OTTAWA, ON – October 4, 2022 – The Board of Directors, and Executive team of Startup Canada warmly welcomes Paula Kwan and Sergio Escobar as newly appointed members to the Startup Canada Board of Directors. Both Paula and Sergio bring an abundance of entrepreneurial experience to their new role as Startup Canada Board members, while providing fresh and new perspectives and voices to the table.
“We are excited to have Paula and Sergio join the board of directors. Their unique breadth of knowledge and experience will help us achieve the ambitious goals that we have set for Startup Canada in the next 5 years,” said Startup Canada Board Chair, Brenda Halloran. “Their expertise will provide guidance for Startup Canada as we continue to support and champion the needs of Canadian entrepreneurs from coast to coast to coast.”
Paula joins the board as an experienced leader in scaling startup organizations. As an innovation lead at KPMG, she is excited to use her knowledge of innovation practices and processes to implement best practices at Startup Canada.
“After traveling the world building world-class businesses, teams, and products with top tier entrepreneurs and governments, I can say that Canada is a very special place for big thinkers and leaders who are looking to disrupt traditional industries and markets”, said Paula Kwan, Innovation Lead at KPMG. “We’re not without our challenges, so my goal is to work closely with Kayla, and my fellow Board Members, to bring my network and experience in scaling startups, emerging tech, government innovation, IPO strategies, and management consulting to Startup Canada – I couldn’t be more excited and honored.”
Sergio joins the board as a longstanding supporter of Startup Canada through his role as a community leader for Startup Montreal. In his new role as the Managing Director at BCF Ventures, he has built a strong understanding of the fundraising landscape in Canada and is determined to support every Canadian entrepreneur in any way that he can.
“Startup Canada is the most prestigious grass-roots organization supporting entrepreneurs from coast to coast. As an entrepreneur turned startup community leader turned venture capitalist for corporations and family offices, I am incredibly excited to join the Board of Directors”, said Sergio Escobar, CEO and Managing Director at BCF Ventures. “I am truly convinced that small businesses can thrive, despite any economical downturn, when entrepreneurs receive the proper tools, education and opportunities. As a society, we need to make sure that the ‘Canadian Dream’ remains alive for everyone and that entrepreneurship remains a viable option for millions of Canadians.”
“We could not be more thrilled to have Paula and Sergio join our board of directors”, said Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada. “They are joining the organization at a critical time as we look to scale our flagship programs to more entrepreneurs than ever before. Their resources and expertise will help us make this happen”.
To learn more about the Startup Canada Board of Directors and how to get involved, visit Startup Canada: Meet the Team.