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

Laurie has many years of experience in technical and business management as well as technical expertise in hardware and software development. Laurie spent most of his career as a technology executive responsible for developing and delivering large complex hardware and software products. Laurie has been an angel investor since 2002 and was one of the founders of the Capital Angel Network in 2009. Laurie currently spends most of his time mentoring new entrepreneurs and sitting on various boards.

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).

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.

Julia Elvidge

Julia Elvidge works with high technology companies as an advisor, board member and investor. Educated as an electrical engineer, Julia designed microchip circuits before she moving into the business side of technology. As co-founder and President, Julia helped build Chipworks into a global industry leader delivering patent and technology analysis products and services to electronics companies in Asia, Europe and North America. Key business experience includes building SaaS products within a services business, strategy and leadership development. Chipworks was sold to Techinsights in June 2016. Now semi-retired, Julia works part-time at Invest Ottawa as an Advisor, is a co-founder of SheBoot bootcamp program for womxn entrepreneurs and remains a constant advocate for girls and womxn in technology.

Jim McCaw

Jim McCaw, CPA, CA, is the CFO of Cliffbrake Corporation, a family office and investment company.  In this role, Jim reviews all potential new investments.  Prior to Cliffbrake, Jim spent 12 years as CFO of affiliated company Regional Group, growing that company by more than 500%, while establishing eQ Homes – now one of Ottawa’s pre-eminent builders.  Prior to 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 enjoys working with young companies, and helping them position for success.

Suzanne Grant, Executive Director

Suzanne is a passionate champion for Canada's startup ecosystem connecting entrepreneurs with opportunities and capital. She is an advocate for the under-estimated and taking the path less followed. Suzanne is an experienced entrepreneur, having built multiple successful businesses in Canada and abroad.  She is a veteran having served as an engineering officer in Canada's  airforce and army and is currently Advisory Chair for the Youth Company and Principal of STEAM Suite.