Who we are and what we do
Established in 2010, Venn was founded by a group of tech economy entrepreneurs and stakeholders to support innovation-based economic development. Venn helps New Brunswick tech companies get to market, sustain and grow their business, and scale their operations. Venn is committed to creating a dynamic, globally successful technology industry in New Brunswick that is driven by strategic partnerships, meaningful collaborations, and enhanced cooperation between the business community, the academic and research community, and the government sector.
Our mission
Venn helps tech companies grow and succeed. Whether you are in the early stages of growth, working to strengthen and diversify your markets, or scaling your operations to the next level, Venn provides you with access to quality professional development programming, world class mentoring and advisory services, talent and capital, and connections. Great things happen when ideas, experience and resources converge. How can Venn help you?
Our Team
Doug Robertson, President & CEO
Doug is the founding CEO of the company since its establishment in 2010. With a deep background in innovation policy and economic development, he is a tireless advocate for our industry and the growth of the innovation ecosystem in our region. While leading our strategic direction and stakeholder collaboration, Doug also stays closely connected to our members and partners, and is passionate about staying involved in our community.
Email: doug@venninnovation.com | Phone: (506) 850-0417
Barbara Ells, COO
With a background in the life science industry, Barb brings a wealth of experience in scientific research, product development, product management, and marketing communications to Venn. While her primary responsibility as COO is development and delivery of business programming for our members, Barb truly is the tie that binds it all together. From client services to managing our day to day operations, Barb is at the heart of the Venn experience.
Email: barb@venninnovation.com | Phone: (506) 850-9835
Alicia Ismach, Entrepreneur-in-residence, Fintech and Smart Enterprise Technologies
Alicia brings a wealth of global experience as a serial fintech entrepreneur and successful startup founder. A member of the Technology Committee of the Electronic Transactions Association, Alicia has been developing solutions for financial institutions and the payments industry for over 15 years. She was a Co-Director of the Founder Institute in Tel Aviv, and the founder of Founders Café, an international organization of founders, helping each other at informal meet and greet events.
E-mail: arismach@venninnovation.com
AÏSSA AZZOUZI, Manager, startup incubation services
With more than 35 years of experience as a transformational leader and entrepreneur, Aïssa brings international expertise to Venn Innovation! He served in senior management positions of publicly traded companies and not-for-profits in Europe, North America, North Africa and Asia, has designed business platforms and methodologies, and has founded a startup incubator/accelerator as well as his own fintech startup. Aïssa is enthusiastic about working with new startups and tech companies in our region that want to scale up.
Email: aissa@venninnovation.com | Phone: (506) 269-7591
Kyle Murray-Zelmer, Program Manager, Market Intelligence
Kyle is passionate about helping to cultivate entrepreneurial spirit and resilience in Atlantic Canada. He has wide-ranging knowledge of business, research, coaching and retail strategy. Kyle brings an in-depth understanding of mentorship, project management and insights. Having served on various boards of directors, he has significant experience in building stakeholder relationships.
Email: kyle@venninnovation.com
MEET OUR BOaRD
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Tammy Godfrey - Sauveur, Past Chair
Senior Director of HR, IGT
Ken Leblanc, Chair
President and CEO, Property Guys
Patrick Kerr, Secretary
Lawyer, McInnes Cooper
Doug Robertson, President
CEO, Venn Innovation
BOARD MEMBERS
Daniella DeGrace
CEO, ProcedureFlow
Tosin Ajibola
CEO, Welkom - U Inc.
Yvonne Pilon
President & CEO
WEtech Alliance
Courtney Pringle - Carver
Vice President, University Advancement
Mount Allison University
Paul Gunn
President
Soricimed Biopharma Inc.
Maureen Wojuck
Vice President, Lottery and Living Lab
Atlantic Lottery