Markham, ON- The HardTech Investor Network, a deep-tech focused investor network supporting Canadian pre-seed and seed-stage startups, is pleased to announce the appointment of Duncan Stewart and Ana Misra to its Advisory Board. Their extensive experience in investment and technology will be instrumental in driving innovation and expanding capital access within Canada’s deep-tech sector. With their leadership, the network aims to further enhance connections between startups and investors, fueling the growth of Canada’s hardtech ecosystem.
Since its inception, the HardTech Investor Network has grown to include over 85 members dedicated to improving capital access for early stage hardtech and deep-tech companies in Canada. The network fosters collaboration among investors and partners to support the development of the ecosystem. The Advisory Board provides the HardTech Investor Network with strategic guidance, oversees the network’s direction, and champions the connection process between startups and investors. The addition of Duncan and Ana will strengthen the network’s ability to connect startups with the investment community and provide crucial oversight for its continued growth.
“The HardTech Investor Network is proud to welcome Duncan and Ana to our Advisory Board,” said Raymond Chik, Advisory Board Chair in the HardTech Investor Network. “They bring unparalleled expertise and a shared commitment to driving investment in Canada’s deep-tech sector, ensuring the network's strategic direction aligns with the evolving landscape.”
Ana Misra is a seasoned angel investor and executive, recognized for driving value in both entrepreneurial and corporate settings. With a results-oriented approach, strategic acumen, and strong relationship-building skills, she has excelled as a CFO, senior leader, and board member. Her expertise spans management, finance, business operations, strategic planning, and governance. Ana currently serves as Co-Chair of Angel One Network, is the Founder of York Angel Investors Inc., and previously held the role of Treasurer at Brampton Angels. She is also a founding member of the HardTech Investor Network at ventureLAB and a key advisor to the Capital Investment Program, where she mentors entrepreneurs on investor presentations, data room management, due diligence, financial modeling, and term sheet negotiations.
“This is an exciting next step for me, having had the privilege of being a founding member of the HardTech Investor Network alongside many of the board members. Given my deep commitment to the network’s mission, this decision to continue contributing in a larger capacity was an easy and natural one,” said Ana Misra.
Duncan Stewart has spent his entire career in hard tech. He is currently a Partner with the Deep Tech Venture Fund at the Business Development Bank of Canada, the largest early stage deep tech investor in Canada. He started his career with 15 years in Silicon Valley at Stanford University and Hewlett-Packard Labs leading DARPA programs on the future of computing. Back in Canada he led the NRC Canadian National Lab Security and Disruptive Technologies research centre for 10 years on dual-use quantum physics and chemistry programs before joining BDC in 2019.
"I'm excited to join the HardTech Investor Network's Advisory Board at such a pivotal time for tech in Canada. Given challenging geopolitics, the key question is: what do our trading partners and allies value about Canada? And the answer, beyond our natural resources, is our hard tech talent. Specifically, Canada's extraordinarily productive scientific research and development ecosystem. It's our superpower. We just need to accelerate innovation and convert more of that world leading research into global deep tech industry leaders." said Duncan Stewart.
By assembling a powerhouse of industry leaders and investors, the Network continues to amplify access to critical capital and accelerate the growth of transformative technologies. The HardTech Investor Network Advisory Board plays a decisive role in ensuring Canada’s leadership on the global stage of hardtech innovation.
For more information about the HardTech Investor Network, please visit https://www.venturelab.ca/hardtech-investor-network
