Alacrity Canada

Owen Matthews is Chairman of the Alacrity Foundation, which has supported companies generating over $300 million in direct economic impact and bringing $225 million into the western Canadian technology ecosystem. He previously founded Newheights Software, which merged with Counterpath to become a publicly listed Nasdaq company, and serves as a General Partner at Wesley Clover, a venture investment firm with funds across North America, Europe, and Asia. Matthews also holds board positions at multiple technology companies and serves on boards for several community and educational organizations.

Amy Hall is founder and CEO of Goldilocks Goods, an eCommerce brand focused on reducing plastic consumption through designed products. The company has served over 100,000 customers and removed more than 100 million feet of plastic wrap from landfills and waterways. Hall co-organizes Blue Friday, a collective that has raised nearly $130,000 for ocean conservation, and serves on the board of Alacrity Canada.

Ariel White serves as Program Lead Facilitator at ARC Lab under Alacrity Canada, working in digital transformation and data compliance. She provides fractional CMO services to startups and scaling organizations, focusing on content strategy, brand positioning, and marketing systems development.

Cec Primeau is a Principal at Solutions Plus Consulting with experience in corporate leadership, financial management, and information technology. His background includes strategic planning, corporate finance, team building, and decision-making across early-stage and established organizations. He has worked on finance structuring, accounting systems development, budgeting, and financial reporting.

Chris Massot is Director of Operations at Alacrity Canada, where he supports early-stage technology startups and entrepreneurs. With over ten years of experience advising and working with startup teams in British Columbia, he focuses on operational growth and business development.

Helena Zhu is a Partner, Global Expansion at Gem Peak Petcare with a PhD and MBA. She holds certification as a companion animal nutritionist and has extensive experience in strategic marketing, eCommerce, sales, business development, and cross-cultural management across health, nutrition, and pet care sectors in North America and internationally.

Joanna Buczkowska-McCumber is CEO and Chief Impact Strategist at Ideas for Impact Sustainability Agency, where she has led the firm since 2021 in developing sustainability and ESG strategies for businesses and impact-driven organizations. With over 18 years of experience in sustainability strategy implementation, she also serves as a Managing Partner at a venture studio focused on women-led enterprises, an Impact Investing Strategy Fellow at UVic Impact Investing Hub, and an Executive in Residence at the University of Victoria's Innovation Centre. Her work spans impact investing, ESG, and sustainability strategy, with a focus on creating measurable results and sustainable financial models.

Kalyn Adams operates an e-commerce business and has provided marketing strategy support to business owners. She serves as Board Director at Invermere Public Library and facilitates a CRM training course through Alacrity Canada, focusing on digital marketing and online learning tools.

Karl Swannie is Chief Executive Officer of Intlabs.io, a data governance platform serving governments and large enterprises. Previously, he founded and led Echosec Systems, a global intelligence platform focused on real-time security and threat analysis, which he has since exited. With over 20 years in technology leadership, Swannie has held roles as CTO and business developer, and currently serves as an advisor and investor to multiple startups and as chair of a university board.

Leanne Schrader serves as Director of Finance at Alacrity Canada, bringing experience in public practice and enterprise financial operations. Her background includes leading assurance and tax engagements, organizational restructurings, financial analysis, risk management, and governance initiatives across various organizations.

Luan Tolosa is Director of Growth at Alacrity Canada with over 15 years of experience in corporate strategy, operations, business development, and revenue growth across venture, management consulting, and commercial real estate. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Manitoba, an MBA from Queen's University, and a Certificate in Social Impact from Queen's University.

Marie Soltis works as a Salesforce and Data Analyst at Alacrity Canada. She has experience in the marketing and advertising industry with skills spanning online advertising, management, online marketing, leadership, and digital marketing. She holds a degree from the University of Victoria.

Munish Saini is a Professional Engineer with 45+ years of international experience in electrical engineering, renewable energy, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing. At Alacrity Canada, he serves as in-market advisor for India, supporting cleantech and advanced manufacturing companies with market entry, partnerships, and technology commercialization. His technical expertise spans the rare earth value chain from beneficiation through magnet manufacturing, with focus on developing non-Chinese critical mineral supply chains.

Pat White is Director of Corporate Programs at Solink. He brings experience from Wesley Clover International, where he managed projects focused on research and innovation in the Ottawa region, represented the company at industry events, and handled media funding applications. White previously founded Brookstreet Pictures, where he managed financial and staffing operations and oversaw sales and distribution.

Robin McLay is Regional Director of Fulbright Canada West and Senior Advisor to the President and CEO at Fulbright Canada, where he works on academic exchange, international collaboration, and Indigenous-led initiatives. His career includes senior leadership roles at Harvard University, Global Affairs Canada, the MasterCard Foundation, McGill University, and Fulbright Canada, with expertise spanning higher education, philanthropy, and international development. He has built partnerships across government, nonprofits, universities, foundations, and the private sector in areas including international development, Indigenous economic development, health technologies, labor market policy, and impact investing.

Roop Johal is Director of Partner Relations at Alacrity Canada, bringing several years of experience in stakeholder and brand relationship management. He serves on advisory boards for the BC SPCA and Ending Violence Association of BC, and holds positions as Community Advisor to Surrey Cares Community Foundation and Board Member and Communications and Development Chair at Pacifica Treatment Center.

Rory Capern is Chief Operating Officer at Redbrick. He has held leadership positions across Canada's technology and media sectors, with experience in team leadership, sales, and strategic partnerships. His background includes work in digital business transformation, advertising science, and strategic planning.

Skye Champagne is a Senior Bookkeeper at Alacrity Canada with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. She holds an internship designation and is pursuing candidacy in the Chartered Professional Accountants program.

Teresa Brenay is an Accounting & Human Resources Manager at Alacrity Canada, where she oversees payroll systems, benefits administration, and HR processes for over 200 employees. She works with QuickBooks, Wagepoint, and CRM systems to manage financial operations and streamline workflows across onboarding, offboarding, and policy implementation.

Veronica Farmer is Chief Marketing Officer at Wesley Clover International, where she leads global brand strategy across a multi-sector portfolio in technology, real estate, and hospitality. With over 20 years of experience in technology and public-sector organizations, she has advised on brand transformation, capital narratives, and ecosystem development, and previously founded TrueCourse Communications, a communications agency serving North American and European clients. She serves as a board member of the Kanata North Business Association and has held governance roles across innovation organizations.

Built and managed Alacrity programs credited with creating over $500M of value in the Canadian tech ecosystem. Co-founder of the CINdicates community venture fund and a board member of the Carbon Neutral Club.