The HardTech Investor Network, a prominent investor group based in Markham, Ontario, has appointed two distinguished professionals, Duncan Stewart and Ana Misra, to its Advisory Board.
This move aims to enhance the network’s efforts in supporting Canadian startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, particularly those in deep-tech sectors.
Ana Misra: A Veteran of the Angel Investment World
Ana Misra brings a wealth of experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings.
As an angel investor and executive, she has a strong track record of adding value to businesses across various industries.
Misra’s expertise includes management, finance, strategic planning, governance, and business operations.
Currently, she co-chairs the Angel One Network and founded York Angel Investors Inc.
Previously, she served as Treasurer for Brampton Angels.
Misra’s contributions extend beyond angel investment, as she is also a founding member of the HardTech Investor Network at ventureLAB.
Additionally, she plays an important role in mentoring through the Capital Investment Program, where she advises entrepreneurs on key areas such as investor presentations, due diligence, financial modeling, and term sheet negotiations.
Duncan Stewart: A Lifelong Career in Hard Tech
Duncan Stewart’s career in deep-tech spans several decades, with a notable history of leadership in research and development.
He is currently a Partner at the Deep Tech Venture Fund within the Business Development Bank of Canada, where he helps guide early-stage deep-tech investments.
Stewart’s career began in Silicon Valley, where he spent 15 years at Stanford University and Hewlett-Packard Labs leading DARPA programs related to the future of computing.
Returning to Canada, Stewart led the National Research Council’s Security and Disruptive Technologies research center for 10 years, focusing on dual-use quantum physics and chemistry programs.
In 2019, he joined BDC, where his expertise continues to contribute to the development of Canada’s deep-tech sector.
A Vision for Growth in Canada’s Hard-Tech Ecosystem
The addition of Stewart and Misra to the Advisory Board will undoubtedly accelerate the growth of the HardTech Investor Network.
Their extensive experience in both investment and technology will be crucial for increasing innovation and expanding access to capital within Canada’s deep-tech sector.
The goal is to foster stronger connections between Canadian startups and investors, which will help scale and support the country’s hard-tech ecosystem.
Expanding the Network’s Reach
Since its founding, the HardTech Investor Network has grown significantly, now comprising over 85 members.
These members are focused on improving capital access for early-stage hard-tech and deep-tech companies in Canada.
The network encourages collaboration among investors and partners, ultimately aiming to strengthen the ecosystem as a whole.
The Advisory Board plays a pivotal role in providing strategic direction, ensuring the network’s growth, and facilitating the crucial connections between startups and investors.
By building on these leadership additions, the HardTech Investor Network is set to drive the next wave of innovation in Canada’s hard-tech sector.