LLPAreas of Expertise: Strategic Planning, Tax/SR&ED, Corporate FinanceLouis SapiCEO, HS Partners LLP
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 ClarkePresident & C.E.O, Lyle Clarke & Associates Inc.Areas of Expertise: Sustainability, Commercialization, Strategic alliancesLyle ClarkePresident & C.E.O, Lyle Clarke & Associates Inc.
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 SilvaSenior Manager, BDO Canada LLPAreas of Expertise: Corporate finance, Raising capitalMaria da SilvaSenior Manager, BDO Canada LLP
Main Industries: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Corporate finance, Raising capital
- Michael ListPrincipal, Greensky Capital Inc.Areas of Expertise: Corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, raising capitalMichael ListPrincipal, Greensky Capital Inc.
Main Industries: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, raising capital
- Mike BoydExecutive, Argosy Partners
Main Industry: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Raising capital, Strategic Planning
- Mustafa TemizManaging Director, DEKRA, IndividualAreas of Influence: Strategic Planning,Business Development, Operational efficiencyMustafa TemizManaging Director, DEKRA, Individual
Main Industries: Digital Media and ICT
Areas of Influence: Strategic Planning,Business Development, Operational efficiency
- Paul WalkerBDO Canada LLP
Main Industries: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Corporate finance, raising capital, Tax / SR&ED
- Peng FuChief Executive Officer, Novatio Ventures, IndividualAreas of Expertise: Raising capital, corporate financePeng FuChief Executive Officer, Novatio Ventures, Individual
Main Industries: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Raising capital, corporate finance
- Peter JonesSenior Business Advisor Business Advisory Services Central Region (Mississauga), Ministry of Economic Development Employment & InfrastructureAreas of Expertise: Government relations, strategic planningPeter JonesSenior Business Advisor Business Advisory Services Central Region (Mississauga), Ministry of Economic Development Employment & Infrastructure
Main Industry: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Government relations, strategic planning
- Richard BurdeniukSenior Manager, BDO Canada LLPAreas of Expertise: Corporate finance, Tax/SR&EDRichard BurdeniukSenior Manager, BDO Canada LLP
Main Industries: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Corporate finance, Tax / SR&ED
- Richard SzudyAreas of expertise: Environmental Business Expert Specializing in Climate-Change and Renewable Energy Project Development
- Rick FindlayCEO, LINCitAreas of Expertise: Strategy, Operations, Finance/Funding, Marketing/SalesRick FindlayCEO, LINCit
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.
- Rodger KingOwner, Starfield Consulting Ltd.Areas of Expertise: Sales (general), Operational efficiency, Healthcare ITRodger KingOwner, Starfield Consulting Ltd.
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 BeneyPartner, Bereskin & Parr LLPAreas of Expertise: Mergers and acquisitions, IP (Patents and trademarks), LitigationStephen BeneyPartner, Bereskin & Parr LLP
Main Industry: Digital Media and ICT
Areas of Expertise: Mergers and acquisitions, IP (Patents and trademarks), Litigation, Licensing,Corporate law
- Stuart BrowneCEO & Founder, Pycap Venture PartnersAreas of Expertise: Raising capital, sales (general)Stuart BrowneCEO & Founder, Pycap Venture Partners
Main Industries: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Raising capital, sales (general)
- Sue ElliottPrincipal, Virtus Insights Inc.Areas of Expertise: Digital Media and ICT, Life Science and Advanced HealthSue ElliottPrincipal, Virtus Insights Inc.
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 GriersonBusiness Advisor, Growth Expert and Coach | Grierson Consulting Inc
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 BinghamBusiness Development – Engineering Services & IoT, North America, Arrow ElectronicsTrevor BinghamBusiness Development – Engineering Services & IoT, North America, Arrow Electronics
Main Industries: Digital Media and ICT
Areas of Expertise: IoT / Industry 4.0, Software, IT sales, B2B, Business development, Electronics
- Valdis MartinsonsGreensky Capital Inc.
Main Industries: Financial Services
Areas of Expertise: Raising capital, B2B, Software
- Walter GarrisonAdvanced Manufacturing Business Integrator, City of Mississauga, EDOAreas of Expertise: Consumer goods, tooling, high volume manufacturingWalter GarrisonAdvanced Manufacturing Business Integrator, City of Mississauga, EDO
Main Industries: Manufacturing
Areas of Expertise: Consumer goods, tooling, high volume manufacturing, Distribuition
- Xerxes WaniaSerial Entrepreneur – Tech ExecutiveAreas of Expertise: Mergers and acquisitions, IP (Patents and trademarks), HardwareXerxes WaniaSerial Entrepreneur – Tech Executive
Main Industries: ICT, renewable energy
Areas of Expertise: Mergers and acquisitions, IP (Patents and trademarks), Litigation, Raising capital, Strategic planning, Hardware