Entrepreneurship as a skill is a complex entity which encompasses a plethora of attributes one is needed to exhibit. In its essence, this skill aids in broadening business perspectives, enhancing communication skills and induces a necessity for growth and self-development. An evident and profound example of how this skill of entrepreneurship shapes an individual and a number of other aspects is that of Victoria Lennox, the President of Startup Canada.
Victoria, an entrepreneur with a track record of architecting and mobilizing networks, organizations, policy environments and programming, has propelled Canada onto the global stage as an ‘Innovation Nation’.
She has been one of Canada’s leading proponents of entrepreneurship and innovation with deep relationships and ties across academia, industry, government, media and the grassroots startup community reaching every industry vertical from Ai and Machine Learning to CleanTech and FinTech across Canada and the World.
Being passionate about education and entrepreneurship to foster peace, hope and prosperity, Victoria possesses principal diplomacy and political acuity, creates and communicates a compelling vision, and inspires higher levels of achievement and impact of individuals and organizations alike.
Recently Victoria was recognized by the Hill Times as one of Canada’s most influential lobbyists, giving a voice to Canada entrepreneur sector, working with all parties and all levels of government to help create the conditions for Canada to compete and lead on the global stage.
With her ‘collaborate-by-default’ philosophy, her commitment to ‘service before self’ and her enterprising nature of empowering those around her and leading by example, Victoria is one of Canada’s leading public figures in entrepreneurship.
With award-winning enterprises in the UK and Canada, Victoria’s approach to economic development has earned her praise from countries across the world looking to emulate the models she has created. What set her apart from the crowd, are not only her innovative ideas but her ability to match her vision with commitments and hard work, in order to manifest them in a way that others have only tried.
Victoria has been successful in mobilizing entrepreneurs, private sector investment, and bringing the entire ecosystem around the table to have a shared vision of building a more entrepreneurial and innovative nation.
Exemplifying Distinction
Startup Canada harnesses Canada’s vibrant volunteer culture and grassroots entrepreneurial spirit. It has put into practice Brad Feld’s ‘Boulder Thesis’, wherein entrepreneurial leaders, with a long-term and inclusive vision mobilize regular events that connect the ecosystem. Startup Canada has leveraged this model to help foster 50 Startup Communities to form a Pan-Canadian network to unite the country’s entrepreneurship community and give entrepreneurs a voice to decision-makers in government and industry.
Today Startup Canada supports more than 250,000 entrepreneurs through its leading digital platforms, startup communities, flagship events and programs to help entrepreneurs to start and scale thriving businesses.
Exclusive Services and Products
As the leading digital platform for entrepreneurs, Startup Canada runs Innovative online events that connect Canada’s entrepreneurship community; including, the Startup Canada Podcast with Rivers Corbett, the THRIVE Podcast for Women Entrepreneurs with Komal Minhas, and a Twitter chat called #StartupChats which trend regularly, bringing entrepreneurship into the digital narrative of our nation.
Startup Canada also runs the Startup Canada Awards to recognize excellence and outstanding achievement in Canadian entrepreneurship and innovation. Through regional celebrations touring across Canada, Startup Canada celebrates Canada’s leading innovators and recognizes a broad range of entrepreneurs.
Each year, Startup Canada runs a flagship event called Startup Canada Day on the Hill which connects entrepreneurs with decision-makers to ensure the regulatory environment for entrepreneurs is not only conducive for their growth but accelerates it. Startup Canada also supports a vibrant network of startup communities and rolls out national programs and events through those communities to build capacities to give Canada a leading edge; including, the Canadian Export Challenge, Startup Finance Bootcamps, digital literacy programs and much more.
Advocating Disruption
Victoria is of the opinion that the speed of technological change is accelerating, and organizations must adapt to keep up and remain competitive. She believes that the rate of technological change is tripping up large organizations and evening the playing fields for new disruptive entrants. She emphasizes that to keep pace and to stay innovative, companies and governments alike have the opportunity to work alongside fast-moving startups to leverage their creative potential to stay ahead of and drive technological change.
The Future Roadmap
Startup Canada is becoming Canada’s entrepreneurship organization. Through focusing on supporting a broad range of entrepreneurs to become export-ready, financially resilient, adopt technologies, and build out marketing and sales strategies to scale, Startup Canada is building the capacity of every entrepreneur, enterprise and ecosystem to scale-up Canada’s entrepreneurial economy.
