Who We Are
ventureLAB is a leading technology hub that supports tech entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Located in York Region, Canada’s densest technology cluster, ventureLAB has supported over 2,000 entrepreneurs in a region that is home to over 4,300 technology companies and 65,000 tech jobs. ventureLAB’s 50,000 square foot innovation hub is home to over 45 tech companies and innovation partners that employ over 300 people. At ventureLAB, we support tech entrepreneurs through programs focused on capital, talent, technology, and customers, to advance Canada’s economy on a local, national and global scale.
We grow globally competitive tech titans that build-to-scale in Canada.
To make our region a destination of choice for technology firms to create globally competitive companies, building and scaling in Canada.
We have an amazing, diverse team dedicated to creating an even more amazing community to help tech companies build, grow, and scale their businesses. From former entrepreneurs to seasoned former industry executives to young, fresh talent, we’re here to help!
Melissa Chee, President and CEO
Matt Skynner, COO
Jane Gertner, VP, Partnerships
Wei Guo, Manager, Partnerships
Sep Assadian, Director, Venture Growth
Lisa Shi, Manager, Programs
Harman Grewal, Director, Innovation Space
Mayavan Raja, Manager, First Impressions
Curtis Eakins, Manager, Business Analysis
Chris Cory, Venture Growth Advisor
Heather Crosbie, Venture Growth Advisor
Jeremy O’Krafka, Venture Growth Advisor
John Pomeroy, Venture Growth Advisor
Paul Rivett, Venture Growth Advisor
Justine Kintanar, Director, External Relations and Communications
Sanchi Illuri, Manager, Marketing and Communications
Ryan Cudmore, Manager, Events and Digital Marketing
Matt Hicks, Controller
Teresa Chow, Manager, Finance
Marion Balfour, Executive Assistant
Our diverse board includes high-profile entrepreneurs and investors, high-profile female entrepreneurs and investors, previous industry executives, and senior executives from leading provincial and national healthcare providers that provide leadership and support for ventureLAB.
Karna Gupta, Chair of the Board, ventureLAB; Board of Directors, EDC
Paul Bradley, Treasurer of the Board, ventureLAB; President, MedTech Consulting
Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO, Mackenzie Health
Andrew Wilkes, Founding Chair, National Angel Capital Organization
Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Markham
Anthony Gallo, Vice President Digital & Big Data, Canadian Tire
Arden Krystal, President and CEO, Southlake Regional Health Centre
Doug Lindeblom, Director, Economic Strategy, Regional Municipality of York
Sandra Ketchen, Senior Vice-President Operations at SE Health
Janet Bannister, Partner, Real Ventures
Janet Beed, Director, Advisor
Jo-anne Marr, President and CEO Markham-Stouffville Hospital
Laurel Schollen, Vice-President, Academic, Seneca
Peter Pekos, President and CEO, Dalton Pharma Services
Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor, York University
Ross Pellizzari, Director, Advisor
Sarah Prevette, Founder & CEO, Future Design School (FDS)
Xerxes Cooper, General Manager, Global Technology Services, IBM Canada
