How Noor Haq Carved Her Niche in Innovation

Noor Haq's journey into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship is a captivating story of curiosity, community, and unconventional pathways. After spending her early twenties abroad, she returned to Toronto eager to make a meaningful impact. Her diverse experiences shaped her perspective; she taught English and managed an art gallery in Tokyo, followed by a communications role in Istanbul, and then worked at M&C Saatchi in London, focusing on global campaigns for social behavior change. These roles honed her strategic thinking and collaborative leadership style.

Upon returning to Toronto, Noor wasn't immediately sure of her career direction but knew she wanted to contribute to something impactful. This led her to the Toronto Business Development Centre, where she helped establish its marketing and communications functions. This marked her entry into the startup ecosystem, and she quickly fell in love with the bustling, optimistic environment, describing it as energizing to witness individuals building innovative ideas.

Through her role, Noor encountered key players at ventureLAB, an organization focused on supporting startups. Her initial exposure to ventureLAB's Capital Investment Program offered her insights into its mission and values, and it was the people she met that left a lasting impression on her. Although her first application to ventureLAB was unsuccessful, her connections remained strong. She then worked at a family office, where she refined their startup evaluation and investment processes.

A year later, Noor was approached by Jane Gertner, ventureLAB's Chief Growth Officer, inviting her to join the team. She started in a partnerships role but swiftly progressed to Director of Marketing and Communications, feeling that it was a fated opportunity. Noor values the culture at ventureLAB, emphasizing that being surrounded by trusted and respected colleagues transforms her work experience into something joyful and fulfilling.

In her role, she has contributed to significant initiatives, including the Hardware Investor Network and Canada's G7 presence, while leveraging her academic background. Noor holds a Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing and Communications and a Master of Science in Economics and Global Value Chains, combining creative and analytical skills. She believes that the success of the country relies on growing innovative companies that create high-paying jobs, with technology acting as a crucial driver for national prosperity.

Outside her professional endeavors, Noor continues to explore her interests. She co-hosts Salon Camden, a modern lecture series influenced by the 17th-century Parisian salons, and she has a passion for travel, architecture, art, and music. Her recent trip to Berlin allowed her to delve into its renowned techno scene.

Noor’s advice for those in innovation is straightforward yet profound: "Be infinitely curious." She advocates for a genuine desire to learn about the intricacies of companies, the people behind them, and the technologies they employ, as this leads to meaningful storytelling and strong support for innovation.

Today, Noor is not just part of ventureLAB; she embodies its essence. As a builder, culture-shaper, and advocate for founders, her strategy, empathy, and enthusiasm resonate throughout the organization. Noor considers herself fortunate to work on something she is passionate about every day, fully believing in the mission and the team she supports.