Startup Canada has been spearheaded from the grassroots by co-founders Victoria Lennox and Cyprian Szalankiewicz, supported by a core Team of entrepreneurial volunteers and a larger community of contributors and supporters from across Canada. Check out how you can Join The Team

OPERATIONS

Victoria Lennox
Co-Founder & CEO

Victoria is a a passionate and pioneering social entrepreneur, community builder and entrepreneurship evangelist.  

 

Victoria is the first Canadian and one of the youngest recipients of a Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion on the recommendation of the British Prime Minister. Victoria won the award for having pioneered a grassroots youth entrepreneurship movement both in the UK and globally that has taken on a momentum of its own with a membership of more than 45,000 enterprising students across over 80 universities within 12 months. As the Founder and Chair of the National Association of College and University Entrepreneurs (NACUE), Co-founder and Chair of ICUE, Co-founder of Enterprise Alliance UK, Entrepreneur in Residence at London Metropolitan Business School and former President of Oxford Entrepreneurs, Victoria has built enterprise networks, stimulated public discourse and developed meaningful political and policy inroads to further the entrepreneurship agenda.  

 

On the global stage, Victoria supports and mentors the development of youth enterprise organisations in more than 20 countries; provides advisory support to international organisations in the areas of entrepreneurship networks, education and policy development; and supports colleges and universities in enhancing their entrepreneurial activities.

 

In 2009 Victoria was awarded the SFEDI ‘Enterprise Support Network Builder Award’ and ‘Overall Enterprise Champion of the Year Award’, was recognized as a ‘Champion of Entrepreneurial Britain’ and ‘Top 30 Under 30’by Real Business Magazine and was noted as ‘One to Watch’ by Spectator Business.   Victoria moved back to Ottawa in January 2010 where, after having spent a year with Industry Canada’s Small Business Policy Group, she is now working on fostering a more entrepreneurial and prosperous Canada through Startup Canada. In April 2012, Victoria was recognized by Profit Magazine as one of the 'Top 30 Most Fabulous Entrepreneurs' in Canada. 

 

Cyprian Szalankiewicz
Co-Founder & VP Multimedia & Technology Officer

Cyprian Szalankiewicz is an entrepreneur, award-winning cinematographer and the owner, artistic and technical director of Genie Media Ltd., an Ottawa-based start-up that offers pre- and post-production services, specializing in camera motion control for the film and television industry. 

 

Cyprian brings diverse experience in sales, multi-media, web development, design and systems development to Startup Canada - infusing the initiative with creative flair and inspiration. Cyprian was a member of the Founding Team of NACUE, a charity supporting young entrepreneurs in the UK, for which he continues to sit on its Trustee Board. Cyprian is a passionate advocate of entrepreneurship in the creative and digital media industries and sees Startup Canada as a powerful platform to advance entrepreneurship in Canada.  

Matthieu Di Mercurio
Volunteer Manager

Matthieu Di Mercurio is a project leader at TandemLaunch, a Montreal based incubator for early-stage University inventions specialized in Consumer Electronics technologies. With his background at the intersection of technology and innovation management, he works with University inventors to bring their research to the market. In 2012, he initiated the e-Stellar program, grouping the image and video processing technologies to serve the smartphone, TV, camera and post-production industries.
His number one motto: learn every day, everywhere and from everyone.

Matthieu holds an engineering degree from the UTC (Université de Technologie de Compiègne). Before settling in Montreal, he studied and worked in France, Canada and Spain.

He joined Startup Canada to help bringing the entrepreneurship culture into schools and Universities.

laura aslan
Membership Manager

By personality and training, Laura Aslan is an outlier. She enjoys working with people and technology equally, and she is greatly inspired by innovation and change. She likes to explore roads less traveled and bring fun along the way. Laura holds a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science from UBC and a Master’s in Psychology from University of Bucharest. Her work experience is as varied as her personality: she has held various positions from market research to cutting edge bioinformatics programming. Most recently, entrepreneurship has taken first seat in Laura’s life and she became the Co-Founder of a Vancouver based mobile development company. She is a strong believer in bringing people together and to that end likes to throw a good party.

Nico
Governance Manager

Nico Vanderkraay is a student and would describe himself as an ‘aspiring entrepreneur’. Through various CO-OP work terms, he has helped synchronize Ottawa traffic lights, analyze national air quality samples, and develop the 30-year waste management plan for the City of Ottawa. He has spent time in over 15 different countries, and thrives in any environment which allows him to express creativity. He is particularly interested in finance, fashion, website design, alternative education & motivation, and enjoys skiing, figure skating, ultimate, and parkour in his free time.

FINANCE & IMPACT MEASUREMENT

Tomasz Popiel
Finance & Audit Manager
Tomasz Popiel is a Financial Analyst, Chartered Accountant and entrepreneurial enthusiast with a passion for business and numbers.
 

Tomasz has a diverse background working in service, software development and business consulting with small and medium size organizations. Tomasz is actively involved in mentoring accounting students in Ottawa and online through his blog.

Alex Kwong
Impact Measurement Manager

A Chartered Accountant by day, Alex Kwong satisfies his inter-entrepreneur by frequenting the Toronto start-up scene by night. During his time at the University of Toronto where he obtained his Bachelor of Commerce, Alex was part of the organizing committee of the National Business Technology Conference (NBTC) 2004 and 2005. After graduation, Alex spent the first years of his career in public accounting working with companies in the technology sector. He is currently working as an indirect tax consultant with one of the national accounting firms. 

 

Recently Alex participated at Startup Weekend Hamilton where he was part of the great StartupsN.com team who won the competiton by presenting an idea to make networking easier. StartupsN.com have since evolved into CrowdLinker.com, stay tuned. 

 

In his spare time Alex tries to learn more about the world by reading widely and watching documentaries on topics ranging from history, economics, to the question of what is beauty. 

Kenny Teng
Developer
Kenny is a software developer in the telecommunications industry living in Vancouver, BC. Throughout his career, he has used technical means to solve business problems with the hope to learn how to also use business means. In his spare time, he reads non-fiction books, sci-fi and fantasy novels, learns Mandarin, and practises his harmonica.

MULTIMEDIA TEAM

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Web Developer

Michael is the co-founder of Ottawa-based website development company Simplificare. Built out of a desire to assist small businesses develop online presence Simplificare has tripled its client base since being founded in 2009.

Paul Dukes
Graphic Artist
After giving up his dream of being a classically trained “starving artist”, Paul decided to study graphic design and web development. He is currently an at home dad and serial volunteer. A father of two girls and husband of one lady. He loves helping and learning and helping others learn.

After attending a recent Startup Weekend in Ottawa, he was bitten by the startup bug. As a highly motivated self starter, the startup community immediately attracted him with its fast pace and promise of new and interesting challenges.

Javaid Malik
Videographer & Editor

Javaid A. Malik, CanadianProductions.com Founder & CEO, is an entrepreneur with over 20 years of television & film production experience, almost 15 years of start-up & show pilot experience. 


Developing a reputation as a highly skilled director of photography and producer/director for many corporate, educational, medical, promotional commercials, indie films and documentary programs.

 

Graduated from San Francisco State University obtaining a Broadcast Communications Radio & TV Degree. Javaid was President for the College Students in Broadcasting Program for San Francisco State University. For 6 years Javaid also owned and operated a Café Supreme restaurant franchise in the capital. A café for the intelligent generation -serving fresh panini and salads - fresh cakes, muffins, pastry, cookies and desserts. Recruitment, Training & Development, Training Needs Analysis, Coaching hundreds of employees gave a taste of living the franchise dream. Currently Javaid is working towards CHRP Human Resource Management Certification & French Studies, active member of HRPA and working with numerous non-for-profit organizations.

 

Javaid Malik’s production company work includes serving on the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy Awards Committee) for 4 years , ZDTV, TECHTV, CBS, Warner Bros, California Music Awards, JAM Productions (International Video/Film Company), Bollywood Productions, Forte Films & ABC News to name a few.

 

Mr. Malik has conducted interviews with CEO’s and Technology Experts working professionally with animators and media celebrities. Experience creating initial studio launches of many show pilots including a political show recently that focuses on the four main mountains of society: Religion and Culture, Politics and Government, Business and Commerce and Science and Technology. 

 

Currently Javaid is offering HD video services at www.canadianproductions.com - Canada wide.

DEVELOPMENT & FUNDRAISING

Rajen Sanghvi
Development & Fundraising Manager

Rajen is a seasoned sales and business development professional specializing in technology and enterprise software. His diverse sales experience combined with his passion for travel, has taken him to over 20 different countries giving him exposure to markets in North America, Latin America, Asia and Europe. 

 

Through positions at IBM and NetSuite, Rajen has gained a particular focus in working with small to mid-sized businesses, particularly startups in the mobile and high-tech space. He is currently helping to fuel the growth of ScribbleLive- one of Canada’s fastest growing digital media startups. 

 

Rajen is passionate about entrepreneurship and building a vibrant startup community that encourages risk taking here in Canada. He also holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto. 

Carlos
Grants Coordinator

After finishing his Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering in Madrid, Carlos had the opportunity to work for Airgrup - a major fluid systems manufacturer in the aerospace industry - as manufacturing engineer. He strongly contributed to the growth of the company by implementing lean manufacturing and quality assurance techniques. Carlos also worked in the renewable energy field as project manager for biomass power stations set up. His belief in teamwork and devotion to precision has allowed him to fulfill his passion for continuous improving.

 

A sense of adventure has led him to immigrate to Canada and try his luck in the North American market. Carlos also has a passion for travel and is impatiently awaiting the opportunity to lay foot in Oceania, the only continent he hasn't visited yet. He also loves music and nature and hopes to make the best of Canadian outdoors.

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Grants Coordinator

Siddharth is a graduate of Electrical and Electronics Engineering from BITS-Pilani, India. He has worked at companies like Yahoo! and Deloitte before taking the leap into entrepreneurship. He is now running his own startup in Santiago, Chile, after getting accepted into Start-Up Chile. He is an avid traveler and loves connecting with entrepreneurs from around the world.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Tim Shaw
Government Relations Manager

Tim leads the online engagement and digital advocacy practice for Amplifi, where he provides expert advice and strategy for connecting with audiences. 

Tim works with his team to develop engaging communications for inspired change focused on making good happen through advocacy, digital advocacy and corporate social responsibility. 

Ian
Government Relations Coordinator

Ian Graham thinks different, challenges the status quo and is a passionate entrepreneur committed to helping early-stage businesses succeed and grow. He is President of TheCodeFactory a results oriented bootstrap business incubator and shared work space in Ottawa, Canada. 

Ian has a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa, and a technology diploma from Algonquin College. He is a mentor with Canadian Youth Business Foundation for five years having successfully mentored his first mentee from a single employee with limited revenue to 20 employees and a multimillion dollar business in two years. Ian continues to work with young entrepreneurs. Ian has helped to facilitate the formation of numerous grass roots volunteer lead users groups and organizations like Team Camp and Students and Start-ups. 

StartupScout is Ian’s Talent Broker business. Through his work with TheCodeFactory Ian has been very fortunate to get to know on a very personal basis many of Ottawa’s leading developers, freelancers and the technology community in general. He has established a solid reputation based on trust and providing quality referrals. Please check our YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/StartupScoutCanada) for startup and client testimonials.

TheCodeFactory concept was hatched in March 2007 with the intention of building a “community of interest” around open source software in downtown Ottawa. Ian is Chief Ecosystem Architect for the downtown Ottawa web and mobile community. The open source community of interest evolved into web and mobile software. Virtually every web and mobile group formed in Ottawa from 2008 to 2011 have started at TheCodeFactory. The facility has been host to more than 1,000 grass roots events since opening on May 26th 2008. The plan is to build two new “communities of interest” one in 2013 and a second in 2014 at different locations. TheCodeFactory is also looking to expand into new cities.

ENGAGEMENT

AlexBrown
NextGen Community Manager

Alex is an independent business development and marketing consultant working across multiple industries.    His clients range in size from local start-ups and small businesses, to global MNC's looking to grow their business domestically or internationally.  Excelling in the engagement of senior decision makers at global MNC's, he predominantly works to find global licensing partners for the intellectual property of his clients.

 

Alex started his first business just a few days after graduating high school in order to pay his way through university and to gain practical experience in his chosen field of study: Business Administration.  While studying for his BBA, Alex became increasingly passionate about education and public administration and policy.  He also held various peer tutoring positions with Georgian College and Laurentian University.
 

Passionate about the plight of Generation Y in finding meaningful career opportunities , Alex joins the Startup Canada team with the vow to create a more entrepreneurial, empowered and connected Canadian youth.  He is strongly committed to helping Startup Canada facilitate the entrepreneurial spirit amongst all young Canadians, and empowering this "forgotten generation" to collectively create a more meaningful and prosperous future for themselves.
Alex has traveled to and/or worked in over 20 countries, and strongly prefers a backpack, map and a good pair of shoes to a week away at an all-inclusive resort.  Aside from his aspirations of seeing every corner of the world, he loves playing ball and ice hockey, strength and fitness training, and playing in local bands as a guitar player/singer/songwriter. 

Rosie Digout
Aboriginal Community Manager

Rosie Digout is from the Salish tribe from the Lytton First Nation Band. Lytton, B.C., is the largest recognized community within the Nlaka’pamux territory. Lytton is located where the Fraser River meets the Thompson River. Currently, she resides in Summerside, PEI, with her two daughters and continuing her education in Business Administration.

 

She is a driven, start up entrepreneur and  a strong advocate for entrepreneurship. Prior to founding and operating her digital consultant business, she has more than 7 years of  leadership experience in economic/business development, program and project  management, coach/trainer,  budget planning, sales and marketing, and public speaker.

 

Rosie has a great knowledge and expertise of working/collaborating with all levels of government, private sector, non-profit, and community. She is a pioneer of new learning and business technologies and understands the challenges that face business owners as they integrate and incorporate changes to their businesses. Creativity, lateral thinking, attention to detail along with focus and clarity are just some of the qualities she contributes to her clients. Rosie leads by example and many people find her enthusiasm and dedication both inspiring and motivating.

 

Rosie looks forward to supporting and promoting Aboriginal entrepreneurship and encouraging business development.

 

Suzanne Grant
Global Affairs Manger

Following 12 years service as an Engineering Officer in the Canadian Forces, curiosity, social entrepreneurial success and a passion for relationships pulled Suzanne to a new career in entrepreneurship.

 

She founded and led a strategic communications agency, The Art of Business, in the Middle Eastern developing country of Qatar from 2000 - 2010. Within 5 years, their events brand, Happening Events, grew to become the leading event management agency in Qatar. The Happening brand included a monthly events guide, Qatar Happening, which became one of the most popular magazines in the country. Their award winning digital magazine/portal, QHonline was selected as Social Media Partner of choice for the Sony Ericsson WTA tour final round promotion with the World no 1 ranked women’s tennis champion, Serena Williams.

 

Happening Events positioned and launched multiple businesses and products in the country across a variety of disciplines. They include local and multinational organisations; Qatar’s inaugural Class One Powerboats World Championships, Accenture's country launch, Samsung’s media launch as sponsors of the Doha Asian Games, Inter-continental's nightclub Lava, and Qatar Science and Technology Park's first ever conference series. They also managed Carnegie Melon's first Qatar Campus graduation ceremonies attended by the Emir (King).

 

During her stay in Qatar, Suzanne also co-founded an award winning 5 star restaurant, Al Mourjan, which hosted multiple heads of state and dignitaries, as well as, hosting Robert Dinero’s inaugural star’s launch of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival. 

 

Suzanne has recently co-founded GoArabisc with her business partner Hussam Darwish. They are developing a cluster of media channels, learning tools and events to accelerate entrepreneurship growth in Arabia.

 

Suzanne’s advice to entrepreneurs: look beyond the boundaries of your city. Our market is the globe. 

COMMUNICATIONS

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Communications Manager
Jana Makar is a Communications Consultant in Calgary, AB with more than a decade of experience in journalism, public relations and event management. Her areas of expertise include tech communications as well as small business PR. Prior to starting her own consulting business, Jana was the Director of Communications for Cybera Inc., an Alberta not-for-profit organization that works to spur and support innovation through the use of cyberinfrastructure.
 
Her position at Cybera, combined with a role as Volunteer and Membership Chair with the Calgary Council for Advanced Technology, helped initiate the connection with Startup Canada as well as other Alberta-based entrepreneurial initiatives. Leading up to her time with Cybera, Jana worked with Netera Alliance, Alberta's advanced research and education network, and previous to that spent many years working as a freelance writer and community newspaper reporter.
LeoValliquette
PR Coordinator

Leo Valiquette is a freelance business writer, blogger and marketing communications consultant in Ottawa, Canada and former editor of The Ottawa Business Journal. In the not-to-distant future, he hopes to be able to refer to himself simply as a best-selling novelist. He can be reached at www.LeoValiquette.ca

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PR Coordinator

Moaz recently graduated from Ryerson University in the Business Tech Management program while working for IBM and KPMG during his study. Currently he is located in Saudi Arabia as an EFL instructor and is getting acquainted with the startup community in the Middle East.  He was a co-lead on Startup Canada's National Mentorship Challenge last year, which involved 250 organizations and facilitated the mentorship of more than 10,000 entrepreneurs during Global Entrepreneurship Week. Moaz has a deep passion for entrepreneurship, technology and helping others thus connecting him with Startup Canada. Moaz loves to travel when he can, enjoys horseback riding in the desert, jet skiing, mentoring others, and trying out new stuff.

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LinkedIn Animator
Journalist turned communications professional, Lyndon has spent the last 15 years working with small and medium-sized companies helping them get the right message to the right people at the right time, via the right media. He founded THINK DIFFERENT[LY] when he moved from the UK to Canada in 2010.
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Social Media Coordinator

Jan Ditchfield is passionate about bringing crazy little ideas to life and is the founder of PARA-Promotions, a boutique marketing company that creates personalized online campaigns for social enterprise. With over a decade of experience in managing the logistics of marketing, media and online promotional campaigns, she has worked with both the for-profit and non-profit sectors; generating new platforms that have challenged the social norm and generated national attention.

 

Her work has been featured by some of the most influential publications, including Triathlon Canada Magazine, The National Post, The Globe & Mail, CTV, CBC Radio and The New York Times.

 

Jan has been recognized with a variety of awards including being honoured as a Rick Hansen Difference Maker medalist, a finalist in the Celebration of People Awards and named one of the top 50 Amazing People in Canada’s National Capital Region. 

 

As an advocate for volunteerism, Jan is also the founder of Won with One; a national 100% volunteer run organization that supports blind and visually impaired people get involved in the sport of triathlon on a grassroots level. She is considered a leading expert in North America in her field; having consulted with over 500 businesses, individuals and organizations on cross marketing between mainstream enterprise and social good. 

 

Best known for her energy and creativity, Jan is a firm believer in the importance of mentorship and the creation of engaged communities which support the growth of Canada’s entrepreneurial spirit. 

Kelly_bricks
#startupchats Host

Kelly McGregor is a passionate entrepreneur with a focus on strategic business development. Through her real-world experience working with startups and international organizations Kelly has a proven track record of successful and sustainable business and product launches.

 

As an engaged young leader Kelly has a deep commitment to provoking meaningful change within organizations and communities. Through utilization of proven business methodology combined with creative intelligence Kelly possesses the innovative insight required to move businesses and communities forward. Working with teams and organizations such as StartUp Canada, Emerging Leaders, and Ignite! allows Kelly to have a positive impact on community development while leading the startup business community.

Alexander Sidhu
Researcher & Blogger
Alex is a student currently in his 3rd year at Wilfrid Laurier University studying Economics and Business. He enjoys helping other students with their studies (especially math, he loves numbers) and providing class notes to peers in order to improve overall faculty performance.
 
Alex also has a diverse set of work experiences ranging from outdoor environmental projects as an Ontario Stewardship Ranger to monitoring KPMG's Canada-wide network and devices as a Network Administrator. Alex has strong passion towards marketing and communications, which is shown from his creative and artsy side. On the other hand, he is strangely interested in numbers, whether it is for math courses, or to calculate the Toronto Maple Leafs position in the playoffs (yes, he is a Leaf’s fan).
 
In his spare time, Alex enjoys playing ball hockey and soccer for his intramural teams. He enjoys watching the Toronto Maple Leafs play, as well as FC Barcelona in the Champions League. Apart from his two favorite sports, he enjoys drawing, martial arts, mathematics, reading, and watching movies.
 
Arushi Kothari
Blog Editor
Arushi is currently a student in her penultimate year of studies at the University of Waterloo, pursuing her BA in Psychology and Business with Global Engagement Specialization. Born in New Delhi she has relocated every few years and has been fortunate to have lived in the UAE, China, Canada and Singapore. Given this global exposure, Arushi has developed a high degree of adaptability in diverse geographical, cultural and academic environments. 
 
 
With her position as a marketing and communications intern at the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, she discovered her passion for marketing in terms of consumer behaviour and expectations. She secured sponsorship for multiple events and helped implement environment based CSR initiatives for the firm.
 
 
Besides work and academics, Arushi loves to travel and explore new cultures, enjoy Sushi, shop at Zara and read Dan Brown novels.
 
Sana
Writer, Editor & eNewsletter Lead

My name is Sana Alibux, and I am originally half Pakistani, half Kenyan however I was born and raised in the Middle East, Bahrain, for 18 years before coming to Canada to pursue higher education. I have currently completed a BA Honours in Law & Society/Philosophy (major/minor) at York University. Three things no one knows about me: I love to sing, I played the violin for 8 years, and in the process of writing a fantasy/fiction novel.

COMMUNITIES

Jim Robeson
Startup Communities Manager
Jim Robeson is an aspiring entrepreneur with a passion for economic and business development. Jim holds Economic Development certificates in both Canada and the U.S, and is a Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) candidate, at the University of Waterloo.
 
Prior to enrolling in the MBET program, Jim was a Government Relations professional for a not-for-profit and Interim Economic Development Manager for the Town of Gananoque. A graduate of St. Lawrence College and Laurentian University, Jim`s education background focuses on marketing and sales.
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Startup Communities Outreach

Irenia is a Mentor, Startup Catalyst and Connector. With a passion for International Business, Entrepreneurship and Volunteering in her community, Irenia’s Mantra is “Make Meaning Change.” 

 

Irenia joined the Public Service in 2005 and has been working to drive  Economic Development in New Brunswick.  Irenia has contributed to numerous Regional and International initiatives relating to Trade Development and Innovation including: coordinating and implementing strategies to drive business development success working alongside government, industry, non-governmental organizations and academic partners.

 

Irenia's innovative style, spirit and 'no excuses' attitude helps propel entrepreneurs to accelerate sales and reach new export markets. She has lead successful trade missions to the Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Washington, D.C., North Carolina,  Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and the Dominican Republic. She thoroughly enjoys working with multifunctional teams to solve different challenges.

 

In her 28 year volunteer career in Canada and abroad, her most recent activities include: Start-Up Canada NB Steering Committee Member; Director of the Canadian Mentorship Challenge – StartUp Canada; Co-Founder of StartUp Fredericton; Career Mentor at St. Thomas University and Mentor with the Fredericton Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs.

 

Recent achievements include:

 

* Winning best use of inspiration package for a film in the 2012 48 hour film competition as part of the Femme Bots team. The film was featured at the 2012 Silver Wave Film Festival.

 

* 2010 recipient of the University of New Brunswick Activator Fellowship.

 

* 2009 won four out of five BREAKTHRU awards including CBC’s Choice Award for Dragon’s Den, Best Young Entrepreneur Award, Best Presentation Award and Best University Venture Award in the 2009BREAKTHRU competition - part of an MBA Project with a local Technology StartUp company.

 

She is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick with an MBA focused on international business and  entrepreneurship, as well, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from St. Thomas University.

 

In her spare time she enjoys cycling, ultimate frisbee, Zumba and yoga.

Mark Burdon
Communications

Mark is a Technology Business Analyst with over fifteen years of experience working with businesses to empower them to the make the best use of their technology. A father of two girls, Mark lives in the Barrie area north of Toronto. As an Entrepreneur that graduated from a Journalism program, Mark enjoys connecting with other startup businesses via Social Media, live networking and, blogging. He can't wait to connect with fellow Canadian Startups across the country!

Risa
Learning & Impact Lead

Risa is a Montreal-based social finance, impact investing and philanthropy expert with experience in training, module development and research. As a graduate of McGill University, Risa is passionate about entrepreneurship and creating high-impact solutions. 

Marianna
Experience, Website & Programs Lead

Marianna is an enthusiastic self-starter with a passion for network marketing and social media. Marianna’s experience with various high-tech startups propels her to excel in strategic marketing development and implementation. Marianna combines an Honors degree in Psychology and Consumer Behaviour with a Post-Graduate diploma in Advertising and Marketing Management. Marianna strives to help others find their passion and strongly believes that mentorship and support can further the spirit and momentum of Canadian entrepreneurs.

CONNECT

Patrick Kluer
Startup Connect Manager

Patrick founded Kleurvision Inc. visual communications studio in 2004 for the reason of expanding his creative expression. An entrepreneur at heart, Patrick is used to wearing many hats.  His background is in graphic design and creative direction, though more recently has become an expert in web development, as well as social and digital marketing in regards to business growth and strategy. Spending four years at the beginning of his career in motion and broadcast graphics on a national level, he quickly became adapt to deploying high impact visual communications that made a statement and engaged the audience. 

 

Patrick is also the Chief Marketing Officer of The Software Colony - for profit incubation firm that extends services and business expertise to the startup community. The Software Colony was launched in the third quarter of 2012 and launched its first two businesses by Christmas of that year.

 

"Entrepreneurial opportunity shines everywhere but the traditional path to market has shifted to a predominantly digital battleground. Exploration and innovation in revenue models, marketing strategies, user interface, and more importantly, user experience is what is going to make one business stand out from another."

CAMPAIGN

Miguel Bremer
Canada Startup Report

As Bill Strickland once mentioned: "Success is the point where your most authentic talents, passion, values, and experiences intersect with the chance to contribute to some greater good".

 

Serial Entrepreneur. Experience in taking a company through the full business cycle. Firm believer that Entrepreneurship catalyzes long-term economic growth, especially if supported by trusted networks, mentorship, inspiration, and access to capital.

Trilingual, with international work experience in Mexico, United States, Canada, Germany, and Japan. Passionate about entrepreneurship, alternative investments, technology, creativity & innovation. 

 

Actively advising entrepreneurs and startups as an Endeavor Mentor since 2008. Invited to the Board of CEDIM in 2010, a higher education institution in Mexico with undergraduate and graduate curriculum offerings in design with special focus on innovation and business. More recently led entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem development initiatives in Mexico to increase regional innovation capabilities, entrepreneurship activity & education, and investment capacity.

 

Holds a BBA in International Business from the ITESM (Tecnologico de Monterrey) Magna Cum Laude, and an MBA with concentration in finance and investments from Harvard Business School.

 

Loving husband and proud father of three beautiful children. Passionate about life. An optimist by nature... always on the lookout for opportunities to savor every day to the fullest. Enjoys reading, collecting quotes & phrases, playing golf, cooking, and leisure travel.

Shannon Fox
Campaign Team Manager

Shannon is an alumnus of Western University, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Social Justice and Peace Studies. To further diversify her skillset, she did her postgraduate studies at Fanshawe College with a focus on Marketing, Public Relations and Corporate Communications.

Fresh from Fanshawe College, Shannon now works for a digital marketing agency in Toronto. In her spare time, she combines her love of design and new technology with a side startup project. Coming from a long line of entrepreneurs, Shannon is very passionate about accelerated innovation, community development and entrepreneurial engagement.

Allison Smith Photo
1000 Startups Manager

Allison is passionate about social innovation, community engagement and creative marketing. She enjoys working with teams to foster new ideas and mentoring others to reach their full potential.

 

She holds a Master’s in Management from London Business School and a BScH from Queen’s University. Most recently she interned with a telecare start-up in the UK where she got her first taste of what it takes for a startup to succeed. 

 

In 2011 she moved to New Delhi India to work for a maternal and child health non-profit to develop intervention sites in marginalized communities. Allison is always up for trying something new whether that’s backpacking South East Asia, studying improv at the Second City Training Centre or connecting with new people. 

 

 Allison joined Start-Up Canada to further develop innovation, collaboration and economic growth in Canada.  She aims to help other’s ideas become reality.

Brian Wu
Event Series & Thought Book

Brian is a former tech geek who, through strange twists of fate and choice, became a coach and business consultant with a mission to empower young professionals and entrepreneurs to build extraordinary careers that are personally, socially and economically fulfilling. 

 

Brian has one slow, painful startup failure under his belt - and since then, he became a devote student of startup methodologies as well as coaching and spiritual practices. This interdisciplinary training gave him a balanced perspective in entrepreneurial research that utilizes both reason and intuition.

 

Brian holds a BASc in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Waterloo and is a huge fan of robotics and artificial intelligence. He is an event organizer at Vancouver Business Network (one of the largest business meetups in the world with 2,600+ members), as well as a frequent volunteer at local TEDx events and startup events. He resides in Richmond, BC.

Dylan Lidster
Researcher

Dylan has been a successful entrepreneur, collaboration expert and angel investor. From his earliest business experience selling old vintage toys and nostalgic items from a store front while dabbling online. He has been involved in a variety of companies across Canada ranging from telecommunications, agriculture, aviation, computer engineering, internet and finance. 

 

Dylan is a wealth of information and true visionary leader that has helped overhaul and reconstruct many businesses. His unique perspectives and hard work ethics will lead others to seek mentorship and reach their own goals. Current interests include advanced technologies, precision agriculture, nanotechnologies and digital interface. He leads many collaborative efforts within his community helping individuals, groups and business startups. Dylan has proven to be an expert in heuristic strategies with simple solutions that benefit business and leaders in their own field of expertise. He strives to meet his goals and create a positive network of peers, while expanding his knowledge and experience.

 

In spare time you can find Dylan golfing, hiking or catching waves at his home surf break year round. Other interests include the dynamics of business ecosystems, homesteading and superior well-being. His latest blueprints include working with advanced technology and precision agriculture to support and create a more sustainable society. Dylan has high hopes of his blueprints which include making open agriculture a reality. He loves to call this magnificent country his home. 
CANADA