Ehsan Mokhtari

CTO and Co-Founder, ChargeLab

Ehsan is the CTO and Co-Founder of ChargeLab, where he leads the development of cutting-edge EV infrastructure across Canada. With his leadership, ChargeLab has raised over $30 million in venture funding and built a team of more than 60 professionals, including a 35-person engineering division. Together, they’ve created scalable software that connects thousands of EV chargers, driving the future of clean transportation. In 2024, Ehsan waw selected as one of the top Canadian executives by the Globe and Mail. Before ChargeLab, Ehsan co-founded Sentrant Security, where he directed both engineering and business strategy. He co-created a cloud-based fraud detection systems and co-authored two U.S. patents. After Sentrant’s successful acquisition by Nielsen, Ehsan joined as Principal Engineer, integrating Sentrant’s technology into Nielsen’s global operations. With deep expertise in software architecture, startup growth, and clean tech innovation, Ehsan brings an insightful perspective to engineering leadership.

Elizabeth Collinson

Intellectual Property Advisor, Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)

Elizabeth Collinson has worked with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) for more than 20 years in a variety of roles, including trademark examiner and business development officer. She has a passion for helping entrepreneurs understand the importance and value of intellectual property and believes strongly in providing service excellence to clients. Elizabeth is also an inactive Trademark Agent, listed on the Canadian Patent Agent and Trademark Agent (CPATA) register.

Michelle Cathers

Senior Manager, Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII)

SOFII’s success is driven by a lean but highly skilled team with deep industry knowledge. Michelle Cathers, Senior Manager, Programs at CFEO, is widely regarded for her hands-on approach and strategic lens. Michelle has spent 8 years as the program manager for SOFII at CFEO. Prior to this, she spent 11 years with Community Futures Peterborough in the roles of program coordinator, loans administrator, and finally loans manager.

Jean Barrett

Manager, Community Microfinance Program, Alterna Savings

Jean Barrett brings over 25+ years of banking experience in the Retail and Commercial sectors. As the Manager of Alterna Savings’ award-winning Community Microfinance Program, she oversees eight community microloan portfolios and manages 250+ small business borrowers in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa Region annually. Certified in financial literacy, Jean advises individuals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, and she frequently speaks on business planning, credit, budgeting, and financing. She also supports ACCESS Community Capital Loan Fund and the Ottawa Community Loan Fund teams.

Priscilla Iyari

Regional Marketing & Outreach at FACE

Priscilla Iyari is an astute brand and marketing communications professional with over 14 years of experience in building and scaling beloved brands across various industries and 16 countries. She is the Regional Marketing and Communications Outreach Officer at FACE Coalition. At FACE, she manages all stakeholder partnerships and relationships across Ontario, and connects black entrepreneurs to funding, resources, opportunities and wrap-around support that help them launch and scale their businesses to create generational wealth. In 4 years, FACE Has funded over 500 black businesses across Canada to the tune of $50 million.

Diem Le

Regional Advisor, ventureLAB and Fund Lead – Bloom Impact Capital

Diem is a Regional Advisor at ventureLAB and Fund Lead at Bloom Impact Capital, where she champions the next generation of agriculture and nature-focused startups. She began her career in the highly regulated pharmaceutical sector, building expertise in compliance and market entry, before pivoting into e-commerce and tech after earning her Ivey MBA. Since then, she has worked as a startup consultant, VC analyst, and became an angel investor. Bridging corporate rigor with entrepreneurial insight, Diem provides founders not only with capital, but strategic guidance to navigating complex challenges.

Fazely Shabab Chowdhury

Vice President, Credit Advisory, RBCx

Fazely Shabab Chowdhury has a background in finance, venture capital and entrepreneurship. Currently, he is a Vice President, Credit Advisory at RBC’s tech and innovation banking practice, RBCx, where he provides credit solutions to venture capital backed companies in Canada. Previously, he has helped startups from pre-seed to Series A raise venture capital and grants while working with the Accelerator Centre as a Senior Associate, Investment Advisory. Prior to that he spent time working with startups at the Toronto Business Development Centre. He also had a spell in lower middle market private equity at Alnes Capital while he was completing an MBA degree from the University of New Brunswick.

Josie Buccini

CEO of Lavender and Water

Josie Buccini is the founder of Lavender and Water, a bath and body brand rooted in natural ingredients and self-care. With over 20 years in the cosmetics industry, Josie has worked with celebrities and developed products featured in high-profile events like the 65th Grammy Awards.

Mario Xu

CEO of StoryBee

Mario Xu is the founder of StoryBee, a global educational platform that simplifies complex knowledge through beautifully illustrated picture books. With over thousands of human-created titles and millions of pages read worldwide, StoryBee bridges the gap between advanced concepts and young learners, making education accessible and engaging for all. Mario is passionate about democratizing learning, fostering creativity, and empowering the next generation through storytelling and innovation.

Ana Misra

Founder of York Angel Investors and Advisor, ventureLAB

Ana Misra is a seasoned Angel Investor and accomplished executive, recognized for driving value in both entrepreneurial and corporate settings. Known for her results oriented approach, strategic acumen, and strong relationship building skills, Ana 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 served as Treasurer of Brampton Angels. She is also a founding member and Advisory Board member of the HardTech Investor Network (HIN) 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.

Gaurav Bansal

CEO of AMG Venture Partners and Advisor, ventureLAB

Gaurav is a tech investor and startup advisor with a portfolio of over 35+ investments across 10 countries and experience in US$2Bn+ worth of IPOs, M&A, and private equity deals. As a Fractional Business Partner to CEOs, he specializes in investment readiness, AI/ML strategy, and global expansion. Gaurav serves as an Expert in Residence and Mentor across government-backed startup programs in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, and is a member of 550+ global angel syndicates. Gaurav has held key roles at multiple venture capital funds and investment banks, bringing deep sector expertise in MedTech, Robotics, Fintech, and Sustainability.

Dejana Dua

Venture Partner, Anexa Capital and Advisor, ventureLAB

Dejana Dua is an early-stage investor, strategic advisor, and ecosystem builder with 25+ years of experience guiding technology ventures from concept to commercialization. As Managing Partner at Anexa Capital, she backs founders tackling global challenges in AI/ML, cybersecurity, life sciences, clean tech, quantum, and enterprise infrastructure. At ventureLAB, Dejana serves as Head of the Hardtech Investor Network, building national and global investment pathways for Canada’s most ambitious hardtech companies. She also leads the Investment Readiness Program, which has helped entrepreneurs unlock over $100M in combined equity and non-dilutive funding. Her expertise spans technical and market diligence, go-to-market strategy, and guiding founders through traction, product validation, and capital formation. Dejana's portfolio companies have won global innovation awards, secured landmark contracts, and attracted world-class investors including Khosla Ventures, M12, and Insight Partners. Dejana serves on the Board of Advisors at the George Washington University School of Business and mentors with Techstars, The Firehood, Ignite GTM, and Connectpreneur, advocating for women in tech and advancing global innovation.