Jennifer Francis, Chair

Jennifer is a technology mentor, advisor and angel investor. She is a former executive in the information technology and services industry, with experience in Enterprise Software, SaaS, Go-to-market Strategy, Strategic Partnerships. Advocate for girls and women in STEM.  Jennifer holds board positions with Invest Ottawa & the Wabano Centre. She is also a Co-Founder of the SheBoot bootcamp program.

Laurie Davis, Secretary

Former high tech executive, now focussed on angel investing and advising early stage companies. Founder of the Capital Angel Network

Sandra Ng

Sandra, VP at Tesceleration Investments Inc., and SheBoot champion and investor, is passionate about adding value and advocating for Ottawa's startup ecosystem. With extensive experience in business development and strategic planning, Sandra brings her expertise and leadership skills to the Capital Angel Network team.

Dane Bedward

Dane Bedward is CEO of NBot Inc a global commercialization advisory group with experience in a number of biopharmaceutical and medical device product categories. We work with major multinational companies as well as start-ups to ensure global business success. Dane has also recently joined the board of the National Angel Capital Organization (NACO).

Marisa Fosco

As co-founder of a consulting firm catering to the public sector, Marisa helped build, grow, and ultimately sell the firm. As Ametrine 360 principal, she lends her expertise to strategic projects. Marisa is a SheBoot champion, coach, and investor and angel investor with the Capital Angel Network.

Mathieu Gibeault

Passionate about building and launching new companies, Mathieu is actively involved in the Ottawa startup community. Mathieu sits on multiple boards and is Managing Director at Ventured Synergy, a private investment firm focused on early-stage companies. Mathieu has a strong inclination for startups with deep technology roots but also works with any exceptional team with disruptive business models, regardless of the industry.  His latest venture, Northern Nanopore Instruments, develops deep tech that will lead to disruptive applications in digital diagnostics, next-generation information storage, genomics, and proteomics.

Jim McCaw

Jim was instrumental in establishing Cliffbrake Corporation as a family office in January 2021. Jim is responsible for Cliffbrake’s financial and tax strategy, as well as its accounting and reporting. Together with Steve and Nina, he reviews all potential new investments.

Prior to moving to Cliffbrake, Jim spent the previous 12 years as Chief Financial Officer of affiliated company The Regional Group of Companies Inc., a period of dramatic growth in revenue, profitability and employment – all of which grew by more than 500%. During that time, they established eQ Homes Inc., now one of Ottawa’s pre-eminent builders.

Prior to joining Regional Group, Jim acted as CFO of software company Eedo Knowledgeware, where he successfully negotiated a profitable sale for the founders. Jim’s career started with more than 20 years at KPMG, with his last 10 years acting as partner in charge of KPMG’s Ottawa Corporate Finance practice, advising clients on debt and equity financing, mergers & acquisitions, financial strategy and divestiture.

Jim’s professional qualifications include a Bachelor of Mathematics (Dean’s Honours) from University of Waterloo, Chartered Accountant (CA), Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Business Valuator (CBV), a license as a trustee in bankruptcy, and a Corporate Finance (CF) practitioner designation. Also, is a Family Enterprise Advisor.

Jim has a strong commitment to the community, currently acting as a volunteer board member for the Capital Angel Network.

David A Hayes  

A seasoned global technology investor, executive and leader in multiple technologies and Life Science markets. He sits on several charities, NFP and business boards. He brings an astute eye as to how to be successful with innovation and transformation. Experience in 43 countries and 37 Start-Ups including his own: OctaPoint, Zivex, Inter-Security, Green Water, Haggle Now. David has worked as a mentor and consultant with many successful exits and has raised over $45 Million USD.  Previous roles include Global Vice President Corel, CEO of D-Tech, Shatter, Haggle Now, Inter-Sec, UltraPreneur. His mission is to mentor entrepreneurs for rapid growth. BSc. MBA-ITM, Governor General Award recipient.  

Suzanne Grant, Executive Director

Suzanne is a passionate champion for Canada's startup ecosystem connecting entrepreneurs with opportunities and capital. She accepted the challenge to lead an angel group to help demystify fundraising. Suzanne is a successful entrepreneur and has led both a profitable bootstrapped strategic communications agency in Qatar,  and an equity funded cutting edge Med Tech company in  Canada and Australia.  Suzanne discovered her entrepreneurial talent after mobilising the country in support of Rwandan Orphans during the 94 genocide, stepping away from a fast-tracked career as  an engineering officer in Canada's  airforce and army.  She is currently growing a Fractional Chief Growth Officer Practice for SEED to Series A tech firms.

Sara Taghavi Nejad Deylami, Founder Relations

Sara is undergoing a Master's program in Technology Innovation Management and has immersed herself in the world of entrepreneurship. An aspiring tech entrepreneur driven by a desire to create a positive impact on her surroundings through innovation.

With prior experience in the business sector, Sara is enthusiastic about empowering local-based startups