|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The TiEQuest Judging panel is illustrious and is comprised of leading venture capitalists, investment professionals and successful entrepreneurs. The following professionals (listed in alphabetical order) were involved in judging various stages of TiEQuest 2009. We thank each of them for their hard work and dedication.
Top
| Al Sovani (B. Comm., MBA)
Al Sovani, has over 20 years experience in diversified industry settings and at senior levels in corporate banking, venture capital and ownership in businesses availing him of opportunities in entrepreneurial start-ups and larger businesses. Currently, he is a director in a number of joint ventures and is CFO of CP Equities Inc. Mr. Sovani also serves an advisory role at the Centennial College Centre of Entrepreneurship where he provides consultancy in areas such as Introduction to Business Planning, Business Plan Clinic, Success Team and Business Plan Review. He also utilizes his broad experience in areas of strategic business planning and financial management to help entrepreneurs lead their ideas to successful businesses.
Top
| Andy Mittra (Sr. Manager, BDC)
Anindya ( Andy) Mittra is Senior Manager at Business Development Bank of Canada. Prior to this he was a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones ,Canada, Group Product Manager at Seychelles Marketing Board, Export Manager at Reckitt and a Design Engineer at Development Consultants. He holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the Queen’s School of Business, an MIB from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade and a BCE from Jadavpur University. Mr. Mitra is an experienced Finance professional who brings great expertise in this area for startup and growth companies.
Top
| Ashu Usmani (CEO, Ashmore Global Inc.)
Ashu Usmani is CEO of Ashmore Global Inc., an IT Consulting firm providing consulting services to companies in financial services, telecom and energy sectors. Ashu has served in management roles at Professional Services firms such as KPMG, Andersen and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He co-founded an IT software b2b venture. Later, he exited to launch Ashmore Global, his own IT consulting enterprise. He also works with entrepreneurs during the early stages of the venture. He successfully co-led the initiative to bring TiE to Toronto. Ashu is a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Top
| Charles Todd (Associate, Fasken Martineau)
Charles Todd is an associate at Fasken Martineau"s business law section and a member of the Information Technology Group. He is engaged in a broad corporate/commercial practice and has gained particular experience in asset and share acquisitions, private placements, reorganizations and consulting and customer/supplier arrangements. Prior to joining the firm as an associate, Charles articled with the firm in 2006-2007. Charles also spent two summers at the firm, first as a fellow for University of Toronto"s Centre for Innovation Law and Policy in 2004, and then as a summer student in 2005, when he was seconded to the War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity section of the Department of Justice. Charles holds a JD from the University of Toronto and a BA from the University of Waterloo.
Top
| Dr. Diana Pliura
Dr. Diana Pliura has over 25 years working in Pharma/Biotechnology and brings experience in advancing therapeutics products through all stages of development from discovery, target identification, lead optimization, preclinical development, manufacturing, technology transfer and early to late stage clinical development. In various senior executive roles, she has participated in securing over $100 million in equity financing from the private and public capital markets and has led or assisted companies through acquisitions, partnerships and IPO"s. Previously, Diana has served as an Executive Vice President at YM BioSciences, founding CEO of DELEX Therapeutics Inc., Company Creator to the Eastern Technology Seed Investment Fund, Vice President of Research at Hemosol Inc. and Head of the Division of General Biochemistry at Syntex (Canada) Research. Currently, Diana is President of ALBRY Inc. which provides strategic advisory and management services to emerging life sciences initiatives, investors, technology transfer offices, and established companies undergoing transition.
Top
| Dominic Talalla (Managing Partner, Trellis Capital)
Dominic Talalla is Managing Partner of Trellis Capital Corporation an organization that provides venture capital funding for start-up and growth companies. After graduating with a B.Eng from McMaster in Mech Mgt "93, Dominic Talalla obtained an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University. Talalla sits on the Board of Directors of Sciemetric Instruments. In addition, he is an active member of the Canadian Venture Capital Association, particularly the Professional Development Committee. In the past he has served as Director of BDC Venture Capital and as a General Manager at General Electric.
Top
| Dr. Lakshmanan (Vice-Chairman & CEO, Process Research ORTECH Inc.)
Dr. Lakshmanan is the Vice-Chairman and CEO of Process Research ORTECH Inc. Dr. V.I. Lakshmanan is an internationally renowned scientist, innovator, entrepreneur and teacher in the area of technologies for sustainable development. He has more than 40 years of hands-on experience in technology development and commercialization, having successfully guided process technologies from concept through development and demonstration to commercialization for energy (including renewable energy), resources and chemical (including specialty chemical) industries. Dr. Lakshmanan has consistently identified and developed innovative applications in technology commercialization. Born and educated in India, Dr. Lakshmanan obtained his Ph.D in Chemistry from Bombay University and moved to Canada in 1974 after serving as Lecturer in University of Birmingham, UK. His corporate experience includes roles in Noranda, Eldorado Nuclear, ORTECH Corporation and Process Research ORTECH, the last of which he founded and guided to become a global leader in sustainable process technologies through its laboratory and pilot plant. He has extensive client contacts and relationships at senior levels with major international corporations, as well as academic and government sectors globally. Dr. Lakshmanan is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and Fellow, Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and holds numerous patents. He is a founder/member of the Canada India Foundation. Dr Lakshmanan is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Metallurgy and Materials Science with the University of Toronto.
Top
| Hmayak (Mike) Arazyan (Relationship Manager, Royal Bank of Canada)
Mike Arazyan is a relationship manager in Knowledge Based Industries (KBI) group at RBC. He works with innovative technology companies in GTA and helps them grow by working with them one-on-one and focusing on their critical issues to determine the right solution. Prior to joining RBC, Mike worked in term lending group of Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) for 3 years and in the World Bank in Washington, DC for 4 years as business and strategy consultant for newly established IT companies in 43 countries. His experience also includes working in a consulting company and an innovative financial institution in Armenia. He holds an MBA from IUP (USA). Mike is involved with York Technology Alliance (YTA) and Maple Leaf Angels group. He also volunteers for a medical association, as well as an organization working with new immigrants. Mike is married and has 2 children.
Top
| Kanta Wadhwan (Partner, Baker & McKenzie)
Kanta Wadhwan is a partner in the Toronto office of Baker & McKenzie. Her practice focuses on commercial and regulatory compliance with an emphasis on advertising and marketing, food and drug regulation, health sector regulation, competition and trade practices and consumer protection. Ms. Wadhwan has extensive experience in the above areas and regularly counsels domestic and international clients on issues relating to packaging and labeling; advertising claims and substantiation, contests and promotions including internet promotions, French language issues, franchise and distribution and licensing agreements, competition and trade practice compliance and consumer protection issues. She holds an LLB (Hons.) from National University of Singapore, an LLM from University of London, and a Certificate of Accreditation from Queen"s University in Kingston, Ontario. She is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and the Law Society of Upper Canada.
Top
| Kris Shah (President, OME Group)
Kris Shah is President and Co-Founder of the OME Group of Consultants and Chief Technology Officer at Baylis Medical. Kris obtained his bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and received his Professional Engineering designation 3 years later in 1987. Kris started his career at Bell Northern Research in Ottawa as a Network Architect and then as Product Manager at Nortel in Toronto. In 1990, he rejoined a University of Waterloo colleague at a start up medical device company, Baylis Medical. Kris was instrumental in product development and headed the firm"s design, manufacturing and quality departments. From 1993 through 1997, Kris moved Baylis Medical through regulatory affairs hurdles and had published numerous papers and patents relating to the Baylis Medical RF technology. Kris has an extensive knowledge of R&D processes and is an expert at resolving technical challenges. During this same time frame, Kris started a second project in research and development consulting-OME Group. Kris recognized a need in the business sector for a knowledgeable and accurate understanding of the Canada Revenue Agency"s Scientific Research & Experimental Development program. Initial growth from 1993 to 1999 for OME Group came through existing Baylis Medical suppliers, peers and clients and referrals from satisfied OME Group clients. Kris has successfully filed for upwards of 100 clients and managed their claims through the CRA refund process.
Top
| Krista Napier (Sr. Analyst, IDC Canada)
Krista Napier is a Senior Analyst within IDC Canada"s Competitive Intelligence Practice, Krista delivers strategic insight into the changing competitive dynamics of the Canadian ICT sector. Leveraging publicly available information and primary research vehicles such as IDC"s research panels and executive interviews, Krista helps clients secure competitive advantages in today"s rapidly changing environment. Krista brings to her role deep insight from her research into emerging Canadian ICT companies through her work as the lead analyst for IDC Canada"s Technology Innovation Watch report series which highlights up and coming Canadian technology stars, and her support of IDC Canada"s Market Acceleration Program - an initiative designed to help emerging Canadian IT companies succeed in bringing their products and services to market. Krista"s research in this area is sought after by investors, large and small technology companies, and government organizations looking to better understand these companies and trends and support the commercialization efforts of these innovative technology start-ups. As an industry speaker and media commentator, Krista is at the leading edge of the emerging Canadian ICT market. Krista Napier is completing an MBA part-time at the Schulich School of Business at York University, and holds an Honors of Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfred Laurier University where she graduated with distinction.
Top
| Michael Shour (Associate, Fasken Martineau)
Michael Shour is an associate at Fasken Martineau’s Business Law section. He is engaged in a broad corporate/commercial practice. Michael has been involved in variety of matters, including several private acquisitions as well as a successful hostile take-over defense. Prior to joining the firm as an associate, Michael articled with the firm in 2008-2009. Michael also spent two summers at the firm, first as a fellow for University of Toronto’s Centre for Innovation Law and Policy in 2006, and then as a summer student in 2007, when he was seconded to EdgeStone Capital Partners, one of Canada"s leading private equity firms. Michael holds an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University and an HBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western, Ontario.
Top
| Peter Sutherland (Sr. Business Advisor Asia, Aird & Berlis LLP)
Peter Sutherland mentors Canadian companies interested in doing business in India as director of India Initiative at TiE Toronto. Mr. Sutherland joined Aird & Berlis LLP after a distinguished diplomatic career which included service as Canada"s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, High Commissioner to India and as Director General, International Business Operations in the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Mr. Sutherland"s other foreign assignments included postings in the United States, Hungary, Ivory Coast and as an attorney in the Inter-American Development Bank. Mr. Sutherland is currently the Vice-Chairman of the Canada-India Business Council. Peter is also member of Canada-Arab Business Council, Canada-India Business Council, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. Peter holds B.A. (Hons.), University of Toronto, J.D., University of Toronto and M.S.A., George Washington University. In addition, he is also International Fellow of the Harvard University.
Top
| Ram Ramkumar (Chairman, Process Research ORTECH Inc.)
Ram Ramkumar is the Chairman of Process Research ORTECH Inc. Ram has spent over 24 years of his career in the Office Furniture industry. He held CFO, VP Operations and GM positions at Reff Incorporated, a manufacturer of high end furniture. Subsequently, he was CEO and principal shareholder of Inscape Corporation, a leading edge office furniture company, overseeing the growth of its annual revenue from $20 million to $170 million. Both companies went public on the TSE. He is also Chairman and principal shareholder of ASL Group, a maker of pressure sensitive labels for the consumer products industry, as well as Vice-Chairman and principal shareholder of Children’s Television Workshop, operating franchises in North America to teach children science and technology. He is a member of the Board of Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and has been a member of the Board of Cedara Software and Angoss Software.
Top
| Sachin Mahajan (VP, Genuity Capital Markets)
Sachin Mahajan is a vice president and partner with Canada"s leading independent full service Investment Bank - Genuity Capital Markets. Sachin is a member of the Mergers and Acquisitions group of the firm. Sachin has been involved on numerous Merger and Acquisitions transactions across various industry sectors since 2001 including consumer and industrial products, technology, media and telecommunications, mining and real estate. Over the last seven years he has advised on a broad range of complex financial transactions including cross border transactions, take-over bids, private acquisitions, going private transactions, recapitalization and restructuring transactions. Currently he is spearheading Genuity Capital Market"s Middle East and India initiative. Prior to joining Genuity Capital Markets in 2005, Sachin worked for BMO Nesbitt Burns as a member of its Mergers & Acquisitions Group. Sachin received his Masters in Business Administration from Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario and has obtained his Chartered Accountant designation from Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He received his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from Delhi University in 1996 and attended law school at the same university between 1996-1999.
Top
| Sriram H. Iyer (President, ICICI Bank Canada)
Sriram H. Iyer joined ICICI Bank in his native India in 1996 as a management trainee, a newly minted MBA from the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore. Just 12 years later he was named president and chief operating officer for ICICI Bank Canada, based in Toronto. He admits he was tapped early in his career as what he calls "a high performer." Starting in the corporate finance division in India, he then moved to the group that dealt with the bank"s 100 top customers. When ICICI decided to take a lesson from HSBC Bank and expand globally, he was tapped as the go-to guy to organize the bank"s expansion into Canada. Starting in the summer of 2003 as vice-president of strategy, he was responsible for gaining a license, creating a head office, writing policies and procedures manuals and planning the banks expansion first in the Greater Toronto Area, then into British Columbia and Alberta. A year ago he took over the president"s job. His goal now is to see the ICICI flag flying in all provinces within five years.
Top
| Sunny Kumar (Investment Fund Manager, IAF, OCE)
Sunny Kumar is an Investment Manager with the Investment Accelerator Fund, a $27.5M seed fund. Sunny joined the IAF in the fall of 2007 and is responsible for evaluating investment opportunities and reviewing business plans, conducting and managing due diligence, working with companies to refine their "pitch", preparing an investment thesis to recommend investment in appropriate opportunities to the IAF Management and Investment Committees, negotiating investment terms, facilitate closing of transactions, and managing relationships with IAF portfolio companies. Sunny has closed numerous transactions and sits as an Observer on the Board of Directors of 6 portfolio companies. He holds an HBSc (Neuroscience) as well as MHSc and PhD (Molecular Oncology) degrees from the University of Toronto. He then went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School (Viral Oncology).
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|