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.
Relentless: We don’t give up, we are resourceful and open-minded. We follow through.
Visionary: We project a future of prosperity for our clients and partners.
Inspiring: We are transparent, we listen. We are positive, we do not judge ourselves or others. We challenge each other to always do better.
Innovative: We all contribute new innovative ideas and strategies. We are curious and ask questions for clarity.
Results: We are proactive and decisive. We do what we say we will do. We are accountable. We have fact-based discussions.
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
Avinash Persaud, VP, Hardware Catalyst Initiative
Frank Spagnuolo, Director, Hardware Catalyst Initiative
Jane Gertner, VP, Partnerships
Harman Grewal, Director, Partnership Operations
Wei Guo, Manager, Partnerships
Deborah Adeboyejo, Coordinator, Partner Programs
Sep Assadian, Director, Venture Growth
Lisa Shi, Director, Programs
Kristie Kiatipis, Coordinator, Programs
Brenna Ireland, Director, Innovation Space
Mayavan Raja, Manager, Innovation Space
Curtis Eakins, Manager, Business Analysis
Ana Misra, Venture Growth Advisor
Chris Cory, Venture Growth Advisor
Colin Hung, Venture Growth Advisor
Garry Chan, Venture Growth Advisor
Heather Crosbie, Venture Growth Advisor
John Pomeroy, Venture Growth Advisor
Paul Rivett, Venture Growth Advisor
Justine Kintanar, VP, External Relations and Communications
Sanchi Illuri, Manager, Marketing and Communications
Ryan Cudmore, Manager, Events and Digital Marketing
Chris Udoeyop, Coordinator, Marketing & Communications
Matt Hicks, Controller
Scott Carpenter, Project Manager, Special Projects
Marion Balfour, Executive Assistant
Zeno Sirbu, IT Advisor
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.
Paul Bradley, Chair of the Board, ventureLAB; President, MedTech Consulting
Andy Taylor, Treasurer of the Board, ventureLAB; Chief Administrative Officer, City of Markham
Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO, Mackenzie Health
Anthony Gallo, Vice President Digital & Big Data, Canadian Tire
Arden Krystal, President and CEO, Southlake Regional Health Centre
Bruce Macgregor, Chief Administrative Officer, Regional Municipality of York
Janet Beed, Director, Advisor
Jo-anne Marr, President and CEO Markham-Stouffville Hospital
Laurel Schollen, Vice-President, Academic, Seneca
Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor, York University
Ross Pellizzari, Director, Advisor
Sandra Ketchen, Senior Vice-President Operations at SE Health
Sarah Prevette, Founder & CEO, Future Design School (FDS)
