We’re here to help you achieve
Business Success
Business Success
Our business coaches have a wealth of experience in the field of agritech. From business services to investment to technical expertise, we can help guide your business to success.
Meet the Team
Agritech Ramp-Up Trainers, Coachers & Mentors
David Christie,
MVT Trainer
David has worked as a start-up trainer, mentor, and Executive-In-Residence for more than a decade. Prior to that he spent his career in various market-leading corporations.
Rob Arthurs,
Mentor/Coach
Rob is a certified business coach with over 20 years of experience in the agriculture and agritech fields. He is one of the MVT trainers.
Tom Urban,
Specialized Advisor – Investment
Tom is an investment strategy specialist with extensive knowledge of the agrifood and agritech space.
Marg Daskis,
Specialized Advisor – Food Science
CEO of Fresh Ideas
Dr. Debra Henderson,
Specialized Advisor – Government Registries
As Director of KPU Sustainable Horticulture Institute, Dr Henderson will be available to mentor companies to government registration processes.
Tom Lessing,
Mentor/Coach
Working out of the University of Calgary, Tom provides expertise in sales, operations, corporate development, commercialization, and more.
Advisory Board
The follow individuals have been selected for their expertise and knowledge in agriculture, agritech and related businesses. These experts may participate in the evaluation and review of participant pitches at the pitch events.

James Pratt
James Pratt
In addition to currently being CEO of Rhema Health Products, Jim has served as a Director of the Food Innovation Centre of BC, Food Processors of Canada, Canadian Food Innovators, Timia Capital Corporation, IAF, and has served as Chairman of the Functional Foods Alberta Centre of Excellence and the BC Food Processors Association.

Nana Collet
Nana Collet
Nana has over 20 years experience in new product development in the life sciences industry and is currently working as VP Program Management and member of the executive team at NervGen Pharma in addition to supporting start-ups as an advisor/mentor.

Sandra Wear
Sandra Wear
Sandra is a serial entrepreneur with expertise in GTM, PMF and commercialization at scale. She provides interim management and advises/mentors companies wanting to grow from 10M to 100M.

Dr. Debra Henderson
Dr. Debra Henderson
Dr Henderson is a Director at the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture and the BC Regional Innovation Chair at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She leads an active applied research program in biological and non-chemical management of agricultural and landscape pests and diseases and develops environmentally sound bioproducts in partnership with industry.

Tom Urban
Tom Urban
Founder of Agribusiness Advisors, Tom works with early stage companies as an investor and advisor. Tom also serves as an EIR at UBC.
More information: Agribusiness Advisors

Robert Napoli
Robert Napoli
Robert is an entrepreneur with a diverse finance background. He is currently the CFO for Cascadia Seaweed and sits on a number of Boards.

David Charest
David Charest
A leader with 20 years experience in applied and translational research and development, David has worked for and partnered with innovative organizations to positively impact the health and life sciences sectors.

Benjamin Lightburn
Benjamin Lightburn
Benjamin Lightburn works with early-stage technology companies as an investor and advisor, specializing in the cleantech and natural ingredients industries.
Delivered by
This program is administered and delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
IAF is an industry led, not for profit that delivers government funded programs to the agriculture and agri-food sector of British Columbia
Learn more: www.iafbc.ca
Media inquiries: communications(at)iafbc.ca