After three years guiding early-stage companies through the University of Ottawa’s Startup Garage, Nolan Beanlands says he’s excited to “move up the development cycle” in his new role as executive director of the Capital Angels Network.
Taking the helm at the local angel investors group, Mr. Beanlands will depart his role as managing director at Startup Garage where he says he first fell in love with Ottawa’s tech scene.
“I really enjoy working with dynamic individuals, entrepreneurs, founders. I’ve found the Ottawa startup ecosystem to be a wonderful community,” he says.
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He sees his new role as a continuation of his previous work in the community. Whereas he helped entrepreneurs take their ideas from concept to execution at Startup Garage, he’ll be able to help startups through the next stages of their development with CAN – namely in facilitating funding.
“I love helping companies. I want to continue in a role that will do that,” Mr. Beanlands says.
Last year, CAN members invested $1.5 million across 17 companies. Its portfolio includes local organizations such as Mindbridge AI, Cliniconex, PageCloud and GymTrack, as well as an exit in the form of the recently-acquired 360pi.
Laurie Davis, an angel investor and co-CEO of the Better Software Co., founded the organization in 2010. Mr. Beanlands replaces Jane Baird in the executive director role.
The executive director’s responsibilities primarily revolve around growing CAN’s membership and facilitating pitch sessions between high-potential startups and the group’s members.
“The better opportunities that come through our door, the more likely we’ll see investments,” he says.
In terms of adding investors to the group, Mr. Beanlands says new additions open opportunities for new areas of expertise and investment, broadening the scope of companies CAN works with.
One of his priorities is to continue to facilitate support between startups and the angels’ network after the cheque has been cashed. The expertise available from both investors and other portfolio members can go a long way in securing a long-term future for startups, he says.
To hear more about Capital Angel Network and about Mr. Beanland’s thoughts on angel investment in Ottawa, tune in to Techopia Live on Monday, Sept. 18 at 12:15 for an in-depth interview.
