HardTech Investor Network Expands Advisory Board with Two New Members to Enhance Investment in Canada’s Hardtech Ecosystem

The HardTech Investor Network, dedicated to fostering innovation in Canada's deep-tech sector, has announced the appointment of Duncan Stewart and Ana Misra to its Advisory Board. Their backgrounds in investment and technology are expected to significantly enhance capital access for pre-seed and seed-stage startups within this critical domain. The network, which has grown to include over 85 members, is focused on boosting collaboration among investors and partners to strengthen the hardtech and deep-tech ecosystems in Canada.

The Advisory Board’s role is to provide strategic guidance for the network and oversee its direction, facilitating connections between startups and investors. The addition of Stewart and Misra is seen as a strategic move to bolster the network's capabilities and expand its reach within the investment community. Raymond Chik, Chair of the Advisory Board, expressed confidence in their potential to drive investment in the sector and align the network's strategy with the changing landscape of deep technology.

Ana Misra brings extensive expertise as an angel investor and executive, having a strong track record in enhancing value in both entrepreneurial and corporate environments. She is recognized for her leadership in financial management, strategic planning, and governance. Misra currently serves as Co-Chair of Angel One Network and is the Founder of York Angel Investors Inc. Her experience also includes vital roles in mentoring entrepreneurs on crucial aspects such as investor presentations and financial modeling. Having been a founding member of the HardTech Investor Network, Misra's commitment to its mission led her to transition into the Advisory Board role, enhancing her influence on the network's future.

Duncan Stewart, on the other hand, has dedicated his career to hard tech. He is presently a Partner with the Deep Tech Venture Fund at the Business Development Bank of Canada, the nation's largest early-stage deep tech investor. With significant experience from Silicon Valley, where he led DARPA programs at Stanford University and HP Labs, Stewart has also directed key research efforts in Canada focusing on quantum physics and chemistry. He views his role on the Advisory Board as timely and important, highlighting Canada's strengths in scientific research and development as a competitive advantage in global tech innovation. Stewart emphasizes the need to accelerate innovation and leverage Canada's capabilities to transform outstanding research into successful deep-tech enterprises.

With Stewart and Misra's leadership, the HardTech Investor Network aims to amplify access to crucial investment resources and facilitate the growth of groundbreaking technologies in Canada. By uniting a group of influential industry figures, the network plays a pivotal role in reinforcing Canada’s position as a leader in hardtech innovation on the world stage. This strategic alignment promises to significantly enhance the support system for emerging startups, helping to propel the sector forward.

For further details about the HardTech Investor Network, interested parties can visit their website.