ALISON NANKIVELL

Alison Nankivell is a distinguished figure in the Canadian venture capital landscape, serving as Vice President, Fund Investments & Global Scaling at BDC Venture Capital. In this pivotal role, she is instrumental in shaping the future of Canadian innovation by strategically deploying capital into both venture capital funds and high-growth Canadian companies poised for international expansion. Her work at BDC Capital, the investment arm of the Business Development Bank of Canada, underscores a commitment to fostering a robust and globally competitive tech ecosystem within Canada.

At the core of Alison Nankivell's responsibilities is the oversight of BDC Capital's significant fund-of-funds program. This involves identifying and investing in promising venture capital funds across Canada, thereby broadening BDC Capital's reach and impact. By backing these funds, she indirectly supports a diverse portfolio of Canadian startups and scale-ups, enabling them to access crucial early-stage and growth capital. This strategic approach leverages the expertise of various fund managers, ensuring that capital flows to a wide array of innovative sectors, from deep tech and artificial intelligence to SaaS, life sciences, and cleantech.

Beyond fund investments, Alison also leads direct investments in Canadian companies demonstrating strong potential for global scaling. Her focus here is on businesses that are not only innovative but also possess the ambition and capabilities to compete on an international stage. This involves providing capital and strategic guidance to help these companies navigate the complexities of global markets, expand their operations, and secure their position as international leaders. Her deep understanding of global trade and investment is invaluable in identifying and nurturing these future Canadian champions.

Alison Nankivell's extensive career background provides a unique foundation for her current role. Prior to joining BDC Capital, she held significant positions that honed her expertise in international business and finance. Notably, she served as the Consul General of Canada in Hong Kong, where she played a key role in promoting Canadian trade and investment interests in a critical Asian market. Her tenure with Global Affairs Canada also included various leadership roles focused on international policy and economic development. Furthermore, her experience at Export Development Canada (EDC) equipped her with a profound understanding of how to support Canadian businesses in their global endeavors. This rich tapestry of experience makes her exceptionally well-suited to guide BDC Capital's efforts in global scaling and fund investments.

Through her strategic leadership, Alison Nankivell is not only deploying capital but also building bridges for Canadian entrepreneurs to access global opportunities. Her dedication ensures that Canadian innovation receives the necessary support to thrive, grow, and make a significant impact on the world stage, solidifying Canada's reputation as a hub for groundbreaking technology and entrepreneurial success.